My day began as any other day but today is the first day of my summer break, what a perfect time to add to the family!
As some of you know, we just lost our "Kitty." We had her for 23 years (yes, 23!) and it was starting to get a little lonely around here despite the fact that we have a 10 month old lab puppy. If you are a cat lover you will know what I mean. My 5th grandchild is due in August and we have a new puppy, but I needed a new cat. Call me crazy!
My daughter and I set out to visit a few home foster places for cats but finally ended up at the Little Shelter near our home. They had room after room of large cats and a small room for kittens. If you have it in your heart to adopt an adult cat, there are literally hundreds of them in the shelter. It's very sad but I suppose they've made a family out of their situation. They seemed happy enough.
When we entered the kitten room we we weren't sure where to look first, there were little bouncing fur balls in every direction. A few caught our eye but we soon found out that if we wanted a kitten we would have to adopt two of them. 😳
Ok, one was doable but two?? I wasn't sure I had it in me.
I went home to think about it for a day or two but ended up back with my husband the next morning. I couldn't stop thinking about 2 of the kittens I saw, they were part Russian Blue and they were gorgeous! You just couldn't take one, they were a matched set.
A little while later we were filling out the paperwork for two. If you have never adopted a pet from a shelter... you know, it's a process! I am sure they want to make sure the pets are all going to a good home but truthfully it might be easier to adopt a small child.
After calling all my references, a background check, a call to our vet, and a 3 page questionnaire, we went home to wait. The shelter checks everything about you including wanting to see your home. I know, I know, it's a good thing!
As we wait... we are getting things ready at home. You know that this DIYer was searching the web trying to find out what these kittens might need. Before they were even approved I had the food, litter, bowl, litter box and assorted toys ready and waiting.
In hopes of saving my furniture I made them a scratching post. This was an easy project using wood glue, a nail gun, scrap wood, and thick jute. When the kittens get here I will rub catnip on the post to attract them.
I added a bell and ribbon to the top as an added attraction. The base of the scratching post is painted with Fusion Mineral Paint in Brook.
For the first few days the kittens will get acclimated in a small room. The kittens will hopefully quickly get used to the family. The puppy? Finn is loving life on the other side of the house and in the yard for now until they all learn to live together! 🤞🏻
Three days later... meet the kittens! Right off the bat the scratching post was their favorite toy! The photo is a little blurry because they are moving so quickly!
I put a couple of baskets in a rolling cart and it ended up to be a great place to hang! They feel safe and comfortable in this small space and the top shelf is perfect for looking out the window.
One of the best parts about these cuties is that they match my house!
So as summer break starts for me, when I'm not making new DIY projects, I'll be having fun with Mini and Max! Check out the video below!
Please follow by email using the webform in the sidebar so I can send my latest DIY tutorial straight to you!
