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Support our mission by contributing a donation.

3% Cover the Fee

Why Donations Matter:

The Cost of Fostering

At Littermates, we’re not an adoption agency. We’re a foster-based duo, working with established local rescues to help cats in need get the love, safety, and care they deserve before they reach their forever homes.

So why ask for donations?

Because fostering, while full of joy, also comes with real, ongoing costs, and we want to be transparent about where your support goes.

🧾 The Real Cost of Fostering: A Weekly Breakdown

Every week we spend an average of $100 (per litter or cat) on the essentials that make fostering possible:

  • Wet food (5–6 cans/day): $35–$50

  • Litter (1 bag/week): $10-20

  • Dry food, supplementally (1 bag/month): $10–$20

  • Toys, blankets, dishes (some reusable): ~$10

  • Cleaning supplies (disinfectants, laundry detergent, gloves, etc.): $5–$10

  • Utilities (water, laundry, heating/cooling): Very variable, but definitely a small hidden cost

💡 Did you know? Nursing mama cats need 2–4x more calories than a typical adult cat. Once her kittens hit 4 weeks, they also start eating solid food, so you're essentially feeding a small army multiple times a day.

🐱 What About Single Foster Cats?

Even fostering one stray or medical-sensitive cat still comes with:

  • Food + litter every day

  • Quarantine space (often separate from your own pets)

  • Extra cleaning supplies to prevent illness

  • Emotional labor & time to socialize, medicate, and comfort

It might not be a litter, but it’s still a life we’re supporting.

🏥 But Don’t Rescues Cover This?

Typically, no, and we don’t blame them.

Every shelter or rescue is different, but in our experience (and with the amazing groups we work with), veterinary care is usually the only thing covered. Food, litter, toys, space, and time? That’s on the foster.

We’re not in this for money. We’re doing it because it matters, but when people donate, it helps us keep doing it, and maybe even do more.

💛 How You Can Help

Your support helps us:

  • Feed mama cats, their babies, strays, feral cats, and other kitties in need

  • Keep litter boxes clean and cozy

  • Offer comfort and enrichment with toys and beds

  • Take in more cats in need when space allows

Every $5–$10 donation helps keep a foster fed for the day.
Every bit makes a difference.

More Reasons to Donate:

  • ✽

    Your donation directly funds food, litter, toys and other essentials for our fosters, nothing else.

  • ✽

    Your help ensures orphaned and at-risk kittens get the supplies they need to survive, thrive, and find their forever homes.

  • ✽

    With more resources, we can take in more vulnerable cats and kittens who need urgent care or fostering.

  • ✽

    We’re completely volunteer-based and every penny comes out of our pockets. Your donation is not paying staff, buildings, or admin, it just supports the cats.

  • ✽

    Your support helps us build a safer, sweeter world for cats who deserve a second chance.

  • ✽

    Choose to donate money or items from our Amazon Wishlist, both make a huge impact and are extremely appreciated.

 FAQs

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 FAQs *

  • 100% of donations go into a separate fund used only for kitten and cat care. These are things like food, litter, toys, medical supplies, and emergency vet visits.

  • Littermates is currently working towards 501©(3) status. This means that donations are not yet tax-deductible, but every dollar still goes directly to the animals.

  • Absolutely! We have an Amazon Wishlist full of supplies we currently need. We are happy to provide photos of our adorable kittens gratefully using your donated items as well!

  • Follow us on social media! We’re @littermatescatrescue on Instagram and TikTok. Thank you so much for your support!