Warm (and I mean really, really warm) July greetings to you, and to all our kind and caring Kitten Fund sponsors!

You could call it a good old-fashioned coming-out party for Tabby’s Place kittens. The annual Kitten Shower, held late last month on a Saturday afternoon, showed the public fifteen of the smallest beneficiaries of Jonathan Rosenberg’s vision.

I made the drive to Ringoes that afternoon, and the first thing after walking in the door, I saw Jill, one of the foster moms who do so much for the ones who need it so much. Jill told me she has a new pair of fosters, a torbie named Feisty and an orange tabby with the appropriate moniker Cheesepuff, both of whom are females that had been trapped in Bayonne.  (That’s Jill’s image of Cheesepuff in the header.)

They’re under one year old, so they are still considered kittens, but they’re a few weeks beyond the range where young cats are considered to be easier to socialize. “They are not what I would call spicy,” Jill reports, “but they aren’t happy either. They aren’t aggressive but would prefer I leave them very much alone.”  However, she says that doesn’t faze her: “They are a bit of a project, but I am determined to win them over!”

A few minutes later, I walked down the hallway into Quinn’s Corner and met foster mom Kelly, who has had her hands full with the six kittens from the “Tree Litter”, consisting of mom Maple and her offspring:  Birch, Cypress, Elm, Oak, Pine, and Sycamore.   Some kittens were on the floor within a screened-in fabric enclosure, while others were gently held on the laps of visitors. Kelly was busy with them, so I didn’t take much of her time that day, but I did snap some pictures.

It was just a few steps from there to one of the FeLV-positive suites within Quinn’s Corner, which contained newcomers named for characters in the movie “Wicked.” Boq, Elphaba, and Fiyero are about six months old, and they came to Tabby’s Place from a rescue in Connecticut. All three of them are solid black, so to keep everyone straight on who is who, they have been given different colored collars.

As I walked in, I caught glimpses of three black cats scattering for cover. That wasn’t a complete surprise, since it had been noted that they were still getting used to their new quarters after being comfortable in their foster home.

Moments later, Elphaba and her pink collar emerged from hiding and struck some poses for me while I stayed at a respectful distance. Boq (blue) and Fiyero (red) elected to remain in their temporary hiding places until I moved on.

A quick follow-up: Word went out internally that the Wicked Litter could use some extra enrichment and attention to help socialize them, and Tabby’s Place has no shortage of volunteers who look forward to helping out with these special requests. Soon after, volunteer Susan posted, “With a little help from a squeeze-up, Fiyero really enjoys pets. He actually leaned in to get more pets on his head and full body. Also, Elphaba loves to chase a laser dot. Boq is a little more cautious, but loves to play.”

Throughout that Saturday afternoon, the kittens drew a good deal of attention from their human visitors. By the time you read this, several of them will either be on their way to their forever home or will soon be adopted.  Development Director Angela sums up the comings and goings from the month just past in June Epilogues.

Every kitten who is cared for through Tabby’s Place is a beneficiary of your generosity. Everyone here thanks you for your faithful support.

Until next month, I wish you and yours all good things.

Your correspondent,
John

P.S.:  Below are a few more photos from the Kitten Shower, all courtesy of volunteer photographer Lorraine.