Bye bye babies

It doesn't get easier saying goodbye. On Saturday, I called the shelter and for the first time ever, Ashley (the cat foster care coordinator) answered the phone. I figured that was the sign telling me it was time to let my babies go. So I let my two cats out of the house and let Theodore, Shayla, Zyra and Ivan run around the house. They had a great romp, chasing each other around the couch and over the laundry. By the time I was ready to pack them into the cat carrier, they were sleepy. Off we drove to the Humane Society, where I gave them all last cuddles and said goodbye.

I got a quick email from Ashley on Monday saying that all four kittens had gotten through surgey fine, and were up for adoption. Today, the website shows that Theodore and Shayla have already been adopted. They didn't even get pictures taken by the shelter staff! Zyra and Ivan aren't listed yet, but given how sweet they are, I am guessing they will be in forever homes before long.

I miss my babies. It's strange not having my daily snuggles. But I keep reminding myself that these kittens would not have survived if it were not for me, and someone out there will have one or two loving cats for life as a result of me snuggling them so much. So it is all worth it.

One more week

I took the kittens in to the Humane Society today for their vaccination, and was kind of shocked to discover that they are each nearly 2 pounds. Within a week, they will be ready for surgery, and then they can be put up for adoption. I was rather dismayed to hear this, as I have grown very attached. On the other hand, all the vet techs who saw them said the same thing - they will get adopted very fast because they are so darn cute! So we have one week left to give them lots of hugs and kisses before saying goodbye.

Nearly ready for forever homes

I haven't posted in quite some time, and the kittens have done lots of changing. I think seeing them so close to being ready to find forever homes has been more heart-wrenching this time, as I have been their de facto mother since week 2. But I keep taking solace in knowing that whomever adopts these little sweethearts will have cats that will *love* humans for the rest of their lives.

It is such a pleasure to enter the kitten room and have these four little bundles of energy jump up onto my lap. The often start purring the second they see me. Within a moment or two, I have become their personal jungle gym: they leap off my legs and shoulders at each other, chase each other behind my back, and treat my toes like their exclusive chew toys.


Zya has caught the "cat-o-nine tails" toy.


"Take dat you nasty brodder!"

"I can has a snuggle?"

"Wazzat smell? You eated cheezburgers??"

"Adopt me 'cause I de cutest"

"I like dat. You can do more of dat"

"Iz ignoring you abawt to attack"

"WHEREZ DA MILK???"

This picture was taken before we managed to wean the voracious little buggers. They would ALL climb on us at once if they thought we had a bottle of KMR.

Pics and video

Theodore sleeping

Ivan contemplating

Sweet Shayla

Zyra with her face to the sun.

Hitchhiker.

Sleepy baby