First-time foster experience turns out grate for “cheeses” and couple who found them
While for some, June may be the start of “the lazy days of summer,” for the sheltering community, it’s the start of the most intense season of all. Orphaned kittens fill our humane center and foster homes around Richmond. Today we are caring for 368 cats and kittens — more than 180 are kittens and moms whom we’ve placed in foster care — and those numbers will grow before you reach the end of this blog.
You can support our efforts to give these little fluffballs the best possible start in life by joining our foster care program or by making a donation to fund our services. Read on to discover the story of “the cheeses” and how you can help save the lives of kittens.
These cheeses will melt your heart
Earlier this spring, local couple Mallory and Colin White found themselves in an unexpected and furry situation when Colin found a litter of three kittens at an outdoor work site. After watching and waiting for a mom to return for them, Colin and Mallory knew they wanted to do something to help the kittens. They didn’t have the experience or supplies needed to care for the infants, so they contacted our Foster Care Coordinator Kelsey Powell for help. The Whites had already grown attached to their new temporary residents, whom they named Pimento, Mozzarella and Pepper Jack or “the cheeses,” so after talking through some options with Kelsey they decided to surrender the kittens to the Richmond SPCA and become fosters. By enrolling in our Meet the Fosters program, they were set up with supplies like formula, bottles, a carrier, a Snuggle Safe to keep them warm — the perfect kitten starter kit for first-time-fosters Colin and Mallory. We also scheduled an appointment for the kittens to be examined by our veterinarian and receive vaccinations.
Where would I brie without you?
Caring for bottle baby kittens necessitates a schedule adjustment. Neonatal kittens, much like other newborn mammals, need to be fed at regular intervals, including during the night. For the White family, caring for the cheeses at odd hours put them in the right place at the right time to extend the life of their older dog, Zoey.
Mallory said, “We were up at night doing a bottle feeding and our dog experienced a cardiac episode. Because we were awake we were able to catch it, take her to an emergency vet, and they were able to stabilize her, make her comfortable, and essentially put her into hospice care with us.
“The vets all told us that had we not been up at that time she would’ve passed that night, without us awake to support and be there for her. It’s been such a hard time, especially for Colin and especially for our younger dog. These kittens have brought immense joy into our home. They gave us a purpose and a schedule during those dark days after we lost our girl, and were often the only reason our younger dog [Willa] would wag her tail/want to play. We will be forever grateful for ‘the cheeses’ and their impact on our lives.”
Kittens make the heart grow fondue
While we were sad to hear about the loss of Zoey, we are grateful that the joy of caring for and bonding with infant kittens has helped to ease the pain of losing Zoey and brought some comfort to the White household. The family was brought closer through the joy and heartbreak of lives beginning and ending. It was only natural that one of the cheeses, Mozzarella, became a permanent member of the family and best buddy of Willa, the Whites’ younger dog.
We are grateful to Mallory and Colin for opening their hearts and their home to care for three vulnerable kittens who may not have survived without their help. The partnership between the White family and the Richmond SPCA gave them the perfect amount of training, supplies and support they needed to get the cheeses started in life.
“As first time kitten raisers this was a whirlwind,” Mallory said, “but we felt very supported and have been so grateful for the guidance along the way. When I say it’s been a whirlwind, whew, it really has been. Worth every moment though.”
With new kittens arriving at our humane center every day in need of dedicated care, we urgently need more foster care providers. We’ll provide you with all the supplies and expertise needed — you just bring the love and snuggles! Find out more about our foster care program and sign up to become a foster. If the timing isn’t right for you to take on a foster, you can still be part of the lifesaving dream team by donating supplies from our wish list that set our fosters up for success.
Did reading about “the cheeses” give you a hankering to Kraft a kitten name of your own? Whether funny, punny or heartfelt, share your inspiration along with a gift to give a little one a healthy start and we’ll send you a photo of the kitten you’ve named. The kittens will be grate-ful for your support!
