Some thoughts on this cat(less) situation.

[feedmycats]

Yes, that's a little redundant. Fostering is a temporary situation that matches your own temporary situation. It requires no more commitment than having a cat be a permanent member of your household. It's up to the foster which animals and how many they'd like to foster and for how long they'd like to keep volunteering. If you're worried about commitment or a lack time, I'm a bit confused as to why you would consider getting a cat in the first place?

[hurairah]

Originally Posted by feedmycats

Yes, that's a little redundant. Fostering is a temporary situation that matches your own temporary situation. It requires no more commitment than having a cat be a permanent member of your household. It's up to the foster which animals and how many they'd like to foster and for how long they'd like to keep volunteering. If you're worried about commitment or a lack time, I'm a bit confused as to why you would consider getting a cat in the first place?

Since I knew about how busy I would be, I figured if I adopted a cat for keeps (I merely use this term to distinguish from fostering) then I can adopt one that's not very social and can do without too much of my attention. Or I would adopt two to keep each other company. When I return home in the evenings I can then spend a couple of hours with them.

But if it's going to be a foster cat, I was just wondering if I can get that same setup going as easily. That's because I may not have as much control when it comes to choosing the cat I want to foster. They would just sort of come and go with my place being a sort of in-between, and then it would be more likely that I get a cat who's needs I can't meet. Especially since a lot of those cats might have special needs given what situations they've been in. None of that needs to be a factor if I'm going to adopt a cat where I would choose one that fits perfectly with my day to day life. I hope you guys get what I'm trying to say.

[marie73]

I think you should still check into fostering. They'll look at your schedule and see if they have a cat that would fit. An adult "must be an only cat" may be perfect. Or a bonded pair who will have each other to be with during the week. I think a rescue would welcome anyone willing to take a cat temporarily, they always have cats they want to rescue from being put to sleep, but sometimes just don't have a foster available.

[feedmycats]

As you would be the volunteer, you would tell the rescue what your situation is and your desired set up. (Two to keep each other company or one that isn't very needy, etc., based on your own availability.). There are a lot of cats that have moved between various foster homes and are used to being moved and adapt quickly. Social, antisocial, whathaveyou. I'd contact a local rescue and tell them your situation, what you'd like to do and see if they can't help work something out with you that will be a win-win for everyone involved.

[hurairah]

Thanks a lot for the responses guys, I really appreciate it. Yes this topic paid off big time because I didn't even know that you can foster a cat and that really seems to be the perfect solution to my situation, but of course I will have to explain everything to the people at the foster home for cats and see if they think it's a good idea for me to have one.

I was doing some research on this earlier and I was seeing that some of these places even pay for all the cat's expenses and all I have to do is give it a place to stay. That's amazing, even though I am more than happy to pay it all myself. I'll definitely have to find these people in my area.

[feedmycats]

Good luck in your fostering venture! It's a very rewarding experience.