šŸˆ A story of fostering hope

Monday 10/28: Sponsored by Spot Pet Insurance - Special needs kitten foster home, Burmilla cat, how to foster cats, fostering kittens with adult cats at home

In partnership with

ā€œThe day the cat discovered

the sun

the windowsill became the world.ā€

ā€• Nanette L. Avery

Happy Monday! Hereā€™s the scoop:

  • šŸ’• A special foster home for special needs kittens

  • šŸ¾ Get to know the Burmilla cat

  • šŸ˜ø Get money back from the vet

  • šŸ  How to start fostering cats

  • šŸ¤Ø Can you foster kittens if you already have a cat?

Did you knowā€¦

Most cats have a total of ____ toes.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

Extra Love for Extra Needs

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, sheā€™s taken on the nickname "ringworm foster lady" with prideā€”because who else would willingly spend their days giving kittens spa treatments while dressed like they're handling radioactive waste? Janā€™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, thereā€™s no ailment she canā€™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.

The Burmilla

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 arenā€™t all about lounging around and looking fabulous. Theyā€™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 Burmeseā€™s playful charm and the Persianā€™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.

Get Reimbursed for Eligible Vet Bills!

Spot pet insurance plans can reimburse up to 90% of eligible vet costs.

Spotā€™s customizable plan options can help put money back in your pocket. Receive an additional 10% multi-pet discount for all pets enrolled after the first.

Independent and paid ad from Spot. Waiting periods, annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit limits and exclusions may apply. For all terms visit spotpetins.com/sample-policy. Products, schedules, discounts, and rates may vary and are subject to change. More information available at checkout.
Insurance plans are underwritten by either Independence American Insurance Company (NAIC 1126581. A Delaware insurance company located at 11333 N. Scottsdale Rd, Ste. 160, Scottsdale, AZ 85254) or United States Fire Insurance Company (NAIC #21113. Morristown, NJ), and are produced by Spot Pel Insurance Services, LLC. (NPN If 192463il5. 990 Biscayne Blvd Suite 603, Miami, FL 33132. CA License 116000188).

Thank you to Spot Pet Insurance for sponsoring Daily Purr.

Become a Feline Foster Home

Fostering a cat is a bit like having a temporary houseguest who may or may not hog your favorite spot on the couchā€”but instead of overstaying their welcome, theyā€™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 kittyā€™s quirks and preferences, which makes finding their ideal family easier. Youā€™re basically a cat matchmaker, except with fewer awkward first dates and more cozy snuggles.

Most of the heavy liftingā€”like medical costsā€”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 thereā€™s no paycheck for your heroic efforts, the warm fuzzies youā€™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. Donā€™t worry, thatā€™s normal. Some fosters even go for the ā€œfoster failā€ route, where they adopt the little furball themselves. But if you do say goodbye, just remember: itā€™s not an end, itā€™s a new beginningā€”for both you and the next whiskered guest whoā€™s waiting to turn your home into their temporary haven.

Fostering Kittens with an Adult Cat

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 catā€™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.

šŸ± Bite-Sized Treats

šŸ§ Did You Know: Most cats have a total of 18 toes.

šŸ˜ø 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.