Hawk, the kitten, learns to “fly” to his foster mom Morgan’s shoulder. Morgan fosters for Chicago-area Forever Fortunate Felines, which saves cats from high-kill shelters in multiple states. Morgan and co-fosterer Lisa together saved over 50 kittens in 2022, including ones that fly!
What started out as looking for a kitten to adopt became much more.
“[It’s] the absolute joy and heartbreak (and then way more joy) of learning to care for orphaned, abandoned neonatal kittens and helping them find new families to love,” Mogan explained on Instagram.
Hawk and the Forest Friends
Hawk was one of the “Forest Friends Litter,” who were four-week-old bottle babies discovered outside.
“They were dirty and skinny and covered with the worst case of fleas we had seen– they are incredibly boney and need some major TLC,” they shared on Facebook.
Forest Friends, Chipmunk, Moose, and Hawk. Images via Instagram/kitten.foster.corner
With about four more weeks of fostering, they would be ready to fly away to their forever homes. But one of them was already capable of flight.
Forest Friends, Foxy, Bear, and Mouse. Images and media via Facebook/Kitten Foster Corner
When Hawk arrived, Morgan was caring for six foster kittens, all little acrobats, it seems.
“I turned on the light & these are the faces I got 😂 Then they came down for purrs and pets 🥰
Left to Right: Hawk, Bear, Chipmunk, Moose, & Foxy.”
Left to Right: Hawk, Bear, Chipmunk, Moose, & Foxy
Hawk Takes Flight
See Hawk take flight in the video below:
“Hawk can Fly!”
Below, the Forest Friends really seem to want get back out into the woods.
“New tricks from the kittens! They are loving this warmer weather with the windows open!”
A Bridge for Foster Babies
Morgan shared the sweetest poem that sums up what fostering is all about. We just have to share it because it’s wonderful.
A POEM TO MY FOSTER CAT, By Diane Morgan
I am the bridge,
Between what was and what can be.
I am the pathway to a new life.
I am made of mush,
Because my heart melted when I saw you,
Matted and sore, limping, depressed,
Lonely, unwanted, afraid to love.
For one little time, you are mine.
I will feed you with my own hand.
˚ I will love you with my whole heart.
I will make you whole.
I am made of steel.
Because when the time comes,
When you are well, and sleek,
When your eyes shine,
And your heart purrs with joy
Then comes the hard part.
I will let you go – not without a tear,
But without a regret.
For you are safe forever –
A new cat needs me now.
Morgan with Chipmunk the kitten
The Forest Friends Fly Away in Bonded Pairs
As the poem goes, the time came to let Hawk and the Forest Friends fly away. Fortunately, it was a lot easier to say goodbye knowing they would be going home in bonded sibling duos. Below, look at how many lives were touched because of these foster mom’s efforts!
“Another Adoption Day on the books! The Forest Friends Litter went to three incredible families & we are over the moon for them! Hawk & Foxy are now Stormy & Belle and are already the apples of their mother’s eye!,” Morgan said.
“Mouse & Bear are now Pumpkin & Mochi! Their new family has little twin girls & are so excited to have their daughters & kittens grow up together!”
“Moose & Chipmunk were pre-adopted weeks ago by Morgan’s friends and are loving life as Cheddar & Buttercup! They have three kids to love on them plus a Pomeranian brother!”
For more magical foster kitten adventures, you can follow along on Kitten Foster Corner, on Instagram and Facebook, and Forever Fortunate Felines in the Greater Chicago area. They’re also on Facebook.
