Challenges and Benefits of Cat Fostering: A Focus Group Study With Volunteer Cat Fosterers in Aotearoa New Zealand
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Date
2025-04-02
Open Access Location
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Taylor and Francis Group on behalf of the International Society for Anthrozoology (ISAZ)
Rights
(c) 2025 The Author/s
CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
Abstract
Cat fostering programs play a critical role in managing and supporting the health and wellbeing of stray, abandoned, or relinquished cats. Most cat fostering programs can only operate with the help of volunteer cat fosterers. Yet, there is comparatively little research on the experiences of cat fosterers. This study aimed to explore the motivations of volunteer cat fosterers, the challenges they experienced in their fostering practice, and what they perceived as the main benefits of cat fostering. We conducted focus group interviews with cat fosterers in Aotearoa New Zealand to answer our research questions. In total, 13 cat fosterers with a range of fostering experience participated in the focus groups. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The primary motivations to become cat fosterers included a general love for animals, wanting an alternative to cat ownership, and the desire to help and make a difference, which was underpinned by altruistic values. Cat fostering is an emotionally challenging role that requires significant time commitment and involves substantial responsibility, which makes it a form of high-stakes volunteerism. Despite the challenges, however, cat fosterers experienced social and emotional benefits along with the satisfaction of making a meaningful impact on their fosters' lives. These benefits fulfill the basic psychological needs of autonomy, relatedness, and competence. The findings have important implications for shelter organizations and for the recruitment, retention, and training of volunteer fosterers.
Description
Keywords
Animal shelters, fostering, high-stakes volunteerism, human–animal interaction, self-determination theory, cats
Citation
Roseveare C, Szabó Á, Weatherall A, Gardiner C, Phear C, Haase AM. (2025). Challenges and Benefits of Cat Fostering: A Focus Group Study With Volunteer Cat Fosterers in Aotearoa New Zealand. Anthrozoos. Latest Articles. (pp. 1-16).