An Empathetic Foster Caregiver Enables One Cat’s Purr-fect Outcome

June 17, 2025

Dora

Roma M. never had a cat but always wanted one.

“My Dad is allergic, and so were my roommates,” said Roma. “So, I said to myself, ‘The second I get my own place, I’m adopting a cat.’”

She decided to foster first.

“I thought that would be a great way to start — meet several cats with different personalities and see what works best for both of us.”

Roma, a native of New York City, was aware of the ASPCA and signed up to be a foster caregiver in Los Angeles, where she now resides. In July 2022, she began fostering Dora, a 2-year-old tabby.

“I asked if there was anything I should know about her and learned that she is easily overstimulated, gets nervous around new people and stresses out if her routine changes,” Roma says. “I said, ‘Great, I’m the same way; I think we’ll be a good match.’”

An Unstable Start

Dora

Dora in her previous adoptive home.

Dora entered the ASPCA Los Angeles Kitten Foster Program in May 2020 from Baldwin Park Animal Care Center in Los Angeles County. The program provides lifesaving support for kittens under 8 weeks old who are too young to be cared for at Baldwin Park and Downey Animal Care Centers, increasing the number of cats and kittens saved. A vital part of the program is recruiting and training foster caregivers.

A month later, Dora was adopted by a loving family who reluctantly returned her the following year due to a change in their housing situation. Dora went back into foster care where behavior issues, including sensitivity to handling, overstimulation and aggression toward other cats began to surface.

Dora in a foster home

Dora in one of her foster homes.

“Dora definitely went on a journey — being fostered and adopted as a kitten, returned as an adult and then back into foster care,” says Ariel Collins, director of operations for the ASPCA’s LA Feline Programs. “Though she’s spunky and independent, she needed a sensitive foster caregiver or adopter who would be attentive to her needs.”

“In Tune with Our Emotions”

At Roma’s apartment, Dora settled in a small area near the kitchen.

“I’d walk in and out several times a day, narrate what I was doing, like, ‘I’m going to make lunch now,’ and then leave. That way, she got used to my voice.”

Within a week, Dora had wandered into the hallway and days later explored Roma’s bedroom, but only at night. After two weeks, she climbed onto Roma’s bed for a night’s sleep. It wasn’t long until she began exploring the apartment during the day.

Left: Dora on Roma’s desk and at right, with Roma.

Left: Dora on Roma’s desk and at right, with Roma.

“She’d sit on my laptop, entertaining my coworkers,” says Roma, a writer who often works from home. “I grew to love her.”

After four months, Roma adopted Dora.

Dora on a pink flower shaped cat tree

“What I learned is that she is a lot like me,” Roma says. “Caring for Dora has been a great lesson in regulating my own stress, because if I’m anxious, she gets anxious. It’s been an amazing education in patience and compassion, because she’s also caring and loving, and she puts me in tune with both our emotions.”

Home at Last

Roma’s apartment faces a courtyard where residents’ cats can linger safely outdoors.

“Dora likes to sit in the sunshine or watch the rain,” Roma says. “And, yes, she’s an explorer. She sits on other people’s stoops and seeks out attention and petting — and the occasional snuggle — but on her terms.”

Dora outside at her new home

Now almost 5 years old, Dora has lived with Roma longer than in any other environment and has transformed into a wonderful companion thanks to Roma’s patience.

“If you know an animal has been in and out of other environments, offer as much care and understanding as you can,” Roma advises. “If I hadn’t considered Dora’s behavior relative to her past experiences, I’d have misunderstood her or labeled her as badly behaved.”

Roma also says paying attention to body language is key.

“Dora knows when she’s overstimulated and in a heightened state; she might pounce on my foot and then walk away,” she says. “She alternates between being territorial and attempting to play. Sometimes she’s startled by her reaction to things. She can only handle short petting sessions.

“I know she had a rough first few years, but she is very loving,” Roma adds. “I’m happy to give her empathy and understanding. She’s a real treasure.”

Dora on Roma's computer

June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month and you can view adoptable cats nationwide here: https://www.aspca.org/adopt-pet/adoptable-cats-your-local-shelter

Interested in caring for foster animals of your own? You can sign up to foster for the ASPCA in Los Angeles (cat fosters only), New York City, Columbus, Ohio, and Weaverville, North Carolina (dog fosters only). Not in any of these areas? Sign up through your local shelter.