Katie, an elementary school music teacher in Hawaii, has always had a soft spot for cats. Her love for felines led her to establish a non-profit foster organization called Katie’s Kittenz, where she dedicates her time and resources to helping stray cats and kittens find loving homes. Among the many kittens she has cared for, one special kitten named Otter left an unforgettable mark on her heart.
A Call That Changed Everything
One ordinary day, Katie received an urgent call from a local Hawaiian animal hospital. A tiny black kitten had been brought in and was at risk of euthanasia. The staff believed she was abandoned and feared for her survival, as newborn kittens require constant care—including feedings every two to three hours. Without hesitation, Katie jumped in her car and drove straight to the hospital. She didn’t know the kitten, but she knew she had to help.
The Mystery of Otter’s Past
When Katie first met the kitten, whom she later named Otter, something didn’t add up. Otter appeared healthy, clean, and well-fed—unusual for a truly abandoned kitten. Katie suspected the kitten had been mistakenly separated from her mother. In an interview, she shared, “She was plump. She was clean. She was well-fed. So, the mother cat had most likely been doing an excellent job taking care of her.”
Katie referred to this situation as “kitnapping”—a well-meaning but misguided act where people remove kittens they believe to be orphaned. On her Instagram page, she explained, “’Kitnapping’ is when people find kittens alone, and assume the kitten has been abandoned by its mother. Usually well-intentioned, these people take the kittens from their nest to try to find help.”
Becoming a Surrogate Mom
With no way to reunite Otter with her real mom, Katie took on the role herself. She prepared a warm, cozy nest inside a box lined with blankets and equipped with a heating pad. She set alarms throughout the night to feed Otter every two to three hours, ensuring she received the nutrients she needed to thrive. Her dedication never wavered.
Despite the challenging schedule, Katie found strength in Otter’s spirit. “I find her resilience really inspiring. When you think about all that Otter’s been through, she is still so strong, so tough, so spunky,” she said. Otter’s will to live touched Katie deeply and strengthened their growing bond.
Coping With Loneliness
While Katie showered Otter with love and attention, the kitten sometimes felt the ache of loneliness. The other foster kittens weren’t very welcoming, and Otter often found herself alone. Katie understood how crucial companionship was for a kitten’s development. “Kittens aren’t meant to be alone. They’re supposed to have a mother cat and littermates… so you can definitely tell that Otter gets lonely,” she explained.
Katie worked hard to fill that void. She gave Otter constant affection, held her often, and made sure she never felt neglected. Her efforts soon paid off in a heartwarming way.
A Bond Like No Other
As Otter continued to grow, her attachment to Katie intensified. She began treating Katie as her real mom. Moreover, Katie shared, “Otter thinks I’m her mom! She just wants to be on me all the time. And won’t stop crying until I pick her up. She won’t stop nuzzling my hands until I pet her.”
Otter followed Katie around the house, snuggled close at every opportunity, and even kneaded her face affectionately. The tiny kitten who had been mistakenly rescued now believed she had found her forever mother.
Preparing for Goodbye
Despite their deep connection, Katie knew she would eventually have to say goodbye. Once Otter was old enough, she would be adopted into a permanent home. Though the idea saddened her, Katie remained selfless. “It would be selfish not to share her with the world,” she admitted.
Katie took comfort in knowing Otter’s future would be bright. “I feel so privileged to have gotten the opportunity to be a part of her story. I know that the rest of her life, wherever it is, whoever it’s with, is gonna be beautiful, is gonna be amazing,” she expressed gratefully.
A Foster Mom’s Legacy
Every foster parent faces the heartache of parting with a beloved animal, but their work is invaluable. Katie’s story is a beautiful example of how love, even in temporary forms, can change lives forever. For now, she continues cherishing every moment with Otter, though the possibility of a “foster fail”—keeping Otter forever—remains on her mind.