• 💕 A special foster home for special needs kittens

• 🐾 Get to know the Burmilla cat

• 😸 Get money back from the vet

• 🏠 How to start fostering cats

• 🤨 Can you foster kittens if you already have a cat?

Did you know…

Most cats have a total of ____ toes.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

Jan Okabe-Wong, a licensed clinical psychologist by day and a kitten-saving superhero by night, has tackled just about every feline challenge thrown her way. From bottle babies to ringworm-covered furballs, she’s taken on the nickname "ringworm foster lady" with pride—because who else would willingly spend their days giving kittens spa treatments while dressed like they're handling radioactive waste? Jan’s journey started when a floofy kitten named Bob wiggled his way into her heart, and since then, she's been hooked on fostering. According to Jan, there’s no ailment she can’t handle.

One of her most memorable recruits is Noodle, a sneezy little furball with a sinus condition that no amount of antibiotics could cure. Jan decided that if anyone was going to adopt a perpetually snotty kitten, it might as well be her. Now, Noodle helps socialize the endless stream of fosters, showing them the ropes of kitten life while sneezing on anything in sight. With Noodle by her side, Jan has turned countless shy, sick kittens into happy, adoptable cats, all while discovering that fostering is the ultimate cat-loving adventure.

With its glamorous silver coat and expressive green eyes, the Burmilla cat looks like it just stepped off the set of a feline fashion show. This regal breed has an air of royalty that would make any cat lover swoon. But despite their luxurious looks, Burmillas aren’t all about lounging around and looking fabulous. They’re playful, affectionate, and always ready to turn your couch into their personal racetrack, showing off their athletic prowess between bouts of curling up in your lap for a well-earned nap.

As for their history, the Burmilla came into existence through a happy accident. In 1981, a rogue romance between a Burmese and a Chinchilla Persian resulted in an unexpected litter of kittens. The accidental mix of the Burmese’s playful charm and the Persian’s laid-back demeanor created the perfect blend of affection and energy. Now, Burmillas are known for being social butterflies who adore human attention and will happily remind you of that fact with their adorable head-butts and chirps. Their accidental start may have been unexpected, but these silver-coated darlings were destined for greatness.

Thank you to Spot Pet Insurance for sponsoring Daily Purr.

Fostering a cat is a bit like having a temporary houseguest who may or may not hog your favorite spot on the couch—but instead of overstaying their welcome, they’re just waiting for their perfect forever home. When you foster a cat, you get to enjoy all the perks of feline companionship, minus the lifelong commitment. Plus, you get to gather insider information about your foster kitty’s quirks and preferences, which makes finding their ideal family easier. You’re basically a cat matchmaker, except with fewer awkward first dates and more cozy snuggles.

Most of the heavy lifting—like medical costs—will be covered by the rescue group, so you can focus on the more important things, like naming your new furry roommate and planning their Instagram debut. While there’s no paycheck for your heroic efforts, the warm fuzzies you’ll get from seeing a cat thrive under your care are priceless.

Of course, when your foster finally gets adopted, you might feel a pang of heartache, followed by the urge to immediately fill that cat-sized hole in your life. Don’t worry, that’s normal. Some fosters even go for the “foster fail” route, where they adopt the little furball themselves. But if you do say goodbye, just remember: it’s not an end, it’s a new beginning—for both you and the next whiskered guest who’s waiting to turn your home into their temporary haven.

Can you foster kittens if you already have an adult cat at home? Absolutely. But before you dive into the kitten chaos, check in on your resident cat’s temperament: are they more of a laid-back lounge cat or a diva who believes they own the entire house? If your furry overlord is cool with sharing their throne, get ready for a delightful (albeit chaotic) experience, complete with plenty of pouncing, playful antics, and maybe an occasional judgmental side-eye from your original feline friend. Just remember to keep the kittens quarantined for a bit while they acclimate. With a little patience and some clever cat-proofing, you can have the best of both worlds: a happy cat and a bunch of adorable foster kittens.

🐱 Bite-Sized Treats

🧐 Did You Know: Most cats have a total of 18 toes.

😸 COTD: Give your purr-fect pet the spotlight by submitting them for the cat of the day! This month's theme is comedic cat pictures. Send in your most hilarious or quirky pictures of your best feline friend, a short description, and their name to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.