There's something undeniably heartwarming about the sight of playful kittens frolicking around. National Kitten Day, celebrated on July 10th every year, shines a spotlight on these adorable creatures while raising awareness about the importance of adoption and fostering. Behind the fluffy exteriors and charming antics, however, lies a serious issue: the plight of countless kittens in need of homes.
According to the American Humane Society, there are over 95 million pet cats in the United States, surpassing the number of dogs. Despite this, many kittens remain homeless, ending up in shelters, on roadsides, or in the wild. Enter Colleen Paige, a well-known animal advocate and founder of various pet-related holidays, who established National Kitten Day to highlight the significance of adopting from shelters and promoting responsible pet ownership.
This celebration isn't just about the 'aww' moments. It's about making a difference. Linnea Gomez from Greenbelt, Maryland, stumbled into kitten fostering accidentally, after a plea from a friend who couldn't keep a feral kitten. Over two and a half years, she has fostered 43 kittens, transforming her home into a temporary haven for these young cats.
"Fostering is about providing a temporary home for cats and kittens looking for their forever homes," Gomez explained. She allies with A Cat's Life Rescue, a local organization dedicated to rehoming cats. Her journey began with a four-month-old, feral kitten. Despite the initial challenges, the kitten and Gomez became inseparable, igniting her passion for fostering.
Similar sentiments resonate with Tina LeBaron of Ellicott City, Maryland. Her foray into fostering began at her daughter's suggestion, complementing their household of a dog and an older cat. In a short period, LeBaron and her family have opened their doors to about 13 cats, mainly kittens, providing them a safe environment to socialize and grow.
LeBaron recounts the learning curve, especially with litters from wild backgrounds. "When kittens come from areas where food is scarce, they need to get comfortable not just with humans but with a stable home environment. Each kitten's personality is unique," she said. This diversity is evident as some kittens quickly adapt while others need extra time and patience.
A typical fostering setup includes essentials like food, medication, litter boxes, and toys. LeBaron emphasized, "You never know what they'll like." Hiding spots like cat trees are beneficial, providing the kittens with places to feel secure. The process of fostering also involves discovering unconventional hideouts that kittens favor in new environments.
Gomez's home, despite its smaller size, efficiently accommodates her fosters. Currently, she's nurturing three kittens named Pastina, Macaroni, and Ravioli. With two resident cats, fostering dynamics are intriguing. One of her resident cats, Fable, doesn't appreciate foster siblings and stays separate, while Ballad, another resident cat, interacts joyfully with the kittens.
Addressing misconceptions, Gomez and LeBaron advocate that fostering doesn't mean you'll want to keep every kitten. "You see how happy the cats are in their new homes, and it becomes worth it," Gomez shared. LeBaron agreed, noting that fostering teaches the permanent cats as much as vice versa. Her foster experience has included delightful moments like kittens' fascination with a ladybug.
The perceived challenges of fostering are often exaggerated. LeBaron pointed out that while fostering can be demanding initially, any comfort provided helps in winning over the kittens. Some older cats may momentarily believe they’ve found their permanent home but adapt quickly once adopted.
Both Gomez and LeBaron cherish the experience, emphasizing that the effort put into fostering brings immense joy and fulfillment. LeBaron advises potential fosters to try it out, as organizations usually assist with necessities. "If you don't like it, you can always stop," she added.
Gomez summed it up by saying fostering, though seemingly daunting, is more manageable than it appears. "Fostering kittens is awesome. I love it."
As National Kitten Day shines a light on these stories, it’s a gentle reminder of the impact a caring community can make. Consider how a small act of kindness, like fostering, can change lives—for both humans and animals alike.
