What are the Requirements for Adopting a Rescue Cat? A Veterinarian Explains Preparations for Welcoming a Cat, Including Environment and Costs

When you decide you want to adopt a cat, where do you go to bring one home? There are many options, including pet shops, breeders, animal welfare centers, shelters, and rescue cat cafes.

In recent years, the rescue cat boom has led to an increase in the number of people who want to become foster parents to rescue cats. However, many people who are interested in rescue cats may also think, "Isn't it difficult to raise a cat for the first time?"

Therefore, I would like to explain the necessary conditions, rearing environment, and costs involved in becoming a foster parent for a cat.

What are the conditions for becoming a cat foster parent?

The conditions for becoming a cat foster parent vary depending on the local government or rescue organization handling the adoption. While I will explain the general conditions for foster parents here, please be sure to confirm the specific conditions with the adoption organization.

Living in a residence that allows pets

This is an absolute requirement.

There have been many cases where people have kept pets in secret in properties where pets are not allowed, leading to trouble.

Even in rental properties that allow pets, some have conditions such as "no cats" or "limits on the number of pets." In the case of rental properties, be sure to check your contract or management bylaws. You may be required to submit these to the adoption organization. If you need to move, you must secure a property where you can live with a cat.

Determination to provide lifelong care

The average lifespan of a cat is about 15 years. Due to advances in high-quality food and veterinary medicine, cats' lifespans are steadily increasing. Depending on the age of the cat you adopt, most will require food, litter box care, and health management for over 10 years. Therefore, you need sufficient financial stability to support a cat for its entire life.

Additionally, you must consider what will happen if you become unable to care for the cat yourself, such as whether you can continue to keep the cat after a job-related transfer, or whether you have someone who can take over care if you are an older owner who can no longer look after the cat. It is important not just to think about "wanting to own one now," but to be responsible until the very end.

Capable of complete indoor rearing

When adopting a rescue cat, you will almost always be required to keep the cat strictly indoors.

If a cat gets outside, there is a risk of traffic accidents or infection with diseases, and if the cat has not been spayed or neutered, there is a risk of unwanted pregnancy.

Furthermore, there may be cases where the cat causes trouble by urinating or defecating in the neighborhood.

It is important to take full responsibility and practice complete indoor rearing.

Consent of all family members

A cat can only be happy when everyone in the family wants to welcome it. Many adoption organizations make the consent of all family members a condition for adoption. If even one person is opposed, it could lead to abuse. Please welcome a rescue cat with the full agreement of your family.

Ability to cover necessary expenses

To raise a cat, you need money for daily necessities like food, litter supplies, and dishes, as well as vaccinations, preventative medications, spaying/neutering surgery, and medical expenses for illnesses and injuries. These are continuous costs incurred while raising a cat.

In addition to this, there are separate costs for welcoming the cat (the adoption fee/cat itself, and a set of necessary supplies). Taken together, this can amount to millions of yen. Please carefully consider whether you can afford these expenses. Some adoption organizations may require you to submit proof of income.

Why are there conditions and screenings for cat foster parents?

To verify if the environment allows for lifelong care

Every adoption organization hopes that you will keep the cat they have cared for until the end of its life. Therefore, they will always confirm whether the environment is suitable for keeping a cat for its entire lifespan.

To prevent trouble after adoption starts

There are cases where cats encounter trouble after being adopted. Common issues include trouble with the rearing environment (keeping a pet in a no-pet property, or facing opposition from family) that lead to the cat being returned to the organization. In the worst cases, it is said that there have been instances where cats were adopted by individuals with a history of animal abuse, and the cats' whereabouts became unknown.

To prevent such troubles, adoption conditions are strict and screenings are implemented.

To ensure compatibility between the cat and the foster parent

For example, a high-energy kitten is not suitable for a household of seniors, and a nervous cat may not be suitable for a home with many small children. To adopt out a cat with peace of mind, organizations may set individual conditions for each cat in addition to their own general conditions, in order to select the most suitable foster parent.

Why conditions differ depending on the organization

There are no national standard conditions for becoming a foster parent. Conditions such as age restrictions for foster parents, residential area, family structure, and rearing environment vary depending on the local government, rescue group, or individual rescuer.

While all organizations require lifelong care and strictly indoor living, they establish their own unique rules to find foster parents they can trust.

Are cat adoption conditions strict? Can single people, seniors, or renters become foster parents?

Can a single person become a foster parent?

Whether or not a single person can become a foster parent depends on the organization's conditions.

In cases where the time spent alone is not too long, or there are others nearby who can be relied upon, it is possible for a single person to become a foster parent. Furthermore, if it is considered desirable for the cat to have a one-on-one relationship with a person—based on the cat's personality or age, such as a senior cat—there is a possibility for a single person to be approved.

Can seniors become foster parents?

Age restrictions for foster parents vary by organization. When a senior person wishes to be a foster parent, there is a risk that the cat might be left behind in an emergency; however, if there is a family member living with them or another person who can help take care of the cat, there is a possibility that they can become a foster parent.

When seniors become foster parents, adult cats tend to be easier to care for than kittens, which require more hands-on attention. Conversely, in the case of senior cats, because they are more prone to illness, one should carefully consider if they can visit the vet regularly, cover treatment costs, and if someone else can take care of the cat should the foster parent themselves be unable to continue doing so before applying for adoption.

Can I become a foster parent if I live in a rental?

You can become a foster parent if the rental allows pets, but even within pet-friendly properties, there are those that "do not allow cats" or have limits on the number of pets. It is necessary that your lease agreement explicitly states that keeping pets, including cats, is permitted. In properties with pet number restrictions, you cannot exceed that limit. Please ensure you abide by your contract when applying.

If you need to move, your new home must also be suitable for keeping a cat.

Can dual-income households become foster parents?

Many organizations set conditions regarding the amount of time the cat spends alone. It is not always a requirement that someone is home at all times. If you wish to foster a kitten or senior cat that requires frequent care, shorter periods of being alone are preferred. However, if the cat is an adult and stable, spending some time alone is not a problem. Ensure you have measures in place to prevent mischief, accidents, or escape while you are out, and make sure fresh water and food are available. Be sure to spend quality time communicating with your cat once you return. Nevertheless, leaving a cat alone for more than a day is not desirable.

This also depends on the cat's age and existing medical conditions. If medication or dietary management is required, you must provide a living environment tailored to the cat's needs.

Can families with children become foster parents?

If the children are of an age where they can understand how to interact with a cat, it is possible for families with children to become foster parents. If you are hoping to foster, you may need to wait until the whole family is ready to take care of the cat together.

Can I become a foster parent if I already have other cats or dogs?

If you have existing pets, it may be possible to become a foster parent depending on the organization's requirements. When there are other animals already in the home, the key is whether they are compatible with the new cat. Additionally, when you bring the cat home, there will be an adjustment period and a mandatory quarantine period to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. You will need a space available to isolate the new cat. The quarantine duration varies by situation, so please consult with a veterinarian if necessary.

The process of becoming a cat foster parent

Searching for adoption listings

You can look for adoption opportunities through animal welfare centers, rescue groups, adoption events, cat cafes, and dedicated adoption websites. Sometimes, they are also advertised on personal social media accounts.

Application and inquiries

If you find a cat you are interested in, confirm the adoption conditions and apply.

Interview and environmental check

You may be asked about your family structure, housing, and past pet ownership experience. They may also confirm if you have a stable income. Staff from the organization might even visit your home to check the environment.

Trial period

Once you have decided on a cat and met the organization's requirements, you will proceed to a trial period.

You will welcome the cat into your home to see if the two of you are compatible and if you can continue caring for it. Some facilities do not have a trial period.

Formal adoption

If the trial period ends and both the foster parent and the organization agree that there are no issues, the adoption becomes official.

This flow is just one example, and it can vary by organization, so always confirm the specific procedure leading up to adoption.

What is checked during the foster parent screening?

Housing environment

In the case of rental properties, we will check whether the property allows pets and is not a "no-cat" property, along with your contract. We may also check whether you can implement escape prevention measures.

Family structure

We check whether you live alone or with family, and if there are infants or elderly people in the home. It is also good to let us know if there is anyone else who can help look after the cat.

Pet ownership experience

Those who have owned cats before already understand the necessary preventative care, medical needs, and training required, which widens the range of cats available for adoption. Even if you have never owned a cat before, you may be considered for a calm cat.

Work and time spent alone

We check if you have a job as an income source, the frequency of business trips, and whether you work away from home overnight or have long periods of absence. It is not necessary for someone to be home 24/7, but we check if you have enough time to provide proper care, and if you can respond to veterinary visits or emergencies. However, if you travel frequently and the cat is often left alone for more than a day, it may unfortunately be difficult to become a foster parent.

Financial capacity

The cost over a cat's lifetime is estimated to be over 2 million yen per cat. Organizations often verify that you have the financial stability to cover these expenses, sometimes by checking proof of income.

Presence of existing pets

Some adoption organizations prefer "lifelong care for a single cat." Additionally, depending on the cat's personality and age, single-cat households may be more desirable. We confirm the presence of other animals to ensure a good match with the adoptable cat.

Presence of a support person in an emergency

Having someone you can rely on to care for your cat in an emergency provides peace of mind for both the owner and the cat. Especially for those living alone or senior households, adoption organizations may ask about this. It is a good idea to find someone close to you who is willing to help.

Rearing environment to prepare before welcoming a cat

A safe space for the cat

A cat cage is useful, but it is also good to have a hiding place where the cat can feel secure. A cardboard box is fine. Place a towel that has your or the cat's scent on it inside, and set it in a quiet place. Especially when you first bring them home, cats can easily feel stressed, so provide a place where they feel safe.

Preparation of litter boxes, dishes, and carriers

Litter boxes and dishes are absolute necessities. It is recommended to have one more litter box than the number of cats you have, and you should provide different types of cat litter until you find out what the cat prefers. Cats often prefer wide, lidless litter boxes, but some prefer ones with lids, so it is safer to have both.

You will need food and water bowls. To keep things clean, having spare dishes is also necessary. Materials vary—ceramics, glass, plastic, stainless steel—so check with the adoption organization about the cat's preferences.

A carrier is used for transportation. You cannot pick up your cat without one. You will also use it when visiting the veterinarian, so please be sure to have one ready.

Escape prevention measures

Cats will try to escape through front doors and windows. Install safety gates at the entrance or double locks on windows. Especially right after the start of a trial period, there are many cases where cats panic and escape.

Safety measures to prevent ingestion and accidents

If you spend long hours away from home, you need to be particularly careful about accidental ingestion and accidents. Leaving string, vinyl, or toys out can lead to your cat swallowing them without you noticing. Also, some plants like lilies and houseplants are toxic to cats. You should either avoid keeping such plants or take measures to ensure the cat cannot reach them. Cats can bite power cords and get electrocuted while you are away. They might also knock over breakable objects while jumping, causing injury. You need to take safety measures such as putting them in a cage while you are out or removing anything that could cause ingestion or accidents from the room.

Find a veterinarian

If you search for a hospital only after the cat becomes ill, you may find that nearby clinics are closed or after hours, making it difficult to find help. To avoid this, it is best to look ahead of time for not only a nearby animal hospital, but also clinics with long opening hours or those that offer nighttime support.

Costs required to welcome a cat

Costs required at the time of adoption

The following items should be prepared before you bring your cat home, although a cat tower can wait until after the trial period is over.

• Cat food (500 yen -)

Choose products labeled as "complete nutritional food." Complete nutritional food provides everything a cat needs to survive, along with water. Prices vary depending on the type, brand, and size. You may also need to switch between dry and wet food depending on the cat's age.

• Cat litter box + litter (1,000 - 3,000 yen)

Litter boxes range from simple boxes to covered styles. Litter types vary from paper to mineral-based, and grain sizes also vary. Choose according to the cat's preference and your own ease of cleaning.

• Scratcher (1,000 - 2,000 yen)

These come in hemp rope or cardboard types, and can be floor-standing or upright. Scratchers are necessary not only for claw care but also for stress relief and scent marking.

• Carrier bag (3,000 yen -)

Necessary for vet visits and travel. Styles include shoulder bags and backpacks. Choose one that is easy for you to handle and easy to put the cat into.

• Food bowl, water bowl (1,500 yen - x 2)

Stainless steel is standard, but ceramic and plastic are also available. Change them based on your cat's preferences. It’s helpful to use a stand to slightly elevate the bowls, as this is more comfortable for cats.

• Brush (1,500 yen -)

Brushing is necessary for both long-haired and short-haired breeds. Types include rubber brushes, bristle brushes, and slicker brushes.

• Toys (500 yen -)

Cat wands are common, but there are many varieties.

Toys with string or animal hide can lead to accidental ingestion. As an author, I have experienced examining and treating this type of accident many times. Always play together, and be sure to put toys away when done playing.

• Cage (10,000 yen -)

Useful to have as a place to keep the cat during absences or when you have guests, or as a safe refuge for the cat. A 2- or 3-story model that allows for vertical movement is recommended.

• Cat tower (10,000 yen -)

Cats enjoy vertical movement. Having one can help prevent lack of exercise. You can also set up shelves like stairs or use existing furniture in your home.

Monthly expenses

• Food costs

Prices vary depending on the type of food and prescription diets. Since it is a daily necessity, it can be considered the largest expense. Based on annual expenditure figures from a 2025 pet insurance company survey, this averages out to approximately 5,200 yen per month.

• Litter box supplies

Cat litter is a consumable item that needs to be purchased regularly. You should also replace the litter box itself if it becomes noticeably damaged or scratched.

• Utilities

Air conditioning is necessary in the summer, and heating in the winter. In particular, as summers have become quite hot in recent years, cooling is often required throughout the day. Based on annual expenditure figures from a 2025 pet insurance company survey, this averages out to approximately 1,300 yen per month.

Veterinary and other medical expenses

In addition to veterinary visits for sudden illnesses, routine preventative care (vaccines, flea and tick treatments) is necessary. If your cat has not been spayed or neutered, that surgery cost will also be required. Typical market rates are around 20,000 yen for neutering and 30,000 yen for spaying, though this varies by clinic.

Based on annual expenditure figures from a 2025 pet insurance company survey, this comes to approximately 47,000 yen per year.

Preparing for illness and old age

Illnesses can strike suddenly, and as cats age, the likelihood of requiring long-term treatment for conditions such as chronic kidney disease or tumors increases. Treatment costs can sometimes run to tens of thousands of yen at a time. It is a good idea to build up pet savings to prepare for this. Taking out pet insurance is also a good option.

"Things you must not do" when adopting a cat

Keeping a pet secretly in a pet-prohibited residence

You must not keep animals secretly in properties where pets are not allowed. You could face eviction or be charged for expensive property repairs. Always ensure you live in a property where keeping a cat is permitted. Keep in mind that even if others are keeping cats in pet-prohibited housing, it is still a breach of contract.

Bringing a pet home against family wishes

If not all family members consent to the adoption, there is a risk that if the primary caregiver can no longer provide care, it could lead to abandonment or neglect. Obtain consent from all family members and share the caretaking responsibilities.

Lying about your living environment

Sometimes, people who are desperate to adopt a cat will present a false living environment to the adoption agency. I have heard of cases where the organization visited to check the premises and found that the cat was being kept in an outdoor storage shed rather than inside the house. Lying to become a foster parent will only lead to future problems with neighbors.

Deciding without checking the cat's health or personality

Adoption agencies usually post photos of the cats, and you will likely narrow down your choices from there. Many cat profiles list pre-existing conditions, personality traits, and requirements for adopters. If you fail to check these, you may find yourself needing frequent veterinary visits after adoption, or discover the cat is not what you expected, leading you to return it to the shelter. This is extremely stressful for the cat, so be sure to read the profiles carefully, not just look at their faces.

Deciding based solely on the feeling that the cat is "cute"

Cats are very cute, but "cuteness" alone is not enough to care for one. Cats use litter boxes and vomit frequently. They also get sick, and in their old age, they may require nursing care. Not long ago, there was a news report about a person who left their cat at a shelter, saying they couldn't keep it anymore because it was sick. Domestic cats and sick cats cannot survive without human help. Make sure you are prepared to care for the cat until the end before applying for adoption.

What should I do if I don't meet the adoption requirements?

Common reasons for being turned down by adoption agencies include being single, having long periods of absence, having existing pets, or being an elderly household.

Adoption criteria are determined by each organization individually, and others may have more flexible conditions. If you are turned down by one, it is a good idea to look into others.

There are some requirements that must be met, such as living in a pet-friendly property. If you cannot meet these conditions immediately, do not rush; wait until you have everything in order before applying again. Why not support rescue cat activities through donations in the meantime?

If you don't fit the criteria for your preferred cat, you might ask to be introduced to a different cat or one of a different age.

Frequently asked questions about cat adoption

Summary

To adopt a rescue cat, you must meet the requirements set by the rescue organization. These conditions vary by group, so even if you don't meet the requirements for one, you might be eligible for another. However, adopting a rescue cat requires careful consideration not only of financial burdens but also of housing, cooperation from cohabitants, and what to do in case of an emergency. Instead of searching for an organization with looser rules, carefully consider whether you can take responsibility for the cat until the very end. If you cannot meet the organization's requirements, please consider supporting rescue cat activities through donations instead.

Beyond adopting from an organization, you might accidentally encounter a stray or be asked by a neighbor to help them find a home for one.

In any case, once you take in a rescue cat, please care for them with full responsibility and love until the end.