January 2025 Adoptions
Written by Julia Persch
Claire
Skinny little Claire was surrendered to the Shelter in the end of November. She had trouble breathing, walked crookedly, and was such a darling!
The person who surrendered Claire had encouraged the previous owner to give up the 1-year-old cat because the children in the home were abusing her. X-Rays in the Shelter clinic showed several breaks in Claire’s legs that had healed but left her with a crooked gait.
Claire’s experience didn’t squash her affection towards humans. She loved climbing on people’s shoulders and purring on their laps. When 9-year-old volunteer Max visited her, Claire was hesitant at first, but soon warmed up to the gentle, cat-savvy boy. Max fell in love…
Skinny little Claire was surrendered to the Shelter in the end of November. She had trouble breathing, walked crookedly, and was such a darling!
The person who surrendered Claire had encouraged the previous owner to give up the 1-year-old cat because the children in the home were abusing her. X-Rays in the Shelter clinic showed several breaks in Claire’s legs that had healed but left her with a crooked gait.
Claire’s experience didn’t squash her affection towards humans. She loved climbing on people’s shoulders and purring on their laps. When 9-year-old volunteer Max visited her, Claire was hesitant at first, but soon warmed up to the gentle, cat-savvy boy. Max fell in love…
But Claire’s energy level was low, and she didn’t eat much due to her difficulties breathing. After several weeks of loving Shelter care, Claire was ready to be spayed. While she was under anesthesia, a polyp in her throat was discovered and removed. A new world opened for her, as she suddenly was able to breathe easily. She started playing with vigor, smelling her food with delight, wolfing down her meals and gaining weight.
On January 4th, Max and his parents Miranda and Jared adopted Claire and took her home, where she joined two resident young cats, Cosmo and Leona.
Next day, Miranda reported that Claire had explored every inch of her safe room, played with her toys and was very friendly to the grandparents who stopped by. Miranda and Max had slept with Claire during the night, which she loved.
Next day, Miranda reported that Claire had explored every inch of her safe room, played with her toys and was very friendly to the grandparents who stopped by. Miranda and Max had slept with Claire during the night, which she loved.
Claire and Cosmo
On February 7th Miranda wrote:
Claire is doing well, and she has settled herself into our home. Despite the hardships she may have faced in her prior home, you would never know. She is so friendly and loving.
She has gotten into the routine of helping to tuck her "human" boy in at night and helping to wake him up in the morning. Claire LOVES her fluffy cat beds and any cat toy she finds!!
Claire is doing well, and she has settled herself into our home. Despite the hardships she may have faced in her prior home, you would never know. She is so friendly and loving.
She has gotten into the routine of helping to tuck her "human" boy in at night and helping to wake him up in the morning. Claire LOVES her fluffy cat beds and any cat toy she finds!!
She and her cat brother Cosmo are getting along very well, they love to chase each other around the house while playing and will take time for evening naps together. Claire and her cat sister Leona are still working on building a relationship. Leona is still not sure what she thinks about Claire. But "human" mom is working hard to give them positive play experiences together and LOTS of shared Churu treats. From time-to-time Claire and Leona will nap in the same vicinity. However, Leona still likes her space.
Casey
Casey was found as a stray in the beginning of January by a couple in a neighboring town. He was very sweet and affectionate, and his rescuers wanted very much to keep him, but their resident cat didn’t agree and put his paw down.
Luckily Casey only had to spend a week at the Shelter. He was young, handsome and extraordinarily charming. Volunteer Gwenn quickly made up her mind and adopted him.
In February, Gwenn reported that Casey was much loved by her and her husband. Their two senior dogs were cautious around Casey, because he hissed at them, but they were used to giving space to a cat, from previous experience. Gwenn said, “Casey is very snuggly, the kind of cat that is like Velcro: He follows us around everywhere and is glued to our laps.”
Gerault
|
Yennifer
|
Yennifer and Gerault
Back in August, KAS got several phone calls about a litter of young kittens hanging around a multi-use building in St. Johnsbury. The kittens were trapped by Shelter volunteer Nancy. She fostered and socialized them until they were ready to reside at the Shelter in December.
Yennifer and Gerault were a bonded sister-brother-pair with different personalities. Yennifer, the tuxedo girl, was super friendly. She chirped and meowed to get one's notice. This socialite liked to be picked up and loved on.
Gerault, her gray-and-white brother, was a sweetheart who liked to hide in his cozy cat cave. Once he overcame his initial shyness, he loved to be held and cuddled. He adored his confident sister Yennifer whose outgoing disposition helped him to come out of his shell.
They were adopted on January 16th by Devon and David in Danville Vt. The couple had visited the cats twice and spent 2 hours with them each time. They had steered clear of the younger kittens at the Shelter, knowing that older kittens were often ignored and left behind.
On their second visit, Gerault came out of hiding for being petted and Yennifer made her wishes known that she wanted to go home with their new friends right then.
Devon and David brought them to their large, beautiful house with many windows, that was already furnished with cat trees and all that these kitties could wish for, including themselves as day-and-night warming pads.
Devon sent an update on January 23rd:
The cats are doing great!! They like their safe room; we spent the first few days hanging out in there playing. Yennifer, now Callie, warmed up to us pretty quickly, and by Saturday morning, Gerault, now Oliver, was sitting with us on the couch and then sitting on us for cuddles. He continues to be a bit more reserved than Callie and follows her lead. Callie is quite chatty and lets us know how we can best serve her :)
Callie is now very comfortable in the kitchen area and comes out willingly to play and hang out. She is eager to see more of the house but we're going to wait until Oliver shows more comfort in the kitchen. He will come out to play but remains quick to run back to his room if there is an unexpected sound/movement. We'll give him as much time as he needs to build his confidence and comfort level.
I will get some pictures to you soon - we get so wrapped up in playing with them that we forget to take any.
Thanks for all your help in the adoption process and for the amazing care the Shelter provides; it is clear that the cats have been so well cared for and loved during their time with Nancy and with all of you and the volunteers. Cheers, Devon
The cats are doing great!! They like their safe room; we spent the first few days hanging out in there playing. Yennifer, now Callie, warmed up to us pretty quickly, and by Saturday morning, Gerault, now Oliver, was sitting with us on the couch and then sitting on us for cuddles. He continues to be a bit more reserved than Callie and follows her lead. Callie is quite chatty and lets us know how we can best serve her :)
Callie is now very comfortable in the kitchen area and comes out willingly to play and hang out. She is eager to see more of the house but we're going to wait until Oliver shows more comfort in the kitchen. He will come out to play but remains quick to run back to his room if there is an unexpected sound/movement. We'll give him as much time as he needs to build his confidence and comfort level.
I will get some pictures to you soon - we get so wrapped up in playing with them that we forget to take any.
Thanks for all your help in the adoption process and for the amazing care the Shelter provides; it is clear that the cats have been so well cared for and loved during their time with Nancy and with all of you and the volunteers. Cheers, Devon
On February 8th Devon wrote;
We are having a great time with Callie and Oliver! They are comfortable with access to more space and often do some laps around the house chasing one another and/or a toy. They have discovered the joy of sleeping on the couch in the sun and spending time looking out the windows at the bird feeders. They are very chatty with us and have quickly learned how to let us know it's time for their next meal or a bit more play time.
Otto
|
Catarina
|
Otto and Catarina
Yennifer and Gerault had an elusive long-haired gray brother, Otto.
Otto chose to spend another month outdoors before trapper Nancy was able to bring him to her rescue kindergarten. Therefore, he was a little shyer than his siblings.
In the safety of Nancy’s home, Otto became close friends with a stray tiger kitten from a different litter, Catarina. They were equally timid at first, but Catarina found comfort in the gentle presence of her chosen big brother.
Soon, Otto was open to human touch, and once he started purring, he wouldn’t stop. It took Catarina longer to make up her mind, but eventually she followed in Otto’s footsteps and let her caretakers pet her for short periods of time.
Matt and Wendy from Colchester were looking for a pair of young cats. They had spent the past few years caring for their beloved geriatric kitties, until their last fur baby passed away in summer. All their cats had been rescues or strays who tolerated but didn't quite love each other, so the couple decided this time they wanted to adopt a bonded pair. Otto and Catarina seemed the purrfect fit for them. They took them home on January 18th to their large, cat-friendly house in Colchester.
Matt wrote an update on January 21st:
Just thought we'd update you on Otto and Catarina's first weekend here. When they got home, they both stayed in their respective carriers for about 2 hours. Then Catarina went into Otto's carrier, and they laid together for another 4 or 5 hours. Catarina was the first one out and Otto followed about 5 minutes later. Both used the litter box and then ate some treats. They ate food overnight and some more wet food in the morning. Towards the end of Sunday night, Catarina felt brave enough to come on the bed for a little bit. She's very treat-motivated thus far, and also likes stealing Otto's food.
Just thought we'd update you on Otto and Catarina's first weekend here. When they got home, they both stayed in their respective carriers for about 2 hours. Then Catarina went into Otto's carrier, and they laid together for another 4 or 5 hours. Catarina was the first one out and Otto followed about 5 minutes later. Both used the litter box and then ate some treats. They ate food overnight and some more wet food in the morning. Towards the end of Sunday night, Catarina felt brave enough to come on the bed for a little bit. She's very treat-motivated thus far, and also likes stealing Otto's food.
Their favorite spot as of right now is the windowsill. Seems cold to me, but they're purring and like it. They were running around like maniacs last night. I'm glad they feel comfortable enough to do that, but it wasn't great for our sleep. They're both still a little shy (especially Otto), but they've definitely made progress.
On February 8th Matt wrote that the cats were slowly adjusting, Catarina faster than Otto. Catarina had been checking out more of the house but spent most of her time in the bedroom. Otto came out occasionally but was still a little skittish. Altogether the kitties were doing well.
On February 8th Matt wrote that the cats were slowly adjusting, Catarina faster than Otto. Catarina had been checking out more of the house but spent most of her time in the bedroom. Otto came out occasionally but was still a little skittish. Altogether the kitties were doing well.
Romeo
Romeo and Midnight
In November, three beautiful long-haired stray kittens were found by Darlene of Butlers Bus in Lyndonville. The kittens were believed to be from a feral mom. Romeo, Midnight and Greta spent time with foster mom Pat to be babied and socialized, before they came to the Shelter after Christmas time.
Pat described the two boys:
Romeo, the orange one, is aptly named because he is just a big love bug. His favorite place to sit is just behind your neck where he purrs into your hair. He also likes lying in your lap and sometimes even falls asleep. He is super sweet and a stunningly beautiful kitten.
Romeo and Midnight
In November, three beautiful long-haired stray kittens were found by Darlene of Butlers Bus in Lyndonville. The kittens were believed to be from a feral mom. Romeo, Midnight and Greta spent time with foster mom Pat to be babied and socialized, before they came to the Shelter after Christmas time.
Pat described the two boys:
Romeo, the orange one, is aptly named because he is just a big love bug. His favorite place to sit is just behind your neck where he purrs into your hair. He also likes lying in your lap and sometimes even falls asleep. He is super sweet and a stunningly beautiful kitten.
Midnight
Midnight is an absolutely gorgeous big boy with his onyx face and lion-like mane, touched with silver. He is a little shyer than Romeo and likes to sit close to the action, just observing for a while when a wand toy is moving. But once he gets going, he plays like crazy with his brother. Midnight will take a little time to become friendly and cuddly with a new person but it's well worth the effort because he's a sweet boy.
At the Shelter, Romeo and Midnight continued to be very close. They loved to play together and cuddle up in a cozy cave to sleep. Since Romeo was the confident one, he helped Midnight to come along, explore new situations and meet new friends.
Debbie and Neil from Sutton visited the shelter on a Saturday and fell in love with Romeo and Midnight. They adopted them on January 19th. Their home was beautiful and spacious with a three -season-room that the cats would enjoy this coming spring. The kittens joined a large, calm and friendly dog, Bella, who had made friends with cats in the past.
On February 7th adoption counselor Nancy reported:
Romeo and Midnight have now been home almost three weeks. They are doing great!
From the beginning, Debbie said that the kittens were fabulous. They were eating well and using the litter box with no issues. They were affectionate and playful. Some of their favorite toys were wand toys, their cat towers, scratching posts with a ball on top of it, small dog toys and balls with bells in them. Basically, they loved everything that moved.
Romeo and Midnight have now been home almost three weeks. They are doing great!
From the beginning, Debbie said that the kittens were fabulous. They were eating well and using the litter box with no issues. They were affectionate and playful. Some of their favorite toys were wand toys, their cat towers, scratching posts with a ball on top of it, small dog toys and balls with bells in them. Basically, they loved everything that moved.
Midnight was described as a big cuddle bug. He laid with them in bed or on their laps, purred and was unbelievably affectionate. Romeo was a lover and would allow cuddles but was soon ready to get down and play.
They were both doing great with their canine sister Bella. Initially they touched noses with Bella, but introductions had been slow. Once Midnight hissed at Bella when she was trying to nuzzle him. Now, they all slept together in bed with Debbie and Neil.
Occasionally, Midnight would attack Debbie’s hair bun at 2 am in the night and he had to be told ‘no’. But Debbie reported that everything was great, the kittens seemed to be happy and feeling right at home. They were delighted with the kittens, and Bella was too.
They were both doing great with their canine sister Bella. Initially they touched noses with Bella, but introductions had been slow. Once Midnight hissed at Bella when she was trying to nuzzle him. Now, they all slept together in bed with Debbie and Neil.
Occasionally, Midnight would attack Debbie’s hair bun at 2 am in the night and he had to be told ‘no’. But Debbie reported that everything was great, the kittens seemed to be happy and feeling right at home. They were delighted with the kittens, and Bella was too.
Biscuit
In January KAS received a phone call from a St. Johnsbury resident about two orange cats who had been left behind when the owners moved out of their apartment. The cats were fending for themselves around the building during freezing temperatures. ACO Candace Dane was able to trap one of the cats and bring him to the cat shelter on January 9th. He was named Biscuit.
Biscuit was a gentle 1.5-year-old boy who seemed exhausted from his hardships.
Biscuit
In January KAS received a phone call from a St. Johnsbury resident about two orange cats who had been left behind when the owners moved out of their apartment. The cats were fending for themselves around the building during freezing temperatures. ACO Candace Dane was able to trap one of the cats and bring him to the cat shelter on January 9th. He was named Biscuit.
Biscuit was a gentle 1.5-year-old boy who seemed exhausted from his hardships.
At first, he was more interested in being comforted by his caretakers than in eating his food. Volunteer Nickie, who has a soft spot for orange cats noted in the Shelter diary: “Biscuit is a proper young gentleman, I love him so much; shaking my fist at our max capacity at home!”
His stay at the Shelter was very short. Leslie and her father Dave from Danville took a quick look at him and decided to adopt him. Dave wholeheartedly agreed with Nickie’s sentiments about orange cats. They took Biscuit home on Jan 21st. Leslie sent many pictures and wrote on February 1st:
His stay at the Shelter was very short. Leslie and her father Dave from Danville took a quick look at him and decided to adopt him. Dave wholeheartedly agreed with Nickie’s sentiments about orange cats. They took Biscuit home on Jan 21st. Leslie sent many pictures and wrote on February 1st:
“Little man is settling in very well- and is letting us know that he can be quite a talker- especially around mealtime. And he lets us know he’s very, very hungry, lol!!! He’s got a squeaky little boy voice. He does keep me up quite a bit during the night… he digs the bedspread and jumps on my feet!!
Despite that… I love him to bits as my mother would have said. He is a lovely boy!”
Despite that… I love him to bits as my mother would have said. He is a lovely boy!”
Rosie
Rosie was the prettiest 8-year-old calico tiger. She was a lovely, social, and cheerful cat who greeted new friends at the Shelter with bright eyes, purrs and invitations to pet her.
In her former home Rosie was bullied by a dog and a cat, constantly frightened and miserable. But when she arrived at the Shelter, Rosie immediately cheered up and loved to be petted by her caretakers. She was happy in her own room and was looking forward to a loving new home as the only pet. We felt that she would quickly bond with a new human companion.
Amy Bean from Lyndonville adopted Rosie on January 25th.
Rosie was the prettiest 8-year-old calico tiger. She was a lovely, social, and cheerful cat who greeted new friends at the Shelter with bright eyes, purrs and invitations to pet her.
In her former home Rosie was bullied by a dog and a cat, constantly frightened and miserable. But when she arrived at the Shelter, Rosie immediately cheered up and loved to be petted by her caretakers. She was happy in her own room and was looking forward to a loving new home as the only pet. We felt that she would quickly bond with a new human companion.
Amy Bean from Lyndonville adopted Rosie on January 25th.
On Jan 26th Amy texted:
“Rosie is doing fantastic. It took her a little bit of time, exploring the house. She was upstairs and downstairs and back up all afternoon. She used the cat box almost immediately and one of her favorite spots to lie is by the woodstove. Rosie didn’t hide at all when she got home. She explored every single room. I just let her do her thing and checked on her every few minutes, but she was really good. She has got to be tired. She is still exploring in between her rest times. She ate her dry and canned food.”
A few days later, Rosie had a big fright when she saw a neighbor’s outdoor cat walking by the house. She had thought she was safe, and suddenly her past seemed to catch up to her… But with the help of gentle calming supplements, Rosie was able to relax again and to realize that nobody was invading her newly found haven.
Amy said, “She is doing amazing. She is loving the wood stove and snuggles up to it every day and all day long. I think she realizes she is in a safe place now. Let’s hope that wandering cat stays away!!”
“Rosie is doing fantastic. It took her a little bit of time, exploring the house. She was upstairs and downstairs and back up all afternoon. She used the cat box almost immediately and one of her favorite spots to lie is by the woodstove. Rosie didn’t hide at all when she got home. She explored every single room. I just let her do her thing and checked on her every few minutes, but she was really good. She has got to be tired. She is still exploring in between her rest times. She ate her dry and canned food.”
A few days later, Rosie had a big fright when she saw a neighbor’s outdoor cat walking by the house. She had thought she was safe, and suddenly her past seemed to catch up to her… But with the help of gentle calming supplements, Rosie was able to relax again and to realize that nobody was invading her newly found haven.
Amy said, “She is doing amazing. She is loving the wood stove and snuggles up to it every day and all day long. I think she realizes she is in a safe place now. Let’s hope that wandering cat stays away!!”
Skyler
Marmalade and Skyler
On a Tuesday afternoon in October, a man stopped by the Shelter and said that he had four very young kittens whose mother was killed by a car. He didn’t know what to do with them. We took them in, and because they were buff- and orange-colored, we lovingly called them “The Sweet Potatoes.”
They soon found a perfect foster home with Tori who had excellent skills in raising kittens and was supported by her family of trusty sidekicks: her young daughter Hadley (tireless playmate), husband Josh (dedicated cuddle buddy), cat Floof (devoted kitten aunty), and cat Beans (feline supervisor.)
Sister Marmalade and brother Skyler were very close. Marmalade was super sweet and affectionate. She loved to curl up in a lap or with her brother in a cat pile to take a nap. She was a little lover who had a very loud purr that was almost always going. She was as playful as she was sweet and loved to run around playing soccer with toys and batting around cat dancer toys with her brother.
Skyler was very talkative and loved to have morning conversations about what was going to be served for breakfast. He was incredibly sweet. Although he was not a lap cat, he was always close to his humans, either playing or lounging nearby. He was a playful and curious little guy who loved to explore and sit high on top of perches so he could observe all the action below.
They were adopted on January 25th by Maggie and her family from Starksboro, Vt. They joined senior cat Otto. Their plan was to slowly and carefully introduced Otto to his new feline housemates so that he could accept them and sign off on the adoption, as well. Everybody had their fingers crossed…
Skyler was very talkative and loved to have morning conversations about what was going to be served for breakfast. He was incredibly sweet. Although he was not a lap cat, he was always close to his humans, either playing or lounging nearby. He was a playful and curious little guy who loved to explore and sit high on top of perches so he could observe all the action below.
They were adopted on January 25th by Maggie and her family from Starksboro, Vt. They joined senior cat Otto. Their plan was to slowly and carefully introduced Otto to his new feline housemates so that he could accept them and sign off on the adoption, as well. Everybody had their fingers crossed…
On January 27th Maggie wrote:
“Just a quick update to let you know that the kitties are doing great! They have settled in very nicely to their small safe room and are playing, eating, using the litter box, and snuggling perfectly. We are in love already. Thank you again so much for choosing us and for taking such good care of them!”
On February 9th Maggie wrote:
“The kitties are doing wonderful! Otto has settled quite nicely with them, better than we could have hoped. He and the boy especially are becoming buds. We named them Cutie and Carrot, named by our kiddos. They love to sleep on our bed and Cutie rubs her face all over mine in the middle of the night. They are very sweet and playful. We are very happy!”
“Just a quick update to let you know that the kitties are doing great! They have settled in very nicely to their small safe room and are playing, eating, using the litter box, and snuggling perfectly. We are in love already. Thank you again so much for choosing us and for taking such good care of them!”
On February 9th Maggie wrote:
“The kitties are doing wonderful! Otto has settled quite nicely with them, better than we could have hoped. He and the boy especially are becoming buds. We named them Cutie and Carrot, named by our kiddos. They love to sleep on our bed and Cutie rubs her face all over mine in the middle of the night. They are very sweet and playful. We are very happy!”
Callum McFloof
Written by Helen Morrison
Late October, a call from Littleton Area Veterinary Urgent Care! An older couple had picked up a very young black kitten, alone by the side of the road. Estimated age, 2 weeks. Would KAS take him?
How could we ever say no!!??
Now…who might be a foster for such a young kitten? Someone who was willing to bottle feed every 2-3 hours, day and night. All fosters at the time were full. So…home the kitten came to be with Julia and me. What a change of lifestyle THAT was!!
It’s like suddenly having a baby…and neither of us are Spring chickens.
For five weeks, we tended to our new kitten, Callum McFloof…watched him struggle now and then, gain strength, put on weight, learn to climb over the baby gate, decide he wanted to to play with our elderly kitty boys, somewhat to their chagrin.
By early December, Callum was ready to move on to his next life adventure, being fostered by our wonderful foster, Susanne. Susanne already had two KAS two year old boys, Hunter and Simon, as well as fourteen year old Blackjack.
Callum and Blackjack
Susanne was just the perfect foster for this new boy. He quickly learned his boundaries, made with love and clarity. He made friends with the young kitty boys, especially one…and elderly Blackjack even eventually warmed to him. At the end of January, Susanne said she would like to adopt Callum. And so….Callum officially became a member of her kitty family…and now has his forever home!!
Enjoy all the photos of Callum’s journey, from little kitten…to boy being playful and making friends, even with the elder of the house, Black jack. And such a relaxed boy…willing to show his belly for a belly rub.
Well done, Callum. Lucky boy!
Enjoy all the photos of Callum’s journey, from little kitten…to boy being playful and making friends, even with the elder of the house, Black jack. And such a relaxed boy…willing to show his belly for a belly rub.
Well done, Callum. Lucky boy!