About Me: My Journey in Fostering Cats and Kittens

For over 20 years, I’ve had the joy of fostering cats and kittens here in the Orlando area, a passion fueled by my love for these vulnerable creatures and the happiness that comes from helping them find their forever homes. Each cat that comes through my door has a unique story, and I’ve experienced both the highs and lows of this rewarding journey.

One of the most memorable moments in my fostering career happened unexpectedly. While volunteering with a local rescue, I arrived to pick up some kittens. As I waited, I noticed a German Shepherd mix named Bridget in a crate in the van. She was sweet and friendly, and I couldn’t resist giving her some love. But then I received a call from the rescue founder, warning me not to touch her—she had been growling and snapping at everyone. I was shocked! Bridget and I had formed an instant bond, and despite her reputation, I decided to take her home. Over time, with patience and care, Bridget transformed into a loving companion, eventually finding her forever family. That experience taught me that every animal has the potential to change and grow.

As I write this, I’m preparing my kitten room for a new batch of felines who are desperately waiting for their forever homes. A late-night call alerted me to a situation where 12 cats and kittens were facing eviction. They needed to be out by the end of the week or face the grim fate of going to a shelter—especially post-hurricane, when many lost pets are flooding into facilities, making it a near-death sentence for most.

It’s a common story: someone adopts a cat, neglects to spay her, and is shocked when her unaltered male counterpart gets her pregnant. Instead of acting responsibly by getting her spayed right away, they end up with an unexpected litter. The sad truth is that cats can get pregnant again while nursing, so this poor momma cat had a nursing litter and then gave birth to another almost immediately. It’s alarming to think that cats can become pregnant as early as four months old.

In this case, I’m picking up the mom and dad, three six-month-old kittens, and seven two-month-old kittens. Fingers crossed that none of these six-month-olds are pregnant, too.

One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned in my years of fostering is the painful reality that you can’t keep them all. Many people express hesitation about fostering because they fear they would become too attached. And yes, it’s true—it’s incredibly hard to let go of those you’ve grown to love. I’ve had my share of heartbreaks, but I remind myself that if I keep them all, I won’t have the room to help more animals in need. Each adoption is a bittersweet victory, knowing that I’ve made space for the next cat or kitten waiting for a chance at a better life.

Fostering has been a journey filled with laughter, tears, and countless lessons. If you’re considering fostering, know that it’s not only about providing a temporary home; it’s about making a lasting impact on their lives and the lives of future animals.

In the end, fostering isn’t just about the cats; it’s about the joy of seeing them thrive and find their forever homes. I encourage anyone with a love for animals to consider opening their hearts and homes to those in need. The rewards far outweigh the challenges, and you just might find yourself forever changed in the process.