Featured Foster Felines!
Why Adopt a Foster Cat?
This week we are highlighting all the incredible cats that we have who are in foster care. We place cats into foster care for two main reasons. The most common is that they find the shelter environment overwhelming, especially in cases where they have spent their whole lives in a home. These cats come across as very timid and often defensive in the shelter, but once in a foster home, blossom into cuddly and sweet cats. The other reason is for medical conditions which require monitoring, special care, or daily medications.
Adopting a cat that has been in a foster home is great because they have been getting one-on-one care and attention, and their fosters can tell you exactly what they are like in the home. Plus, these cats generally are in care for longer, as they don't get the exposure that they would have gotten at the shelter. Many of our foster cats have been waiting for a forever home for a year or more. Read below on our currently adoptable cats who have been spending time in committed and loving foster homes, and get in touch to arrange to meet them!
-
Riley
Riley is the ideal example of how a little TLC and patience can completely transform a cat's temperament and demeanour. In the shelter, Riley was very mistrustful of humans, and would defend herself if you tried to approach her space. She spent her days up high or in hidey holes, and was clearly very stressed. After moving into a foster home, Riley blossomed into a cat unrecognizable from the one we saw at the shelter! With her trusted foster mom, Riley is cuddly, sociable, and loving. While still skittish, with her trusted people she is talkative, cuddly, and even sleeps in bed - the ultimate sign of trust. Riley recently celebrated a year in our care, and while we are thrilled to have given Riley the opportunity to discover the kindness of humans, we hope that 2023 is her year to find a forever home!
Here's what her foster has to say about her: "Riley is a tentative yet very curious kitty. She needs a bit of time to get used to you but once she knows she can trust you she will be your best friend. She will follow you around and absolutely loves cuddling up on the couch (or bed if you'll let her). In fact the only thing she loves more than lounging is treats!! She has become quite fond of her new cat tree and takes her responsibility of neighbourhood watch very seriously, but her new favourite pastime is catching the evening sun and some bird watching on the deck. She is 7 so her kitten years are behind her but she still has a bit of play left in her, catnip toys definitely interest her. She doesn't love being picked up, in fact she much prefer humans when they are sitting down, she's only small after all. Loud noises and new people are also not her favourite things but she will be the most loyal companion to the human she is comfortable with."
-
Poppy
Poppy is another long-term resident, who has been in our care since November of 2021. She was surrendered with a feline companion, and while her buddy got adopted within weeks, Poppy took longer to come around. She spent many months at the shelter, and slowly became friendly and sociable with staff and volunteers she saw often. Despite coming out of her shell, she was overlooked time and time again. After spending so long in the shelter, we thought she might like a change of scenery and to move to a foster home instead. Gone was the quiet, introverted cat we had known, and a talkative, affectionate cat emerged instead. She now enjoys being cuddled in bed, carried around the house like a baby, and is even learning to adventure outside on a harness and leash.
Here's what her foster has to say about her: "After a short adjustment period, Poppy has become very chatty (with lots to say!), and constantly wants your attention and love. She loves playing with toys, finding cozy little spots to hide in, and napping with my favourite humans!"
-
Benny and Thomas
Benny (grey and white) arrived into our care in April of 2022, and Thomas (black and white) a few months later. Both cats tested positive for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), which impairs a cat's immune system making them more susceptible to disease, and is linked to a higher incidence of cancer later in life. Unfortunately, this virus has no cure, and can be transmitted from an infected cat to a healthy one. However, because Thomas and Benny are both already carriers for this virus, they were able to be roomed together, and have formed a very sweet brotherly friendship. We moved these bonded besties into a foster home to give them a bit more space to stretch their legs, as they were confined to an isolation room here at the shelter to protect the rest of our cat population. Although they have formed a friendship, cuddling and play-wrestling together, these boys would be okay to go their separate ways if it meant finding homes, but we would be so pleased if they could be adopted out together. Both boys are happy and healthy at this time, and can live full and healthy lives with proper precautions, despite their FeLV diagnosis. They are so deserving of forever homes to live out their days!
Here's what their current foster home has to say about them: "Benny: Or as I like to call him, Benzodiazapam because he's so chill. He would live his life in a cuddle puddle if he could. He's so sweet with me and gives me headbutts and face smooshes every opportunity he gets. He thrives in a quieter environment as he's still skittish with certain noises such as the blender and our garage opening... and my husband's loud sneezes. I do think that's mainly because he's so calm that the noises are disruptive! Thomas: AKA Big Tommy.... is still very much a kitten and has a lot of kitten things to do. He's a busy bee and still quite curious of everything. He is a very confident kitty! Thankfully he has not been destructive but we've set him up for success by not leaving anything (especially food) out. He LOVES playing fetch with the crinkly toy that we got him. I throw it up the stairs and he retrieves it, brings it to me and puts it on the ground for me to throw again. I get tired out before he does! Thomas also loves belly rubs and has a lot of dog-like qualities that are so charming. He likes a strong pet and is his preference. He'll let me pet him for a long time if it's a firm rub. He's a vocal guy and loves our morning conversations. Thomas does cuddle on his own terms but when he does he melts into you. Thomas and Benny: They cuddle and play together and groom each other. Benny would love more cuddles and tries to scootch in with Thomas but Thomas has other things to do. Thomas keeps Benny more active which has been good for his weight loss journey. I think they would suit a large family well as they are so diverse. Someone that has kids to play with Thomas and an older, calm and gentle person for Benny to cuddle. Thomas would do great with dogs too but needs time to recognize they're not a threat."
Here's what their former foster home has to say about them: "Benny is very comfortable and relaxed; loves to sit on the armchair and stare out the window, and he loves the cuddles and is very affectionate. I've noticed he likes to play with dangling objects that move, like shoe laces. He does not care much for the toys that don't move on their own. He loves cuddling and will use any excuse to lie on your lap or nearby and just loves to spend the night curled up in bed. He is the perfect, purring lap cat. He also loves watching the world go by from the window in his favourite chair. He has been very welcoming to all guests, but can be nervous of tall men. Thomas does not seem to have any anxiety about new surrounds and is very active and loves space to run around in. Thomas is still very much a kitten at heart with all the zoomies in him. He loves running round, jumping up and getting into and on top of things. He loves company and I wish I could give him more to do! He would be perfect for someone with young kids. His cheeky demeanor and charismatic personality is a favourite of everyone who's visited. While he does love the occasional cuddle, he'd much prefer a belly rub or a companion to play with the toys together with. His favourite spot is on top of the cat scratcher where he can watch the house and out the window. Thomas has really learnt boundaries and no longer jumps on to the counter when preparing his breakfast or dinner. Both cats chase each other and play fight at least twice a day too, then cuddle up for a snooze together. They are so great!"
Send an email to adopt@bowvalleyspca.org if you are interested in arranging a meet and greet with any of our incredible foster cats. While foster home life is great, FOREVER home life would be even better!