Shelters: the fabulous story of Whiskey, Willie and Rosie

This text was written with the help of Annie-Claude Asselin, the Grand Prize Winner of the Belles Gueules 2022 contest, cat category (Willie).

My parents gave me an incredible gift for my 8th birthday: a little kitten that I named Toupie. She was my sidekick throughout my childhood and part of my early adulthood. I loved her so much. She died at the age of 19, and it was a really heartbreaking loss. It took me nearly ten years to get over it.

When my partner and I moved into our house together, we learned to enjoy the surrounding nature. From our living room window, we watched the birds that visited the feeder we had set up and the wild rabbits that hopped around in the shade of our cherry tree. It made us want to get a pet.

My partner had preconceived ideas about cats and preferred dogs, but our lifestyle at the time didn’t really allow for a dog. After watching dozens of episodes of a show on cats, he changed his mind about the nature and personality of cats in general. He’s even the one who came up with the idea of adopting one. We started doing our research so that we’d be well prepared for the arrival of our furry friend.

Whiskey

In 2019, we visited a few shelters to learn more about the adoption process and meet the available cats. When the animal care worker opened Whiskey’s cage to introduce us, Whiskey chose us. She immediately decided that she liked us and wanted to come home with us, which she demonstrated by nuzzling and pressing her forehead against mine.

It was love at first sight. We quickly made a trip to Mondou to buy everything we needed to welcome Whiskey into our home. Since then, she’s been a very affectionate cat that follows us everywhere and loves sleeping on our legs. She also enjoys taking walks while wearing her harness.

Willie

We had so much fun with Whiskey that we decided to adopt a second cat. We thought she would be more accepting of a kitten. But how to choose from among all the adorable kittens at a shelter? I came across the adoption profile of Willie, a one-eyed kitten who seemed terrified. Willie had been found on the street when he was quite small, with one eye punctured, dried out and infected. He was taken in by a foundation and had to have the eye removed.

When I saw his tiny face, I knew he would be less likely to be adopted. I just had to give him a chance. Willie and I have developed a very special bond. His world revolves around me. He’s extremely clingy. He wants to be kissed constantly and climbs onto my shoulders to get cozy when he wants attention. He’s such a sweetheart! He also makes us laugh when he sleeps in really funny positions.

We had to introduce Willie into Whiskey’s life very gradually. We had gathered all our information and knew we had to take things slow.Whiskey was not very happy and he would let the kitten know it by growling and snorting. Willie, however, doesn’t have an ounce of aggressiveness. He’s the gentlest and most affectionate cat around. It took some patience, but they got used to each other and now they’re the best of friends.

Becoming a foster family

In 2020, my work situation changed, and I took the opportunity to apply to shelters to become a foster family. In my opinion, shelters play such a key role and I wanted to get involved as much as possible. Being a foster family is our way of donating time to a cause that we feel strongly about and helping cats in need.

We have since worked with three shelters in our area, fostering cats throughout the year. It has become our passion. Working from home full time and having a flexible schedule allows me to be fully present for the cats and have an impact on their lives. We even have a dedicated room in our basement for them. It’s equipped with all kinds of games and toys, small cat trees and scratching posts, as well as an eating area and a bed by the window. It’s our kitten room.

Over the past two years, we have taken care of orphaned kittens, pregnant cats, mother cats and their kittens, unsocialized cats and kittens that are afraid of humans, sick cats and kittens that need care before being adopted, and even a cat that had to undergo an amputation. Since she wasn’t doing well at the shelter, we gave her the time and attention she needed to adapt to her new condition.

Obviously, it’s very difficult to watch them leave. We shed tears every time. We get very attached and would love to be able to keep them all. We must trust the shelters that choose the adoptive families. Sometimes, we’re even involved in the adoption process and can choose the families that will be adopting our kittens. Occasionally, we stay in touch with the families, and they regularly send us photos so we can see the kittens grow up in their new homes where they’re comfortable, happy and loved. It’s absolutely magical and we’re always thrilled to get updates.

Rosie

Last year, we fostered a very fearful pregnant cat, Rosie, who was about to have her litter. She gave birth to three beautiful kittens, who were later adopted by wonderful families.

Health problems

After giving birth, Rosie got sick. She developed a series of health problems: urinary infection, diarrhea, cat cold, very red and irritated eyes, and mastitis (inflammation of the mammary gland). She couldn’t walk, she was sluggish, and she stopped eating. The mastitis caused an abscess, which burst and became infected, and she developed an allergic reaction—in the form neck burn—following a treatment for parasites. The works! For eight weeks, which included a dozen trips to the vet, I had to give her medication, antibiotics, painkillers, subcutaneous fluids, and eye drops. I also had to apply warm compresses, disinfectant and cream for her abscess and burn. Obviously, we were very concerned about her condition, which led Rosie to become even more fearful. She regressed in terms of socialization and became terrified of being touched.

Being part of the family

When Rosie’s kittens were adopted and she was vaccinated and sterilized, we introduced her to Whiskey and Willie. We wanted to see whether she was compatible with the other cats, and we wanted her to be able to take advantage of the entire house instead of being confined to a single room. Rosie immediately bonded with our other cats and fell completely in love with Willie. They’re the most adorable couple. Rosie likes to snuggle and, although Willie enjoys it, he sometimes pretends to be indifferent.

We had no choice. We couldn’t let Rosie leave: she was too attached to Willie, she was happy and comfortable in our home, and she was still terrified of being touched. We were aware that fearful cats are much less likely to be adopted and they’re the ones that are most in need of an understanding and loving family. We were also extremely attached to her after giving her all that care. Since we were definitely the best family for Rosie, we officially adopted her. It took over a year for her to regain her trust. Although she was very happy in our home and stayed close to us, she refused to be touched. Recently, she finally accepted to be petted, and now she even likes it. It just warms my heart.

True happiness

The cats have changed our lives. They bring us so much joy, and we feel like we have a goal in life. They give our lives meaning. Morning is our favourite time of day. When we get up, our three cats are so happy to see us and seeing them so content brings us joy. They get all excited and we love watching them play together, expending energy and running all over the house. We know they’re well and nothing could be more satisfying. It’s true happiness.

The essentials to welcome your new kitty :