The Kitten Librarian

We love hearing about our graduates!

2012-02-26T09:47:00.000-05:00

Lollie, from our very first litter of fosters was adopted at the end of July, 2011. Her mom fell in love with her sweet face and enjoyed living with her new baby. After a couple of months, though, she felt that Lollie needed a playmate and called the Kitten Librarian to find Lollie a friend. She was also hoping to adopt a kitten who would be a little less independent than Lollie; one who would enjoy cuddling with Lollie and with her, the mom.

We talked it over and I felt that Buffy would be the best choice for her. Buffy was a snuggler - with me and with the other cats at the library at the time. So Lollie's mom adopted Buffy and renamed him Jordi.

As you can see from these pictures, Lollie and Jordi have become best friends, plus Jordi spends a lot of time being a lap cat for their mom. Everyone is happy and it is another wonderful graduate story.

We are so happy for Lollie, Jordi, and their mom!

Jordi chillin'

Lollie keeping an eye on things

Making a heart shape - that's love!

Best friends

Taking it easy on the tower

Another graduate success!

2012-02-14T18:44:00.000-05:00

I was so thrilled to hear from the adoptive parents of Squirrel -- who is now called Piper. When we met them for the adoption interview, Squirrel/Piper immediately took to them, and we felt good about sending her to her new home. They were adopting her for a companion for a little stray kitten, Elliot, they had taken in.

Last week I received an email with lots of pictures and lots of great stories about Piper in her new home. Here are some highlights! This is why we do what we do!

Squirrel, who we have decided to call Piper since she is so vocal, is doing great. After a couple of weeks, she and Elliot were inseparable. They chase, wrestle, cuddle and clean each other like the best of friends. :-) We have been very happy to have both them be a part of our house. Their antics definitely add a lot of fun to the day.

. . .

Piper is very happy here. She and Elliot get along beautifully. In fact, I would say that she fixed him. I think that he needed a companion to play with, and I think that Piper was the perfect choice. I'm not sure that we could have chosen better. It didn't take her long to be able to hold her own ground as they wrestled, and from the beginning she was willing to assert her authority even though she was a little smaller than he was. There was no way she was going to let him have his way in everything. Now, they have learned to share a lot, although she does take control at times

. . .

"000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 (that was Piper putting in her two cents. She says it's bedtime and I should lay down so that she can fall asleep on me.")

Why should I adopt a fostered animal?

2012-02-13T22:01:00.000-05:00

The Kitten Librarian would like to list a few reasons why adopting a foster kitten (or puppy) is a good way to go for those thinking of adding a furry ball of love to their family.

All kittens are up-to-date on shots and sterilization before they are offered for adoption.
Kittens are socialized with cats and people and spend their waiting time in a loving home with lots of playtime, attention, and cuddles.
Because they've lived with me, the Kitten Librarian, I know their personalities and can detail any quirks or unique personality traits: what toys are favorites, what games are enjoyed, do they like to be cuddled or would they rather be the one to make the approach?
Once our kittens find their new forever homes, the "library" is open for the next batch of kittens to be fostered and to find new homes - more little lives to be saved.
We provide as much, or as little, personal contact as the adoptive family desires after the adoption; we love to get updates and photos of our "graduates" and are happy to answer any questions or concerns the new family may have.
We have the 29 years of experience and expertise of the Jessamine Humane Society (jessaminehumanesociety.org) behind us, to provide support and advice with any issues we may have with our foster babies.

That's right; I'm Zipper!

I caught it! It's mine.

Marci, helping Phil Mickleson sink a putt.

Please go toour FB page: http://www.facebook.com/kittenlibrarian and “like” it and “share”it. We would like to create a ripple effect and spread the word as far and wideas possible. This kitten librarian is willing to deliver a kitten to a lovinghome almost anywhere – combine a road trip with an errand of mercy; what could be better?

Graduates!

2012-01-30T19:46:00.001-05:00

Graduates Jordi (Buffy) and Lollie are enjoying moments of laziness in their new home. Their mom sent me these pictures and said that, although they aren't siblings and were adopted a couple of months apart, they get along wonderfully. These two were very special to me and I'm so happy to see them looking so contented.

I am so happy to hear that they are buddies and have such a happy home. It does my foster mom heart good to hear success stories about "my" babies. As attached as I get to all these little guys and how tough it is to see them go, the whole purpose is to find these deserving kittens loving forever homes.

Way to go, Jordi & Lollie and their wonderful mom!

Waiting. . .

2012-01-28T13:16:00.000-05:00

Two kittens are still waiting for their forever homes. They are sweet, funny, lovely babies and deserve to be loved. If you are considering adding a bundle of love to your life, or know anyone who is, consider these two sweeties.
Folks who have seen these kitties in person have admired their charms, good looks, and wonderful personalities, but admiration isn't enough. These babies need to find a home.

Zipper . . . chillin'

Zipper: "You lookin' at me?"

Zipper is funny, gawky, lean, and sleek, possibly partly Abyssinian because of his brown splashes, long limbs, and panther-like movements. Marci is a gray tabby with splashes of gold and tan; a beautiful kitten who would love to be an only pet - queen of all she surveys - or, even better, to be adopted with her best buddy, Zipper.

Marci: "Why'd you wake me up?"

Marci and resident cat, Tigger

Kitten update

2012-01-13T10:57:00.001-05:00

There have been no posts in the past couple of weeks because, here at the Kitten Library, we've been dealing with a few health issues. Neither kitten, at any time, acted ill: both always ate very well and have been very active and playful. Their only symptoms were visual . . .

. . .Zippy little Zipper has a few spots of ringworm and watery, squinty eyes.

. . . Marci has been very healthy all along, but recently developed a "gunky" eye (her right) and a bit of a runny nose.

Both kittens saw the doctor on Wednesday. Marci was given an antibiotic shot and Zipper was given a topical ointment for his ringworm. Zipper was given a clean bill of health for internal and external parasites, as was Marci.

The main focus for the next couple of weeks is to boost all kittens' and cats' immune systems and bring everyone back up to 100% health. The kittens have been taken off PetFinder during this time of healing, but will be re-appearing there as soon as they are back in prime form.

The Jessamine Humane Society and the Kitten Librarians want to be absolutely sure that the kittens we offer to loving, forever families are healthy, happy babies who will add love and enjoyment to their new families for many years to come.
Stay tuned here for health updates. (Marci is helping me type this and is licking my finger.) We hope to be able to put them back on PetFinder very soon and find them the families they deserve. They are sweet kittens and would love very much to be adopted together, if there is a family out there with room in their home and hearts for both. If they are adopted separately, that would also be a very happy thing. They deserve to be loved.

Suddenly, there are two again.

2012-01-01T18:53:00.000-05:00

Our little Marci has returned. It turns out that the new adoptive father was allergic to her floofiness. Having not been around cats much in his life, he didn't realize he had an allergy.

So Marci is back in the Kitten Library, where she and Zipper will remain until their forever homes are found. They have both had some nibbles, but nothing for sure yet.

Marci

The vet said that Marci looks a tabby who is confused about her coloring. She's mostly a grey tabby, but has interesting brown and white highlights, which really sets her apart as a unique, gorgeous individual.

Zipper

The vet thinks that Zipper may have some abyssinian in him: he is a brown tabby, but behind his ears and around his head, the color is closer to red/bronze. Also, he is developing a lean body, with a triangle-shaped face and big ears.
Here is a recent picture of Zipper, followed by a picture of an abyssinian. Zipper may grow up to look quite similar to that cat, except he'll still have his stripes.

Abyssinian Cat

Although either kitten would do well if adopted separately, it would be wonderful if some kind family adopts them together. They are not litter mates, but have been together for over a month and have a great time playing chase, pounce, and tumble. They are the best of friends and Marci was welcomed back into the group with great enthusiasm.

Suddenly, there was one . . .

2011-12-31T23:53:00.000-05:00

Three little kittens have left the nest.

Button is now Buttons

Socks is still Socks

Buttons and Socks will be together in their new forever home

We are so happy that Socks and Buttons were adopted together. They are sisters and have always been together and will always be together. That's the way we love for it to work out. Their lovely adoptive parents have two sweet babies to cuddle and love.

Marci has also moved into her new home. She is the only pet for her adoptive parents, which is really an ideal situation for her. Her name is now Mittens and she will rule the roost as Queen Mittens. She is such a pretty girl and will make her new family very happy.

Marci, now to be known as Mittens

We are very happy for all our babies who have found new homes.

Kittens and Girl Scouts

2011-12-26T14:24:00.001-05:00

The Jessamine Humane Society and the Kitten Librarian have been "adopted" by Lexington Girl Scout Troop 366. We are honored and excited to have their support. Look for future adoption events that are cosponsored by this troop, and possibly a fund-raiser or two.

At their slumber party last week, the girls decorated neck ties for our kittens (and for the JHS puppies that live in other foster homes). Our kittens modeled some of them for the blog!

Some of these kittens are natural models. Some, whose names we will not mention (*cough* *cough* Button *cough*), are not destined for a career in modeling.

Socks

Socks shows off Troop 366

Marci

Button

Zipper

Still looking. . .

2011-12-22T08:41:00.002-05:00

Hello. My name is Button and my sister and brother and I are still looking for our forever homes. We've all had some nibbles, but nothing firm yet.

Button

Is our new home down there?

Socks

Or maybe up there?

Zipper

Please help us find our new forever homes. We know they're out there waiting for us.

Big Day

2011-12-16T08:33:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is a big day for Marci and Zipper. They will be experiencing the rite of passage known as spay/neuter. Luckily for them, they don't know what's coming!

Our little Zipper and lovely Marci will be ready for their forever homes on Monday. They are hopeful that their good looks and wonderful personalities will persuade some lucky families to adopt them.

Good luck tomorrow, kittens! You'll be pampered and petted when you get home.

Zipper's kittenmatch.com profile

2011-12-12T19:09:00.003-05:00

Username:ZipperDeeDoDa

Headline: catchme if you can

Age: 3 months

Gender: Male

Location:Nicholasville, KY

Seeking: foreverhome

Hair color: browntabby dipped in rust

Eye color: gray

Body type:compact and zippy

About me: I wasnamed Zipper because my cousins (Socks and Button) have names that have to dowith clothing, and my foster Mom wanted me too as well. So she came up withZipper, and it turns out it’s really fitting, because I like to zip around! Infact, one of my favorite games is to zip away when my foster Mom wants to petme. I make her chase me, but then I let her catch me and I love to be held. Iwill lie in her arms and purr as long as she likes. I also really like to playwith other cats, and then fall asleep next to my foster Mom’s legs.

Interests: thetoy that is a rattle ball on the end of a string which is attached to a stick,boxes and other small things that I can feel big inside

Exercise habits: zippingaround the house

Political views: undecided

Religion: notreligious

Sign: Virgo

Education: litter-boxtrained

Are we a match? Fill out the adoption application and findout!

Sad day

2011-12-11T19:03:00.001-05:00

I have sad news to report from the Kitten Library. Our sweet little six-toes -- Ernie, Mittens, and Polly -- were tested yesterday and found positive for feline leukemia.

I am so sad to report that all three babies had to be euthanized; feline leukemia is 100% fatal - it's just a matter of time - and is contagious. We think they must have inherited it from their mother, who is a feral, living in a colony. Our hope is to find and test some of the members of the colony to try to locate and euthanize the sick ones so they can't pass it on anymore.

Here is a tribute to the Polydactyl babies in pictures:

First Day

Ernie

Ernie's Feet

Mittens' Feet

Mittens Again

Polly

Polly Again

RIP, Sweet Babies. We will miss you.

Lastly. . .

2011-12-09T07:37:00.001-05:00

Here's Polly. She is the third sibling of the Polydactyls. She is the only girl and the only one with normal feet.

She is a tiny girl and has a very sweet, calm disposition.

She likes to cuddle and enjoys playtime with her brothers.

All this new cuteness is rather intoxicating, but please don't forget Button and Socks, who are still waiting for their forever home. They are friendly, playful, healthy babies who would love to join a family; such a family would be lucky to have these wonderful kittens in their lives. Please open your heart and let these cuties in.

Now. . . Mittens

2011-12-08T09:40:00.001-05:00

Mittens is the second brother - another six-toe. His little front paws look like he's wearing mittens; hence the name, of course.

Mittens is a cute little guy who is very playful and cuddly. Although on the surface, these three babies look like typical tabby cats, they are so much more.

Maybe it's the gene for the six-toes; they are super loving and sweet. Their fur is slightly longer than most tabbies and very soft and fluffy.

The three six-toes and Marci were introduced to the rest of the gang this morning and things are going well. Their eyes are very big, taking in the expansion of their world and its population. Tomorrow you will meet the third sibling. . . their tiny sister.

The six-toes. . .

2011-12-07T18:32:00.001-05:00

I'd like to introduce the newest members of the Kitten Library. These cuties are Polydactyl kittens - kittens with more than the usual number of toes.

You may be aware that Ernest Hemingway had a love for the six-toes and had several during his lifetime. His estate still has a large cat population, over half of which are Polydactyls.

In honor of Ernest Hemingway, the gold boy in the middle is named Ernie. He has an extra toe on each front foot; to make it more interesting, one of the extra toes has two claws!

Ernie is a sweet little guy who enjoys the company of his brother and sister and the other foster he's met so far: Marci.

Tomorrow I'll introduce you to Ernie's brother. After that, you'll meet their sister, who is the one of the three whose feet are normal.

Introducing. . .

2011-12-07T08:15:00.001-05:00

Meet Marci. She came to the Kitten Library from a kind woman who noticed her and her brother in her neighborhood. Marci's parents are ferals; so far she has been unable to catch them to have them spayed/neutered. Marci, although still a bit timid and distrustful, is not feral and has made tremendous strides in the week that she's been here. Unfortunately, her brother was hit by a car before he was able to be brought to us.

The day before Marci came, three fluffy balls of fur were brought to the Library. I've been having troubles with the blog and so far haven't been able to load any pictures, but I'll try again later.

These three babies are Polydactyl kittens, the kind that Ernest Hemingway loved. They have six or more toes on their front feet and the fifth toe on their back feet is more pronounced than usual. They are litter mates - two boys and one girl - but the girl has normal feet.

Hopefully I'll be able to post pictures of these babies real soon. They are very cute - two grey tabbies and one gold tabby - and very sweet, although they were quite shy at first.

Marci and the three Polys have been introduced to each other and are getting along very well. The next step is to let them join the rest of the mob, which will happen in the next couple of days.

The Kitten Library is bursting its seams with foster kittens and resident cats; we are hopeful that a caring person or family is ready to take one or more of these sweet babies into their home. All are playful, healthy, cuddly babies and are ready to give many years of love to the lucky family who decides to adopt them.

Is that you?? They are waiting for you.

Uncle Willie and Zipper

2011-12-04T15:57:00.001-05:00

YouTube Video

Big changes . . .

2011-12-03T13:54:00.001-05:00

There have been many changes at the Kitten Libraries:
Our little Myka - sweet little blue-eyed girl - was taken to her new forever home this morning. She will be living with her new mom and a 14-year-old dog named Pete. She will be getting a new name, but that hasn't been completely decided upon yet.

Remember when she looked like this? (There was supposed to be a picture here, but the blog is being difficult and I can't get any pictures to load. I'll try again tomorrow.)

The Kitten Library North has closed its doors - temporarily. The resident foster kittens - Button, Socks, and Zipper - are now living at the Kitten Library South. They have settled in nicely, have been introduced to the resident cats, and are feeling very much at home while they wait for that special someone to take them into their home.

The same day they arrived, a new batch of kittens arrived. There are three babies and they are quite special. They are Polydactyl kittens - like the kind that Ernest Hemingway was so fond of. They have six toes on their front feet instead of the usual five. Two of the three have very obvious mitten-like feet; the third's feet look more normal.

The morning after the six babies arrived, I met a woman who had a kitten she had been feeding who was the offspring of feral parents. I agreed to take her in, in hopes that a safe environment will allow her to begin to trust that a loving home could be in her future. She is a very pretty girl; still nervous, but a little more comfortable every day.

I'll be posting pictures and more information about the 6-toes - names, colors, etc - and all the rest of the fosters in the next few days.

Meanwhile, don't forget our gift-wrapping event at Joseph-Beth Booksellers on Monday from 6-10pm. Bring your shopping list and allow us to wrap your purchases. We'll have pictures of our fosters - current and graduate. We'll also have a donation jar for those who wish to support our very worthy cause. We look forward to seeing our Kitten Librarian friends!

Stay tuned for pictures and we look forward to seeing you Monday!

A plea from Button, Socks, and Zipper

2011-11-30T10:35:00.001-05:00

Our three library kittens are asking for your help. They are thrilled to have been rescued and to have a chance to find a loving forever home. Now, they want me to tell you about where they came from, and some of the many cats that also need help.

Just like Possum and Squirrel, our three current little ones were born on a farm in Mercer County. This farm has become an oasis for cats from all over the neighborhood; several have made their way over after being left behind when their owners move, and many are born and become grown-up cats before anyone has a chance to put them into foster care. A very caring woman, and a great friend of the Kitten Library, lives at this farm and has been working very hard to take care of these cats. She feeds them every night, and she has captured many of them and taken them to be spayed and neutered at her own expense. She tries to keep them clean and puts flea collars on them.

Now she is trying to sell her home and we are all worried about the cats that live there and depend on her. Most of them, although feral, are quite friendly and have become reliant on the nightly feeding. Please help us spread the word about these cats -- we are hoping to find them new homes in barns or other outdoor spaces with people who will put out some kibble for them and provide some shelter for them in the winter.

We have pictures of several of them -- they are so sweet and cute! If you, or someone you know, can help, please send us an email at kittenlibrarian.lexington@gmail.com.

Baby

Hanna Banana -- she has a bob tail!

Ariel - Possum and Squirrel's mom!

Calico

Scarlett

Roscoe

Zipper's bath

2011-11-17T19:23:00.000-05:00

I wasn't going to post any more bath pictures because it's kind of undignified for the kittens. But Zipper looked so cute after his! These came out a little blurry, but I love how they show his long fur looking all spiky.

Surprise! . . . It's triplets!

2011-11-14T13:09:00.003-05:00

Look who we found. A sibling (or cousin? we're not sure) to Socks and Button was found last week, and I picked him up this morning and brought him to the library. Meet Zipper! He's just about Socks's size, and he is very orange. Poor little guy has to be in quarantine all by himself, and he's a little nervous about the new setting, but he is starting to look around and play with the toys. He is happiest so far sitting on my lap. He is going to be a cuddler, I think.

Socks finished her profile!

2011-11-13T10:39:00.004-05:00

Username: SexySocksie

Headline: i am as sweet as i look

Age: 3 months

Gender: Female

Location: Lexington, KY

Seeking: forever home

Hair color: light beige with brown stripes and white on all my toes and my chin and neck and belly and a little bit on my nose

Eye color: green

Body type: small and plump

About me: i am a very small and sweet kitten. i am a lot smaller than button but i purr just as loud! and i can get on the bed by climbing it like a monkey. my fur is fuzzy and fluffy and i don’t know if it will be like that when i grow up. i like to be brushed. i like to play with button and i let her think she wins when we wrestle. i think button was born before me because she is bigger, but i guess we don’t know for sure. i like being the baby. i would like to be adopted with button because we are best friends and sisters.

Interests: gazing soulfully, pretending i don’t see button when she sneaks up on me, game for cats game on ipad, admiring my white toes and keeping them clean, sitting on my foster mom’s chest when she is reading so she can’t see the book

Exercise habits: i run around with button and i also like to play on the scratch post that has rattle toys tied to it

Political views: why can’t we all just get along?

Religion: button says there is a golden rule but i cannot give people food and i want people to give me food, so i don’t think it works

Sign: Leo

Education: i can use the litter box

Are we a match? Fill out the adoption application and find out!

online profiles for the kittens

2011-11-12T20:07:00.001-05:00

Button saw an ad for match.com and thought, if it is so successful for humans, why not for kittens? So she and Socks have been working on composing their online match profiles. Here is Button's . . . Socks is still wordsmithing hers and hopes to have it done tomorrow.

Username: button11

Headline: open-minded kitten seeks same in new forever home

Age: 3 months

Gender: Female

Location: Lexington, KY

Seeking: long-term relationship

Hair color: light beige with brown stripes

Eye color: green

Body type: long and sleek

About me: I’m an adventurous kitten with a strong independent streak, who also loves to cuddle (my favorite place to sleep is right next to my foster mom’s neck). I enjoy other cats; in addition to my sister, Socks, I have befriended the two grumpy cats that live in my foster home, and now they run around with me as if they were kittens (it makes my foster mom laugh; apparently they haven’t acted like this in years!). I am a lot bigger than my sister and I will probably grow up to be a big, beautiful cat. When I was very small – before I can remember, and before I was rescued and brought inside – something happened to my tail. I think maybe something heavy fell on it, and now it is permanently bent downward where it broke. I think it adds character, and I’m not in any pain now.

I’d love a new home that has other animals, or that wants to take me and Socks together. I get very squirmy when I’m held, so I need someone who will respect that, but I make up for it by letting you pet and scratch me as much as you want!

Interests: exploring every corner of the house, having my belly scratched, making friends, treats

Exercise habits: work hard and play hard

Political views: I support Don’t Ask, Just Feed, and the Clean Drinking Water Act

Religion: you cannot go wrong with the golden rule

Sign: Leo (very fitting, I think)

Education: graduated with honors from litter box training; considering a further degree in diplomacy

Are we a match? Fill out the adoption application and find out!

Graduates

2011-11-10T09:55:00.000-05:00

Some of the Kitten Library graduates have sent us their pictures so we can see their new homes and hear how they're doing. We always love to have updates on our grads and to know that they're happy and healthy with their families.

Lucy (formerly Hermione) mid-leap

Ricky (formerly Ron) hamming for the camera

Ricky and Lucy are doing a fine job keeping down the mouse population
when they're not being snuggled by their new mom

One of our first graduates, Lollie, is starting to make friends with our
newest grad, Buffy - who will be forever after known as Jordy

Lollie wasn't too sure about Jordy for the first day, but has already
decided that he might be a fun playmate

Good luck to our graduates and keep the pictures coming! We love to see them.

Sisters

2011-11-08T20:27:00.001-05:00

Look at those legs on Button!

Yay for Buffy!

2011-11-06T19:12:00.000-05:00

Buffy has a new home!! The mom of Kitten Library graduate, Lollie, emailed a few days ago to say that she wanted to get a kitten as a companion for Lollie. She felt that since Lollie had started her life with 5 brothers and sisters, she was lonely as an only cat.

Lollie's mom, D., came over to meet Buffy and decided that he and Lollie could be good friends. Buffy gets along well with my resident cats and my other foster, Micah, and I'm sure that he and Lollie will get along well, too, after a little time to get to know each other.

I look forward to hearing how Buffy and Lollie are doing and to seeing some pictures of them when they start to play. I'll be posting pictures as soon as I get some from D.

Buffy with "Uncle Willie", our resident babysitter

Congratulations, Buffy!! I miss you, but I'm so happy that you have a forever home. Have fun with Lollie; she's a lovely cat and you're a sweet boy.

Princess Socks

2011-11-04T14:21:00.001-04:00

Button's sister, Socks, is our tiny little princess. She tries to maintain a regal demeanor, but it doesn't always work. She has very soulful eyes.

Our blue-eyed boy

2011-11-03T20:49:00.001-04:00

Re-introducing Micah. We haven't posted him lately because of some health issues, but he's back in fine form and ready to show off those beautiful blue eyes. He'll be going for his surgery soon and will be ready to find his new family.

He's been with this Kitten Librarian since he was abandoned by his mother at approximately two weeks of age and we've had some scary times, but he pulled through everything and is now full of life and fun. He's still very small for his age and may always be because of his shaky start in life. He doesn't know he's small, though, and is just one of the gang.

Miss Button

2011-11-03T17:32:00.001-04:00

Button (and Socks) is cousin to Kitten Librarian alums Possum and Squirrel - which is clear in her face and mannerisms. She also loves to pose for pictures!

2011-11-02T18:33:00.001-04:00

I just got a new iPhone, and it takes great pictures! Even better than my camera. And it's so easy to post them here. So you may be seeing a lot of pictures posted as I play with my new toy! (can you blame me? The kittens and cats are all so photogenic!)

Happy Halloween from Socks and Button!

2011-10-31T16:13:00.000-04:00

Please . . . .

2011-10-29T05:53:00.001-04:00

My name is Buffy and I am looking for a home. I am very cuddly and once you pick me up, you will never want to put me down. I will snuggle into your arms and purr like a jet engine.
Please visit the JHS website at JessamineHumaneSociety.org to fill out an application for me. The prices listed there are incorrect, though. For only $75, I will come to you neutered and up-to-date on all shots - a happy, healthy baby who has lived in a loving foster home my entire life. I will love to live with other animals and children; I am a content, laid-back boy and nothing bothers me much.

Fun with Gracie

Take me home! You will love me.

Peek!

Doing dishes with Micah and YoYo.

Helping Mom type up the blog.

To know me is to love me!

Behind the scenes at the Kitten Library

2011-10-26T21:27:00.000-04:00

When we get new kittens in the library, they are subjected to all sorts of indignities to make sure they will be healthy. They get flea treatment, ear drops for ear mites and a good cleaning with q-tips, de-worming medicine (a white pasty liquid that they hate), clipped toe nails, and an overall inspection to look for skin or other issues.

But the worst of the indignities is The Bath. Since our kittens are usually coming from outside or a shelter, it's important to clean them up so they can start this new phase of their lives all fresh and floofy. Usually we do this as quickly as possible and it takes all our energy to get through it. But Socks and Button were pretty calm, and we managed to snap a few photos of the patheticness.

Introducing Socks and Button!

2011-10-25T21:59:00.000-04:00

Our busy week

2011-10-24T22:35:00.000-04:00

It's been a busy week at the Kitten Library! YoYo, Possum, and Squirrel have all moved into their forever homes. We're very happy with all the new homes, and we know the kittens are, too. Possum actually went all the way to Michigan for his new family! And he is now named Parsley, brother to Saffron. Squirrel also has a sibling, Elliot.

It's been very quiet here at Kitten Library Central since Possum/Parsley left on Saturday, but the good news is two new kittens moved in this morning! They are cousins to Squirrel and Possum/Parsley, and their super-sweet personalities reflect that. They moved in here with no fuss, and are already my best friends. They'll spend at least a week in quarantine before meeting the big cats.

Watch for pictures of the new arrivals soon! And in the meantime, remember that Buffy is still available for adoption. I know Wendy at the South branch is enjoying having him with her, but we'd like to find his forever home.

. . . and bad news.

2011-10-19T08:36:00.000-04:00

Buffy is still looking for his forever home.

Buffy is a cuddly little lap-sitter. He is very affectionate and purrs while he eats, when you pick him up . . . when you just look at him!

He's very friendly and social and loves to play with all his buddies here at the Kitten Library South. He is a very sweet, calm boy, who has lots of energy, but also loves to cuddle on a lap.

If you know someone who needs unconditional love in their life, along with a snuggly little body to keep their lap warm on cold winter nights, Buffy may be the answer. He is a lovely, sweet boy who deserves to find a caring, appreciative permanent home.

There's good news . . .

2011-10-19T08:12:00.000-04:00

Our wonderful YoYo is going tomorrow to his forever home! We are so excited for our lovely boy with the big eyes, big ears, long tail, and huge heart.

It turns out that he was just on loan to the Kitten Library South. The woman who let us keep him - and his sister, Hoops (Bella) - while he grew a little and learned to live with others, has decided she wants him in her life forever.

Who can blame her? This little guy has energy, personality, and looks. He loves to play with the Kitten Library South's resident cats and the other two fosters. His forever home also has some resident cats so, once he is introduced and all are comfortable with each other, he will have as much fun and give as much love and joy as he has here.

We're very happy for our little boy. We will miss him, but we know that he will have a happy life. Bye, bye, sweet YoYo!

YoYo . . .

2011-10-13T12:04:00.002-04:00

Our wonderful, gawky, loveable YoYo is still looking for his forever home. I know there is a family out there who will be smart enough to take this sweet boy into their lives.

YoYo is our climber. He loves to be on top of things, looking down on the world.

His fur is silky soft and his huge eyes and ears are always on the alert for fun.

He's very active and playful and would love to play with other cats/kittens or children, after a little getting-to-know-each-other time.

If you can picture yourself with this cute, funny, gawky boy, please visit the JHS website at jessaminehumanesociety.org and fill out an application. He will give you love and laughter all his life and you will always be grateful for the day you chose YoYo.

Kittens and puppies and books!

2011-10-10T22:21:00.000-04:00

On Saturday, the Kitten Librarians and Jessamine Humane Society held our first ever adoption event at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Lexington. It was a tremendous success! Squirrel, YoYo, and Buffy met lots of nice people, and there were dogs and puppies too. We are happy to announce that one dog was adopted! If you are visiting this blog because you met us at Joseph-Beth, welcome! We are already planning another event there, and will post details here as soon as we know more.

Our table was set up right inside the entrance to Joseph-Beth.

The kittens were shy and nervous at first, but they soon came to love all the attention!

YoYo and Buffy show off their cuteness.

I didn't get enough pictures of the dogs and puppies -- we got so busy I did not have time! But I did get this nice shot of Dudley -- who I hear may have found his forever home today!

Thank you Joseph-Beth and all the animal lovers who gave us your support!

Stalking of the big cats

2011-10-10T15:10:00.000-04:00

Possum and Squirrel are very interested in the big cats, Azalea and Cookie.

Possum makes the first move.

Cookie comes to see what is happening.

(A close-up on Azalea, who is expressing her feelings about kittens)

Cookie tries to hypnotize the kittens with her eyes.

It doesn't work, she has only transferred her powers to Possum.

Azalea: If I don't move, they won't see me. Are they gone yet?

Good News!!

2011-10-03T13:21:00.000-04:00

Two of our library kittens have been adopted! We are so happy for Hoops - who is now named Bella - and Possum. Bella is already with her new family and Possum will be driven to Michigan in a couple of weeks to start his new life.

Hoops is now Bella!

Possum will meet his new family in a couple of weeks!

To give the rest of our kittens an equal chance at a happy future, we are holding an adoption event next Saturday, Oct. 8, at Joseph-Beth Booksellers, who are so kind as to have the Jessamine Humane Society as their Charity of the Month for October.

Please stop by to see our kittens, and a puppy or two, and bring along anyone who may be interested in fluffy, purring, cuddly love. We will be at J-B on Saturday from noon till approximately 3pm. One of our adoptive moms plans to be there to share her experience with adopting two library kittens and how happy they have made her life.

Squirrel

2011-09-28T12:47:00.000-04:00

Adopt-a-Cat Month!

2011-09-27T13:45:00.002-04:00

October is Adopt-a-Cat month. The Kitten Librarians would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of our two lovely, sweet kittens who are still currently waiting for their forever homes: Hoops & YoYo.

Hoops - girl

YoYo - boy

Very soon, we will have four more kittens ready to find families to love. We have posted pictures of them over the past few weeks, but they were too young to be adopted. They'll all be getting their surgeries and shots and will be ready for their new homes in a week or so.

Buffy - boy

Micah - boy (I know I said Myka - girl - but we're back to thinking boy. . . could change again!
We'll know after the surgery for sure!) Check out the blue eyes!

Possum & Squirrel - both boys

The Joseph Beth Bookstore is featuring the Jessamine County Humane Society as their charity of the month for October's Adopt-a-Cat month. Please stop by and drop a little change in our donation jars, which will be located throughout the store.

We hope to be able to hold an adoption event at the store, also. We are discussing the details, but if it works out, you'll be able to come and see these precious babies in person and see for yourself how sweet they are. There may also be a puppy or two to admire and adopt.

More information on the happenings at Joseph Beth this month will be posted as it becomes available. Looking forward to seeing lots of Kitten Librarian fans in October!

Squirrel sleeping!

2011-09-25T09:26:00.000-04:00

They are so cute and innocent when they sleep.

Another sleeping kitten

2011-09-20T21:35:00.002-04:00

Possum!

Ahhh. . . relaxation!

2011-09-20T18:12:00.000-04:00

Oh, the innocence of kittens. . .

Myka plays hard and sleeps harder

Kitten spooning - Buffy & Myka

"I can sleep anywhere. . . at any time"

Just a lazy day on the top of the tower.

YoYo, completely relaxed and passed out.

It's a tough life - all that playing and eating and chasing and jumping. Wears a kitten out!

Possum and Squirrel on the move

2011-09-08T09:37:00.000-04:00

The kittens are still under quarantine (no contact with the big cats until we are 100% sure they are disease-free -- not going to be a problem with these two as they are the healthiest kittens we've fostered yet!), but they are allowed supervised romps through the spare room to work off some of their kitten energy.

Today's spotlight is on . . . . Hoops!

2011-09-06T19:28:00.001-04:00

Hoops is YoYo's sister and has also had her surgery and is waiting to be adopted by a very lucky family. She is a sweet girl with lovely soft fur and a friendly, playful personaltiy.

These two little siblings would love to be adopted together, but each would also do very well if adopted separately. Hoops is a compact, fuzzy little ball of love and cuddles. She would love to find her forever home with a family whose lives would be richer to have her in them.

Spotlight on . . . . YoYo!

2011-09-05T21:14:00.000-04:00

This is our sweet little YoYo. As you can see, he's all ears, eyes, and legs. His fur is silky soft and he's the most wonderful, weirdest, cutest, funniest, gawkiest, geekiest little guy ever.

YoYo has had his surgery and is now waiting patiently for a lucky family to make him their own. He is loving and cuddly and is anxious to become part of someone's loving forever family. Please give this little guy a home; he will reward you every day with love and fun and cuddles.

Kittens in a cube

2011-09-05T14:02:00.001-04:00

We have two cuddlers now

2011-09-04T18:16:00.000-04:00

SQUIRREL: You mean if I jump up on this lap and purr, I get my back and belly rubbed? Sign me up!

POSSUM: Duh. What do you think I've been doing up here?

Introducing Possum and Squirrel!

2011-09-04T10:32:00.000-04:00

Both branches of the Kitten Library are open again! While Wendy continues to foster Myka, Buffy, Hoops, and YoYo, I have re-opened for Possum and Squirrel.

These brothers are about six weeks old, and though they are twins, they have distinct looks and personalities.

Possum is slightly smaller, and likes to talk and cuddle.

Squirrel has a touch of red next to his right eye -- I call it his eyeliner. It's quite distinctive. He loves to play and is always the first to check out new toys.

I'll post more about these two cuties in the days to come!

Meet and greet. . .

2011-08-30T10:29:00.005-04:00

All the foster babies have been introduced to the resident cats. It went better than could be expected - a little hissing and posturing, but no blood drawn and little drama.
Tigger and Myka are enjoying a little one-on-one time.

Our oldest resident, known affectionately as "Uncle Willie", is our official kitty ambassador. He's the one that all newbies just naturally seem to gravitate towards. Here YoYo is using Willie as a pillow, a position that Willie seems to find himself in often with the little ones (and some of the resident bigger ones). I guess he's just extra cuddly.

YoYo is about as comfortable as he can be and Willie seems to enjoy the company.

Buffy, Myka, and YoYo are enjoying some together time with Uncle Willie.

Hoops was too interested in the toy mice on the floor and didn't have time to cuddle. Much to do; much to do. . .

Re-classified. . .

2011-08-28T16:33:00.009-04:00

This librarian's face is red! Our baby, who was categorized as Micah (boy) has now, after further research, been re-categorized as Myka (girl). Categorizing, as any librarian will tell you, is not an exact science, and this is a very tiny kitten. Could be wrong again. . .

So, until there is further evidence to the contrary. . . Re-introducing our tiniest baby: Myka!! She still has her brilliant blue eyes and we have hopes that the color may be permanent. She and Buffy have been fighting colds, but now seem to be on the mend.

Meanwhile, all the foster babies continue to get along well and have been introduced to the resident cats. My next post will show pictures of the fosters and the residents interacting. Any and all of these foster kittens will be wonderful additions to a loving family, whether they will be the only pets or as companions to resident pets and are hopeful that they will find forever homes soon.

Introducing . . . Hoops & Yo-Yo!!

2011-08-18T08:21:00.004-04:00

Two new babies have checked into the Kitten Library. Their names are Hoops & Yo-Yo.

Yo-Yo is the boy - all black - and Hoops is the fuzzy little white and black girl. These two babies are probably about 8-9 weeks old and have been moved around a bit in their short lives. Their mama was an outdoor cat who was taken care of by a kind woman, who also took in these kittens. Mama has been spayed and her babies have come to the Kitten Library to be introduced to Micah and Buffy.

They are rambunctious, playful, healthy kittens who are learning to get along with others. They are a little shy, but have made tremendous strides in trust and friendliness in just the couple of days they've been here. They will be going for their snip-snip operations next week and should be ready for adoption soon after. We want to give them some time to grow into the loving, cuddly kittens we know they will be. Their first few weeks were a little tough, but they are doing so well and are almost ready to find their forever homes - with loving people who will appreciate their playfulness and energy.

They are a brother-and-sister act and we would truly love for them to go to a new home together.

Cuteness Overload. . .

2011-08-15T14:02:00.010-04:00

'Nuff said . . . .

And now. . . . heeerrreee's. . . . Buffy!!

2011-08-11T07:11:00.007-04:00

Micah's "big brother" has told us that his name is "Buffy". He's a light buff color and he jumps around sideways with his back up - looking remarkably like a buffalo.

Buffy and Micah are getting to know each other and have even started making a "cat pile".

We are very happy that Micah no longer has to spend his days alone - with visits from the kitten librarians, of course. Buffy and Micah have begun to play and are very comfortable with each other.

Buffy is 6 weeks old (approx); we think Micah is about 4-5 weeks old. They are both very small and have some growing to do before they can be considered for adoption, but they will be looking for their forever homes in a few weeks.

Our baby boys sound very fierce and scary, but they're really just learning to interact and enjoying some roughhousing.

Micah has a friend!

2011-08-09T19:33:00.000-04:00

We knew he was coming, but didn't want to say anything until we were sure. When we picked Micah up from the shelter, there was a family in another cage: a mom cat and two kittens. The kittens were in the process of being weaned, and one of them has already found a home. The other one was coming to us as soon as he was weaned.

He and Micah are not related, but we are hoping this guy can serve as a big brother for little Micah, who could really use an older kitten to show him the ropes! They have just been introduced, and we don't have a name for the new guy yet. Watch this space for updates!

You can really see Micah's colored tail in this picture! His ears have a touch of color, too. We can't wait to see how he grows into his colors!

Micah's bath

2011-08-09T19:25:00.000-04:00

Do you want to foster kittens?

2011-08-09T14:13:00.000-04:00

This little guy, Micah, was abandoned when he was about 3 weeks old. He needs constant care, feeding, warmth, cleaning, and help going to the bathroom. Luckily, Wendy had just graduated her last batch of foster kittens, and had space for him. But there are many other kittens who need help, so we are expanding our foster program and looking for additional foster homes.

If you are in the Lexington, KY area and would like to become a kitten foster parent, please email me at kittenlibrarian.lexington@gmail.com. There will be an application and interview/screening, and if you are accepted, we have kittens ready for you right away!

Some information about fostering to help you decide if it's right for you:

You will need a dedicated space that can be closed off from the rest of your living area (an extra bathroom or spare bedroom is great).

Very young kittens need to be fed and given bathroom assistance every couple hours. They need to be slowly transitioned to wet and dry food (at which point constant feeding is not as necessary).

Very young kittens need to be bathed and dried in a warm location.

Kittens need to be kept warm with towels, blankets, hot water bottles.

One of the most important things a foster parent does is socialize the kittens. Dedicate some time every day -- several times a day if possible -- to play with the kittens and get them used to people. Introduce them to other people, male and female, whenever possible.

It's OK if you have other pets, as long as you can keep the kittens completely separate for at least 2 weeks.

You will be responsible for giving the kittens medicine (like dewormer), which we provide.

You will be responsible for bringing the kittens to vet appointments, and their spay/neuter appointment, and caring for them post-surgery.

You must be prepared for lots of wiggly, fluffy, energetic cuteness! A sense of pride as you watch them grow up and learn new things every day. Knowing you are needed and providing a last hope for these tiny lives. And knowing that you will have to give them up when they are adopted, and may never see them again.

Introducing Micah

2011-08-07T14:39:00.003-04:00

A kitten on the move. . .

Talking

2011-08-06T18:47:00.003-04:00

New Arrival

2011-08-06T18:32:00.005-04:00

We have a new baby. He was left at the shelter last night - only him: no mom, no siblings. He appears to be only two or three weeks old.

He's a talker! He's very young, but very strong and already has a mind of his own. I'll be feeding him every couple of hours with kitten milk. So far, two feedings. He takes the milk very eagerly, but no poo yet. I'm new at this and hope I'm doing it right.

Tabby twins!

2011-08-06T08:10:00.003-04:00

Tabby twins, Ron & Hermione, shortly after arriving at their foster home.

Now. . . our sweet tabby twins have found a forever home together!!

We are so thrilled that they will stay together. Their new mom is our hero!

Now we are waiting to see who our new foster babies will be.

And then there were two. . .

2011-07-24T07:07:00.008-04:00

Our "tabby twins" are still waiting for their forever home. These two sweeties would be a wonderful addition to any loving home.

Hermione likes to keep an eye on things. . .

. . . for instance, brother Ron executing a nice-so-graceful tumble.

Side-by-side and above is about the only way to tell these identicals apart: Ron is slightly bigger.

Hermione chillin' with "sister" Tasma's favorite fetch toy.

Ron: "You woke me up to take another picture?"

It would be so great if these two babies could be adopted together into a forever home, but even as singles, they will provide a lifetime of affection, purring, cuddles, and entertainment.

News & News

2011-07-14T11:38:00.003-04:00

Just a quick couple of notes - it's been a busy couple of weeks.

Item 1: Four little kittens went to the vet on Tuesday to get their spay/neuter surgeries. All did very well and all are back to their normal selves, minus some fur on a couple of bellies.

Item 2: Our sweet little nose - Dozer - is going to his forever home tonight. At the kitten library, we're very happy that he will have a loving home with "big sister" - Birdie - but we're also sad to lose him. We will miss him greatly. Hugs & kisses, Dozer. Keep in touch.

Item 3: Lollie and the tabby twins are patiently waiting to find their forever homes. They will make wonderful additions to an already-cat-inhabited home or as a privileged only cat.

Lollie's Day

2011-07-04T13:32:00.003-04:00

Teaching the children manners - such as countertops are off limits - is a work in progress. Lollie hangs out with the ceramic cats.

You lookin' for me?!

I'm fuzzy and I know it! So there!

Isn't this the sweetest face you've ever seen?! We love our little Lollie. She is looking for a home with someone who will love her as she deserves.

Kittens in a basket (posted by Wendy)

2011-07-01T09:53:00.000-04:00

Auntie Gracie is fascinated, but also annoyed.

Seeing Double?? (posted by Wendy)

2011-07-01T08:32:00.000-04:00

In a way, yes. Ron is Hermione’s twin, triplet of Harry, who already has a new mom with their other sister, Pippi. Ron and Hermione are so identical that Ron wears the collar for identification.

Ron loves nibbling on toes, jeans cuffs, and shoelaces.

He also is angelic when he sleeps, which he chooses to do on an available lap now and then.

Is this an adorable face, or what?!

Lollie is fascinated by her handsome brother.

Focus on Hermione (posted by Wendy)

2011-06-30T08:29:00.001-04:00

I think it's time to let every kitten have his/her day once again. Today is Hermione's. She is a very sweet girl who seems to have developed a special bond with Dozer. She and Dozer wrestle while Ron & Lollie play chase.

As you can see, Hermione and Dozer in the kitchen sinks shows that, although manners are starting to be taught, sometimes the lessons are momentarily forgotten (or ignored).

Sleeping kittens, like sleeping children, are always so angelic. Hermione enjoys being cuddled - after her wrestling/tumbling/chasing matches with her siblings.

Here is a face that not just a mother could love. This is our delightful Hermione; our beautiful little girl who will become a sweet and loveable adult companion.

Hermione gives her final approval to today's blog. She is enjoying the spotlight.

What's happening with the kittehs? (posted by Wendy)

2011-06-20T11:53:00.004-04:00

Before I get to the Parade of Cuties, I want to talk about Oreo. Because she has now been spayed through the Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR) Program, she will be returned to her original outdoor location either today or tomorrow.

It makes me very sad to have to put her back outside, though. I have seven cats already and am unable to keep her, but she deserves a loving, permanent, indoor home. She is a very sweet, affectionate cat and is most decidedly NOT feral. While she hasn’t exactly bonded with my resident kitties, she has only been here about a month and has made remarkable progress in her socialization, considering she's been outside and on her own her entire life.

Thanks to the wonderful woman who was feeding her and who contacted us about her and her kittens. She is thinking of trying to introduce her to her two cats – which are actually Oreo’s kittens from a previous litter – so we all hope she is able to do that and add this lovely kitty to her family. But, in any case, continuing to take care of her, even if only outside, really puts my mind at ease about Oreo’s future. She will be fine.

Now. . . .It's time to re-introduce each kitten individually. Sometimes I forget that they're individuals; they have so much fun together that they sometimes just seem to be a four-headed, 16-legged unit.

First up are the identical twins (except for the boy/girl difference!): Ron & Hermione (used to be triplets, but Harry is adopted – lucky Harry!)

Ron (on the left) is turning into a snuggler; not quite a lap-sitter yet, but has started to share the chair at nap times.

Hermione is a little lady. Her bones turn to mercury and she melts into the floor when you try to pet her, but she enjoys a cuddle. She & Ron share the same sweet tabby face and fun-loving personality.

Next come the not-so-identical twins: Dozer & Lollie

Dozer is truly living up to his name. He is stocky and bulldozes his way through life. He's a fluffy, loveable ball of fur with an adorable gray splotch on his nose. He enjoys being cuddled and loves a good romp with Lollie and his other siblings.

Lollie is another sweet little girl. She is stocky and fluffy like her twin, but is slightly smaller. She has a very sweet personality that makes you want to pick her up and give her a hug.

These four babies are looking for loving homes. They would love to stay together, but would also be fine if they are adopted separately. All they need is love, attention (and a little food) to be perfect life-long companions. They have been fostered in my home with my seven cats and all get along wonderfully. They will easily adjust to any living arrangements or current pets.

So Sweet!

2011-06-17T12:00:00.003-04:00

The sweetest kittens on the planet!
Ron

Hermione

Lollie & Dozer

Family Portraits

2011-06-16T13:45:00.000-04:00

On the day before Harry and Pippi went off to their new home, we tried to get some family portraits. We were not 100% successful, but we did get some good pictures:

Hermione, Ron, and Harry (with a little help from Wendy).

Hermione, Ron, and Harry's tail, seconds after Wendy removed her hands.

Pippi and Harry sweetly posing for a picture for their new owner.

Dozer and Lollie wondering how anyone can resist their sweet faces.

Librarian Kittens

2011-06-15T18:38:00.006-04:00

Dozer, Ron, & Hermione hard at work alphabetizing their "Cat Who . . " Collection

Lollie prefers to chill quietly with a book and possibly some music.

Fierce Dozer?

2011-06-14T16:55:00.005-04:00

Very fierce Dozer!

Well, maybe not so much.

A yawn, I think.

Oreo's Progress

2011-06-10T09:12:00.007-04:00

Oreo has been living with my 7 cats and me, and has been doing well while we wait for her milk to dry up. She was nursing six kittens, so had a lot of milk. She's ready for her spaying operation now and will have her surgery as soon as it can be arranged. Shortly after that, she'll be returned to the place she called home. She will most likely continue to be an outdoor cat, although she seems to enjoy the indoor life; but she will never have to care for another litter of kittens.

Meanwhile, four of her babies have come to stay with me. The original kitten librarian still has Pippi and Harry, who will be going to their new, loving home today, Friday. Their new "mom" is as excited to welcome them to her home as they are to go. We know that this, our first venture into kitten fostering, has started with a huge success: our first adoption. We hope to find homes for the rest of our four cuties soon.

How could anyone resist these beautiful faces?

Dozer

Lollie

Hermione

Ron

Ron and Dozer bask in a tiny spot of sun

2011-06-06T16:47:00.000-04:00

Introductions to the big cats

2011-05-30T19:32:00.000-04:00

I haven't mentioned yet that my kitten library already had two "vintage" cats: Cookie and Azalea. Cookie is 12 years old and Azalea is 10. They can be a bit grumpy, so it was with great trepidation that I let the kittens out of their room, since their quarantine is over. Here, Cookie is the black and white cat on the highest step, and Azalea is the white (calico, but mostly white, to the chagrin of all my black clothes) one (Lollie is the tiny one exuding her kitten charm):

Happily, everyone is doing pretty well. The kittens are fascinated by the big cats, and don't know enough to be wary. Cookie and Azalea are moderately annoyed, but also curious. There has been some hissing which settled down pretty quickly. We now have a reluctant truce.

I also have a kitten assistant, Miss Pippi, who loves to be on the desk while I work.

The kittens will continue to be allowed out of their room while I'm home. At night, and when I'm not home, they will have to stay in their room. The great thing is that these kittens should all be able to interact with older, established cats, so if you have a cat already and you are thinking of adopting, you'll know that these guys can handle it!

Harry and Pippi

2011-05-29T17:16:00.000-04:00

Our last introductions are the two "youngest" (smallest): Harry and Pippi. And I'm happy to report that these two have already worked their way into the heart of a new owner! We're all very excited for this new family. Harry and Pippi will stay with me and their siblings until they are big enough to be neutered and spayed; after their recovery they'll go to their new home.

Ron

2011-05-27T22:59:00.000-04:00

Meet Ron! He is one of the triplet brothers and the most outgoing of the three. He is very curious, and super affectionate.

He also is the easiest to photograph -- I like to say that he will pose for the camera, but I think it's more that he is fascinated by the camera cord so he sits still to scope it out.

Let us out!!!

2011-05-27T17:55:00.000-04:00

I put the kittehs in their carrier and moved them into another room yesterday so I could clean their room. Luckily this only took about 5 minutes, because they did not like being back in the cage! They are loving their freedom in their kitten library.

They are becoming little cuddlers. Before today, they pretty much just saw me as a giant climb toy, and my entrance into their room signified time to play. Today, though, they are being very affectionate, and wanting to be petted and cuddled. Also, before today, only Dozer had purred, but today, four of them are purring! Turn up the sound and take a listen:

Mama Oreo

2011-05-27T14:20:00.000-04:00

Oreo is the proud mom of all six kittens. The kittens decided that they were ready to try a different type of nourishment, so I - the other kitten librarian - brought her to my house. She is still very swollen with milk, though, so spaying will have to wait for awhile.

She loves looking out the window - dreaming of her return to the great outdoors.

Sprawling on the dresser next to the window is her second favorite spot.

Pretty markings. . . a pretty and very sweet cat; very affectionate.

(by Wendy)

Lollie

2011-05-26T12:19:00.000-04:00

This is Lollie Cat! Like her brother Dozer, she has a big lollypop head.

In between her kitten bursts of energy, she's very laid back, and she loves to loll around and have her head scratched. She's the second largest of the gang and the calmest.

Hermione

2011-05-25T20:50:00.000-04:00

Meet Hermione! She is the sister triplet (can you guess what her brothers' names are?). Hermione enjoys showing the boys that she's just as strong as they are. She likes being held as long as all of her legs are securely held -- if not, her eyes get very big and her legs spring out like a starfish.

"Will you please sweep this floor?!!!"

Family Portrait

2011-05-25T20:41:00.000-04:00

I finally managed to catch all of them together and unmoving (90% of the pictures I take are blurry because these guys do not want to sit still!).

They also got a new climbing toy/condo today, which they love:

They were also officially weaned today. Oreo left with Wendy, another Kitten Librarian, where she will rest up for her spaying surgery next week. Wendy will post Oreo updates here.

The triplets!

2011-05-24T19:06:00.000-04:00

They will be introduced individually -- once I can figure out who is who! I do know that one is a girl and two are boys. But just on sight they are all identical. They may be getting little collars!

Here they are in (rather subdued, I interrupted their nap) action:

Dozer

2011-05-24T15:49:00.000-04:00

Introducing Dozer! He is the biggest of the kittens, and easily identifiable by his adorable nose spot. In fact, I'd been calling him Nose since the moment I saw him, but no one wants to be called Nose, so I rhymed Noser to get Dozer, which is fitting also because he's the big guy, the bulldozer. He is one of the first to plow into me when I come into the room and he has a very loud purr.

He had a little too much energy to pose for his photo shoot, so we're going with some action shots:

Blue eyes

2011-05-23T20:24:00.000-04:00

These kittens still have their blue eyes!

And to show how tiny they are, I placed a square of toilet paper on one of them:

Mama cat Oreo finally allowed me to take her picture:

The Kitten Library's first collection

2011-05-23T16:52:00.000-04:00

Today the Kitten Library opened for business! The Jessamine Humane Society had been alerted to an outdoor mama cat with six babies. Mama, named Oreo by the neighborhood kids, has made herself at home in the yard of the person who contacted us. This person would like to keep Oreo as an outdoor cat, but she needs to be spayed and her batch of kittens weaned and prepped for adoption.

Mama and her babies were collected this afternoon, and brought right to the vet where they received a clean bill of health. Now they're with me in the Kitten Library (AKA my large spare bathroom). Mama will stay for two days to make sure everyone is completely weaned, but babies are already eating solid food, drinking water, and using the litter box. The kittens weigh from 1lb2oz to 1pd4oz, and are estimated to be 5 weeks old. They will be quarantined for at least 2 weeks, then they will go for their first round of shots. If they are 2 pounds then, they will be spayed/neutered and ready for adoption!

Over the next few days each kitten will be named and more details provided. Until then, here is a preview of the new family!