Oh my…..

This is the part of fostering that I really dislike. Adoption day. But let’s talk about what lead up to this day first…

HCRS often hosts fundraisers at the mall and we often bring cats along to show people what their money is used for – healing, treating, and caring for cats in need. And what kind of cats encourage people to approach the booth? Kittens! And what better kittens than the adorable kittens in my care!? A few weeks ago Raspy, Ana & Moira attended one of these events. Niks stayed home with me as he was having some belly issues and we didn’t want to put any unnecessary stress on him if we could help it. And since the other two wee ones were a little scared and upset over leaving their home, I decided that Moira should go along with them to help them feel secure and safe with their momma

They were a hit! By the end of that weekend, not only had HCRS received requests for people to meet the kittens in hopes for adoption, but even I had received direct messages from potential adopters. And we hadn’t even posted them on the website yet!

Everyone was interested in meeting either Niks or Raspy. Honestly, I was a little surprised. Black cats still carry a stigma about being bad luck so often, adopting them out is a difficult task. Check out any rescue group’s adoption list and you’ll see black cat after black cat. It’s not uncommon for a black cat to be in foster care for not only months but even for up to a year or more. So obviously I was thrilled to find out that people wanted to meet them but I was also surprised that no one seemed interested in Ana. Not only is she an incredibly sweet and playful kitten, but also SUPER cute to boot!

The first couple that came to meet Niks and Raspy, fell in love with Niks at first sight. They already have a 10 month old kitten named Sophie at home and Niks reminded them of her – right down to the little white hairs on his chest and golden eyes. He was super playful and outgoing with them and they decided that he would be a perfect companion for their girl already at home. Score!



A few days later, the second couple that were interested in the boys, came over to meet the kittens. Although Raspy was a little nervous and sat back, Niks was out and about and allowed them to play with them and Raspy and watched. After awhile he finally joined in and played out in the open. Sometimes it’s hard trying to reassure potential adopters that although a kitten is shy when they first come over, they do come out of their shell, usually only after a day or so, once they are comfortable with their environment and get used to the new sights and smells around them. They didn’t seem to worried and decided that they did indeed want to adopt Raspy into their family! Although I must admit, I was slightly unsure of it at first only because they didn’t have another cat at home. And don’t get me wrong, some cats are more than happy to be the only cat in the home, but I personally would never have a one cat household. I think they need the company of one another when their humans are at work for up to 8-10 hours at day for work. But I decided that he would be fine being alone and told them that he was theirs.



Since the kittens had their spay/neuter surgeries scheduled for the following week, I told the potential adopters that I would hold on to the kittens until their surgery and for a few days after that, just to monitor their condition and make sure that there wasn’t any complications. A few days before their surgeries, the couple wanting to adopt Raspy emailed me…and told me that they had decided to adopt Ana as well! I was thrilled! It meant that at least the two of them would stay together and that Raspy wouldn’t be living alone. So much happy!

So today was the day that all three kittens left for their new homes. Their surgeries were earlier in the week and they went off without a hitch. Ana & Raspy’s new parents showed up first, a little after lunch and getting them into their carriers was a breeze. It helped that it was nap time and all of the cats were sleeping! Once I put them into the carrier though, they started crying and Moira came to see what was wrong and kept circling the carrier as she watched on, not understanding what was going on or where her babies were going. It was hard to watch. I just wanted to hold her and tell her that they were going to a new home and that they would be together.

Niks (now known as Simon!) left a bit later in the day. I know I’m going to get to see him as he gets older and I’ve already become friends with his new Dads and they’ve already messaged me saying that he is getting along with his new sister Sophie. I’m happy to know that he is going to be loved and spoiled for the rest of his life and I look forward to receiving updates on him as he progresses.

Now as the title of this post stats, there are four adoptions this weekend….Moira has been adopted as well! A woman came to meet her a few weeks ago and she saw the same thing I see in her. A beautiful, amazing creature that anyone would be lucky to call their own. I asked her if I could keep her in my care until I knew the kittens were ready to go. Up until the moment they left, Moira was their momma and I didn’t want to have to separate them from her until I knew that not only the kittens were ready, but that she was too. She leaves on Monday and I’m going to miss her horribly. She’s the first cat that I’ve saved on my own and she will always have a larger part of my heart than any of the other fosters that I’ve cared for. And as much as I would have loved to have kept her, I know that the more cats I adopt as my own, the less space I have for other cats in need.



So needless to say, it’s been an emotional weekend. But I also realised that on this day one year ago, Oliver & Ophelia, my very first set of foster kittens, were adopted and left for their forever home. In that last year I’ve had to say goodbye to 14 out of my 15 foster kittens. It’s been hard and it doesn’t get easy but I’m happy knowing that they’re all doing well and are loved in their new homes. And as hard as it’s been and the amount my heart hurts each times one leaves, I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything in the world.

Stayed tuned though…there may be new kittens on the horizon!