Adorable kitten photos can make a big difference in helping foster kittens find their forever homes. After all the work providing care, a picture tells the cat’s story while connecting with those who love and support them. It takes an amazing amount of time, effort, skill, and heart to make it all work.
Here’s a look at one rescuer whose pictures will give you the awws. 😻
Seattle kitten rescuer Ashley Morrison, known on Instagram as “Theyoungestoldcatlady,” is “spreading happiness through mini lions.” As she saves orphaned, abandoned stray kittens with Ashley’s Kitten Academy, she also takes remarkably great photos. By sharing adorable kitten photos, supporters get that warm, fuzzy feeling as they learn the unique stories of each fluffy life. As you look through them, it’s amazing to think just how many lives the rescuers have touched – in one year.
🏆📸 Taking the Best Kitten Photos 📸 🏆
After volunteering at shelters and fostering kittens for over a decade, Morrison began her own rescue.
“When not fostering an exuberant amount of kittens, she enjoys traveling, trying to befriend every cat she sees, and watching too many true crime documentaries,” her website states.
Recently, Morrison received her very own trophy for “Best Cat Photographer.” Ok, it was from her mom, but she really does take amazing photos!
“Well, well, well. The best gift I received this year from my mom. A few months ago, I was so proud of a photo I took I said I deserved a trophy 🏆 and today I opened my gift and there this was 😂🤣😂”
“‘Best Cat Photographer.’ Cracked me up. Thanks, Mom”
Ashely Morrison’s well-deserved trophy. Images via Instagram/youngestoldcatlady
The Art of Taking Great Kitten Photos
Looking through Morrison’s Instagram, it’s a kitten artform and a delight for the eye. Although it might look like it’s all fun, behind the scenes, the hard work of caring for kittens round-the-clock goes on just the same. Always, rescuers face setbacks and heartbreaks and must overcome many obstacles to continue.
As we all know, herding kittens is impossible for even the most experienced experts. So, you never know what you might catch on camera. Somehow, Morrison seems to get them all to look at the camera at once. For example, here’s a window box full of floofy kitten flowers.
“They might be cute, but they get blankets and towels filthy 😂” Morrison has said.
🐈 Top Kitten Photos of the Year 🐈
Recently, Morrison shared her top kitten photos of the year. As you can see, they are cute as a button. Along with the always cute kittens, we see older cats, sometimes overlooked. Thanks to the rescuers and veterinarians and the pictures and stories, these cats will get a chance at happy lives.
“At the end of the year, I am always amazed looking back. Sometimes cats I had just a few months ago feel like at least a year ago with the flow of kittens coming through,” she wrote.
“Thank you for being a part of this journey with me! ❤️”
To help support the kittens and cats, follow youngestoldcatlady and ashleyskittenacademy.
Primrose the Cat Model
This tiny kitten in a pink scrunchie became a model, even if it was going to the dogs.
“Today I drive Primrose by our local Starbucks to get on the wall of fame. It said DOG wall of fame, but excuse us, cats want representation too. So we drove by and got her photo taken. It was obviously exhausting. Bring a cat model is not easy work, but Primrose did her best. She will spend the rest of the day napping to recover from her hard work.”
Gus the Tomcat with Puffy Cheeks
Over the year, this sweet and snuggly Tomcat named Gus with puffy cheeks became a favorite with everyone. The stray cat wasn’t neutered and was living on a farm. When Morrison caught him as part of a TNR program, he was chill and friendly from the start, purring in the cage.
“I didn’t trap him, he trapped me,” she said.
As you can see, he’s very loveable and loves receiving “multiple snuggles a day.” In April, Gus found a loving family to adopt him. No doubt, all the work that Morrison puts into telling his story helped.
“There are so many more Gus’s in the world and I wish this was the outcome for all of them. If Gus has touched your heart, please donate or get involved with local TNR groups helping prevent more kittens born outside and helping the community cats,” she wrote.
“I fed him his breakfast and when I went to leave he gave me his paw 🥺
He’s the cutest thing ever with his chubby cheeks.”
Heartbreak Over Oreo
In May, the rescuers were heartbroken over a tiny black and white kitten named Oreo. Due to an abnormal heart condition, there was no alternative but to help him cross the rainbow bridge too soon. Dealing with tragic losses is a part of the story for all rescuers at some point. But, it doesn’t stop them from caring for each tiny life.
“I’m so sorry little buddy. 🌈”
Flower and Daisy, the Mom and Daughter Duo
Next, we see an adorable mom and her tiny baby. They would go to a foster home together with Morrisons’ mom, Cindi, or youngestoldcatgrandma.
“Flowers and Daisy. Flowers is under a year old and loves to play when I’m in the room. She chases wand toys and leaps through the air, but then is very attentive to her babies. I’m excited for her to get to be a kitten herself again. ❤️”
🪑 Belle and Jasmine in a Tiny Chair 🪑
Sometimes, the right prop makes the photo. In this case, a tiny kitten in a tiny chair is hilarious, and everyone loved seeing the kittens enjoying it.
“Came in to find Jasmine curled up asleep in the mini chair. I can’t believe how much they’ve loved the chair 😂”
“They pose themselves I just snap the photo. 📸”
Beauty Queen Aurora 👑
How can you not fall in love with Aurora and her little face? Soon, this kitten went home to be loved and spoiled with three other foster cats from the same rescuers.
“Just a happy little Aurora ❤️”
Gremlins on the Couch
Finally, in October, Gremlins took over Morrison’s couch. Somehow, they’re all looking at the camera. Well, almost all of them. Can you count all the kittens?
“Did you hear? My couch was taken over by wild gremlins yesterday. How many can you spot?”
