By Jennifer Copley (Last Updated 29 July 2018)
We regularly take in foster kittens that are awaiting permanent adoptive homes. Contrary to the popular belief that animals will only care for their own offspring, our three resident cats, one female and two males, take on a nurturing role with each new batch of kittens, cuddling them, washing them, playing with them, and teaching them good feline etiquette. They’re particularly helpful with kittens that have been orphaned at a young age and need help with personal grooming and litter box habits, and with timid or anxious kittens that need emotional support to develop their confidence and overcome their fears.
The photos in the gallery below show our three resident cats caring for various foster kittens. There are also a few photos of our elderly cat Laya (deceased just before her twenty-second birthday) nurturing foster kittens, two of whom are among the current household residents.
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For individual foster kitten profiles, see the main Foster Kitten Photo Diary page. Visit the main Cats page for information about cat psychology, behavior, communication, training, feeding, and pregnant cat and kitten care.