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Siva Ho of Cat's Cradle Rescue recently fostered this adorable kitten, which is now available for adoption through the organization.

(Siva Ho/Cat's Cradle Rescue)

Cat's Cradle Rescue, a volunteer-based non-profit dedicated to helping Oregon cats, needs a few good foster homes.

The Hillsboro-based rescue group doesn't have a shelter; instead, it relies on volunteers to temporarily house and care for cats as they await permanent placement.

During the busy "kitten season," which is now in full swing, the group has been flooded with phone calls from people finding stray pregnant cats or mothers with litters.

Life on the streets is rough for a stray feline family.

"When they are born outside, their mom cat faces daily danger as she hunts for food to feed herself so she can nurse her babies," according to the Cat's Cradle website.

"Tragically, many moms do not survive cars and predators in their search to sustain their kittens. The babies end up alone, cold, starving and at risk."

That's where kindhearted foster volunteers (literally) come into play.

Ideal foster candidates include people with experience raising baby or young kittens, says Siva Ho, a Cat's Cradle volunteer.

Other criteria include a spare room to keep the cats, the desire to help felines in need and one or two hours to play and interact with them each day.

It also helps - but isn't required - if you live in the Hillsboro or Beaverton area, primarily since most of the organization's foster homes and veterinary partner are in this area.

Volunteers should also be willing to communicate regularly with the organization if they have questions or concerns.

If you've got space in your home (and your heart) to temporarily house one or more cats, you might find the experience benefits your family just as much as theirs.

Fostering kittens can be a great hobby for kids on summer break. The experience can teach them kindness and compassion and possibly even shape their career goals.

As the folks at Cat's Cradle say, "Fostering a cat or kittens is a win-win-win situation: The kitten is rescued, you feel great about helping to make a difference, and the family that receives your kitten is thrilled. How can you beat that?"

If you're ready to bring a fledgling feline into your family's fold, fill out the online application form at catscradlerescue.com or call 503-320-6079.

--Monique Balas; msbalaspets@gmail.com