OAKLAND — When we pull cats from the shelter, there are multiple paths to adoption. Sometimes the best option is foster care, where cats can build trust with loving guardians. That's often true for the young cats we rescue as part of the Forgotten Kitten Project.
Cat Town relies on a network of foster parents who are willing to take cats into their homes, help them gain confidence and meet medical milestone to get them ready for adoption. Rescues like Cat Town couldn't do this life-saving work without the dedication of foster parents.
Chopper, Josie and Trixie, three of our Frogotten Kittens, lounge together at their foster home. Contributed photo
Right now, three members of our Forgotten Kitten Project — Chopper, Josie and Trixie — are in a foster home, and the results are heartwarming.
"When they first arrived, they would hiss when I would approach them, and now they come over looking for pets," said Sharon, who began fostering the trio in August. "They follow me around. They are really, really sweet."
Trixie and Chopper cuddle soon after moving into their foster home. Contributed photo
Cat Town has dozens of rescues currently in foster homes. Each cat has different needs. But in general, foster parents report that younger cats in the right environment develop confidence fairly quickly, which Sharon says has proved incredibly rewarding.
"I feel really drawn to that population because they come around really fast," she said. "And they're kittens — they're adorable!"
One of the Forgotten Kittens at the shelter who will soon be placed with Cat Town. Photo by Cathy Niland.
She has this advice for anyone considering opening up their home: "For people who want a playful cat, the forgotten kittens are perfect because they tend to be very active."
We look forward to updating you when Josie, Trixie and Chopper are available for adoption. In the meantime, this Labor Day weekend is a great time to adopt one of the many cats in our foster program. And Cat Town is offering reduced fees for qualified adopters.
Cat Town is working to help other rescues across the country replicate our work with Forgotten Kittens thanks to a generous grant from Maddie’s Fund. First visit to the Cat Town blog? Learn more about our Forgotten Kitten Project in our regular Kitten Wire dispatches.