Message for Foster Moms – What to Focus on When Recruiting an Adopter
When you are helping recruit an adopter, your role is not just to present the cat, but to open honest, sometimes uncomfortable conversations.
These are the key topics you should explicitly discuss with the prospective adopter, and then carefully observe how they react — not just what they say, but how quickly they accept, question, or minimize these points.
Their reactions are often more informative than their answers.
1. Commitment mindset (non-negotiable)
Discuss openly whether they are ready to commit the way a parent commits to a human child.
Bring up real-life scenarios:
- Family members who don’t accept the cat
- A job offer that requires frequent travel
- A lifestyle change that would permanently limit time with the cat
Make it clear that rehoming is not an acceptable solution in these cases.
If the adopter hesitates or tries to negotiate exceptions, this is important feedback to make a decision.
Also discuss behavior issues:
Just like with a human child, if problems arise, the right response is professional support — not giving up.
Gauge whether the adopter sees behavior as a temporary challenge or a deal-breaker.
2. Environmental readiness (especially urban homes)
Ask detailed questions about their home and clearly explain why balcony and window netting is essential.
Emphasize that:
- Safe access to daylight and an outside view is a mental health need, not a luxury
- Cats without this access can suffer psychologically
Watch how the adopter reacts:
- Do they understand immediately?
- Do they push back, minimize, or say “we’ll see later”?
Their response should be taken seriously.
3. Expectations about adjustment time
Explain that adoption is a process, not an instant result.
Set clear expectations:
- Full adjustment usually takes 3–6 months
- Stress behaviors (crying, hiding, attempts to return to the previous home) are normal
- Accidents can happen and must be actively prevented
Ask whether they feel ready for:
- Patience
- Consistency
- Following a structured introduction process
Resistance or impatience at this stage is another important signal.
4. Balcony netting must be installed before adoption
Be very clear and firm on this point.
From years of experience:
- Delaying netting creates a vicious cycle: the cat stays stressed and cannot settle
- Foster homes are usually already equipped, which is why cats often appear calmer there
If an adopter says:
“We’ll install it once the cat has settled”
Explain that:
The cat cannot fully settle without this resource.
This is a key decision point and alignment is crucial.
Adopter Screening Checklist (for Foster Moms)
Use this checklist during conversations:
Commitment & Mindset
☐ Accepts lifelong responsibility without exceptions
☐ Does not consider rehoming due to lifestyle or family changes
☐ Sees behavior issues as something to work through with professional help
Home & Environment
☐ Will install balcony and window netting
☐ Understands why access to light and views is essential
☐ Lives in a stable environment suitable for a cat
Expectations & Patience
☐ Understands the 3–6 month adjustment period
☐ Accepts stress behaviors as normal
☐ Is willing to invest time and effort during the transition
Practical Readiness
☐ Netting will be installed before the cat arrives
☐ Open to guidance from foster mom and adoption lead
☐ Does not minimize or dismiss concerns
Final note for foster moms
Your instincts matter.
If something feels rushed, minimized, or “too easy,” pause and discuss it with the adoption lead.
Successful adoptions happen when commitment, environment, and expectations are aligned from day one.