OAKLAND — When photos of Chet and Meg hit the wire, there was a collective squeal. These two members of the Forgotten Kitten Project immediately drew a big fan club that cheered them on as they worked on building confidence in Cat Town's main adoption center.
I am happy to report that this duo has found their new home through our Foster-to-Adopt program. I talked with their adopter, Kylie B., a Cat Town volunteer who fell for these two during her shifts at Cat Town, about her experience taking these heart stealers into her home, and what it takes to help them adjust to life with humans.
Kylie, Meg (orange), and Chet about to head home. Photo by Andrew Norman.
Q. Tell me about first meeting Chet & Meg.
A. The first one I met was Meg. According to my Instagram story dedicated to her (that I created well before I began fostering her), I met her exactly nine weeks ago as of yesterday! I fell in love with her the second that I saw her, from her cute little face to that out of place patch of brown fur on her side. At that time I'd been volunteering at Cat Town for about two months, and although I'd met so many great and unique cats during that time, I'd never met one that my heart bonded with so quickly. I was enamored with Meg at the time and didn't think about Chet too much, until I noticed in the following weeks that they were totally inseparable. It was so heartwarming and encouraging to see them help one another become confident and affectionate, as well as watching them fall totally in sweet kitty love with each other.
Q. Have they had any major breakthroughs in the two weeks since they'v been with you?
A. For about half of the first week they stayed primarily in my small, walk-in closet, where they completely took over the top shelf. They'd only come out to eat or explore when I was either asleep or out of the house, and I didn't see much of them unless I attempted to give them treats and the occasional pet (both of which I've quickly learned Chet is very enthusiastic about). But then, out of the blue, Meg decided to start coming out during the evenings when I was awake and active in my room. She's an extremely curious little kitten and loves her playtime every evening. Just a few days ago, Meg and Chet both decided to start exploring my room not just at night or while I'm away, but while I'm active! They explore, play, eat — and they're finally using their cat tower! One of them has also taken to trying out sleeping at the foot of my bed during the night as well.
With some time and patience, Meg and Chet are settling in at their own pace. Photo by Kylie B.
Q. How would you describe the process of them settling into your home?
A. The process of settling them into my home was both gradual and hectic. Who knew kitten proofing a room would be so difficult? It's definitely been a learning experience for the three of us. But overall it just requires a lot of patience, and you really have to be able to understand and adapt to the personality of the cats. With shy cats especially, the process of "settling in" is a lot more drawn out, happening little by little over a period of weeks, or even months.
Q. What appeals to you about the Foster to Adopt program?
A. Even though I know that I will be adopting Meg and Chet when the time comes, Foster to Adopt is a good opportunity for Meg, Chet, and I to figure out whether or not we work well together. Some cats don't do well in certain situations, and there's no way to know whether or not you will jive with a cat unless you take them into your home and really get to know them. FtA has been a great way for me to get to know Meg and Chet in a more personal way than I was able to at Cat Town, and luckily for me it's just made me love them more.
Kylie helps socialize another member of our Forgotten Kitten project, Tiger, on a closed day at Cat Town. Photo by Liz Lazich.
Q. As a Cat Town volunteer, you meet a lot of great cats, all in need of homes. Can you say what it was about these two that inspired you to open up your home?
A. I have loved so many of the cats that I've met at Cat Town, but Meg and Chet captivated my heart in a way I didn't know possible. Not only are they adorable, but they have such distinct personalities: Meg is a dramatic and curious princess with a spitfire attitude, while Chet is a nervous, lanky, and affectionate little baby who loves pets. I have a soft spot for their little kitty romance, too. I've never seen two cats so closely bonded! I have so much love in my heart for them, and I can guarantee that they are going to live one lavish and spoiled life with me.
Q. What would you tell anyone thinking of fostering a member of the Forgotten Kitten Project?
A. Do it! FKP kittens are going to be a lot of work and require a lot of patience, but that just makes the outcome so much more rewarding. It's inspiring watching these kittens, who would have at one time been deemed unadoptable, grow into funny, playful, and loving cats. It's uplifting being a part of that growth, and knowing that you will forever be responsible for helping those kittens and giving them the love and care that they needed to blossom. All cats deserve to be in a kind, comfortable, and loving environment, and it's nice to know that through fostering FKP kittens you are able to make that a reality and change their lives for the better.
Want to be part of an at-risk cat's success story? Become a foster parent.
Cat Town is working to help other rescues across the country replicate our work with Forgotten Kittens thanks to a generous grant from Maddie’s Fund. First visit to the Cat Town blog? Learn more about our Forgotten Kitten Project in our regular Kitten Wire dispatches.
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