Kyla Burton, Calvin & Foster Kittens
I began my journey as a foster parent by volunteering with a large national animal welfare organization headquartered in New York City. One day, a severely underweight orphan was surrendered to the Kitten Nursery and in need of socialization. I was advised by the Nursery staff that she would “need to learn table manners, enjoy human touch, and to gain weight” to become eligible for adoption. This was my first time working with a feral kitten, but I eagerly accepted the challenge knowing there were many resources and experienced volunteers available to guide me.
This four-week-old piebald kitten, named Calvin, would scream when I picked her up. It took about a week to break the ice with her. I tried winning her over with treats, interactive meal times, and lots of play to reassure her humans weren’t so scary. Slowly but surely, she warmed up and started following me around like a little shadow. At her second check-up with the vet, the staff remarked that her behavior improved dramatically and they sent me home with two more foster kittens.
Calvin welcomed the additional playmates and it became apparent how nurturing and loving she is toward other cats. When it was time to return her for her spay, I remember feeling torn because she made me work so hard to earn her trust. I never felt this way about any of my previous foster kittens, so I slept on it. When I woke up, I called the Nursery and told them I wanted to adopt her.
Kyla & Calvin
When Calvin returned home from the Adoptions Center, she didn’t miss a beat. She immediately settled back in, cuddling and purring up a storm. I continued to foster and with each new kitten, she was enthusiastic and willing to help. She teaches them how to be a cat. Even the shyest fosters are drawn to her quiet and confident energy and calm down in her presence.
As I became more involved in cat rescue and partnering with local organizations, I continued to bring foster kittens home, particularly vulnerable ones with complex medical issues. While I can address their physical needs, there is nothing like having a feline partner to model good behavior. Calvin is the best babysitter one could ask for and over the last two years, we have fostered 70 kittens together. Today, she is a far cry from the underweight and sickly orphan she was when she was originally found. She loves relaxing on her scratcher lounger, playing with wand toys, and her favorite cativity, silently judging me. Witnessing Calvin’s progress is a constant reminder of the power of love and what can be achieved with dedication and patience. I am so proud of the cat she has become: she is affectionate, playful, and loves attention from friends! I really struck gold with her.
“Witnessing Calvin’s progress is a constant reminder of the power of love and what can be achieved with dedication and patience.”
Growing up in South Florida, we had hamsters, rabbits, and dogs. Calvin is my first owned cat. While I learned how to care for kittens through orientation classes, in all honesty, firsthand experience and mentoring from my fellow rescuers has been the greatest teacher. I love fostering and helping cats find their forever homes through my role as an adoptions counselor. I am also TNR (trap/neuter/return) certified and passionate about spaying and neutering community cats.
I am grateful for Calvin, the catalyst and inspiration for my advocacy work. I encourage people to support their local rescue groups by donating, fostering, adopting, or volunteering.
Kyla works in technology and lives in Brooklyn. She enjoys traveling and has backpacked throughout Europe and Africa. Follow Calvin and Kyla’s fostering adventures on Instagram (@eccentric_essences).