Happy Tuesday:

• 📚 Tombi the cat joins a third-grade classroom

• 🐱 Cat of the Day, Jyn

• 😸 How to spend less time cooking

• ❤️ Should you foster a cat in the new year?

• 😺 Staying prepared for unexpected vet bills

In Izmir, Turkey, a friendly stray cat named Tombi wandered into a public elementary school and found an unexpected home—not just in the garden, but in a third-grade classroom. Tombi’s affectionate personality quickly captured the hearts of students and their teacher, Özlem Pınar İvaşcu.

Far from being a distraction, his calming presence helped students focus and even made them more excited to come to school. “The children come on time to school, and they are taking care of Tombi,” Özlem shared. Tombi thrived, enjoying his newfound routine of love, care, and companionship.

However, Tombi’s time with the class was cut short when a parent raised concerns about health risks. The students were devastated and Tombi’s mood declined as he was shuffled between temporary homes and Özlem’s apartment. Seeing the cat and the students’ unhappiness, Özlem took to social media to share their story. The overwhelming support from the community—and even a change of heart from the concerned parent—convinced the school to welcome Tombi back.

When Tombi rejoined the class, the students were thrilled to have their furry friend back and Tombi seemed equally happy to return. Inspired by his impact, Özlem wrote and published a book called “Tombi in Şanlıurfa”. The book was about Tombi’s unique bond he shared with the class and the revenue was donated to animal shelters.

Tombi’s story of uniting a classroom is a beautiful reminder of the connection, joy, and valuable lessons animals bring into our lives.

Meet Jyn, a foster-turned-family member who stole her humans’ hearts and found her forever home. This snapshot was taken last year when Jyn was still adjusting to life with her new family.

Reader Kim shared that fostering Jyn quickly turned into a full-fledged adoption after falling for her adorable personality. Now, this cutie is a cherished part of the family.

Thanks for sharing, Kim! We love seeing these happy endings. Do you have a foster-to-forever story? We’d love to hear about it!

If you’d like to see your cat featured as cat of the day, send in a picture and some fun facts about your kitty - you might just see them in the next edition!

Thank you to Tovola for sponsoring Daily Purr.

As we welcome the new year, it’s a great time to think about how we can make a positive impact—and fostering a cat might be the perfect way to do just that.

Why Foster a Cat?

• Support Local Shelters: By fostering, you give shelters more space and resources to help other animals in need. Many shelters even provide supplies and cover vet care, making fostering accessible.

• A Flexible Commitment: Not ready for permanent adoption? Fostering is a great way to enjoy the companionship of a cat without a long-term responsibility, especially if you have a busy lifestyle.

• Help Cats Thrive: From kittens learning social skills to older cats needing comfort, fostering provides them with a safe space to grow, heal, and prepare for their forever homes.

• Personal Fulfillment: Fostering can be incredibly rewarding. The comfort, joy, and love cats bring into your home are heartwarming reminders of the difference you’re making.

Is Fostering Right for You?

Fostering a cat can be a meaningful and rewarding experience, but it’s important to consider if it aligns with your lifestyle and current responsibilities. Cats require care, attention, and a safe space, even in a temporary home. Before committing, ask yourself: Do you have the time, resources, and environment to meet a foster cat’s needs?

If the answer is yes, fostering a cat might be your chance to make a tangible difference, create lasting memories, and maybe even find your new best friend. Would this fit into your plans for the new year? Let us know!

Thank you to Money.com for sponsoring Daily Purr.

From sweet gestures to global fame, here’s your dose of feline fun:

🌍 A Cat Show Goes Global - The hit show helping cats and their humans live in harmony is reaching a worldwide audience. From quirky cat quirks to heartfelt transformations, it’s a must-watch for any cat lover. Learn more about the series.

🐾 Cat Waves at Dog Neighbor - Every day, a friendly cat reaches through the fence to wave at his canine neighbor. This adorable routine proves that cats and dogs can be the best of friends. See the story.

🐱 Bite-Sized Treats

🧐 Did You Know: Cats groom their humans as a sign of affection. Grooming is a way cats bond with their favorite people, treating you as part of their family.

😸 COTD: Give your kitty the spotlight by submitting them for Cat of the Day! This month’s theme is all about festive felines in the holiday spirit. Reply to this email with your best photos of your cat looking cozy, festive, or spreading holiday cheer. Be sure to include their name and a short description to be featured in an upcoming newsletter!