Family fosters dozens of kittens to help shelter clear kennel space

 LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) – A West Lafayette family takes in dozens of kittens in the summer to help clear kennel space at the Almost Home Humane Society. But the shelter is in need of more foster parents and loving homes.

Black cat Othello just turned 12 weeks old and already is the most adventurous out of his litter.

He’s been playing, eating and living at Tonya Simpson’s house for the summer. But he’s not the only one bunking up.

“I had several cats, and our last cat got cancer and we put her down,” said Simpson. “So [my daughter] Annelise asked, ‘Can we get a new cat, can we get a new cat?’”

Simpson said she wasn’t ready for a new pet but started out “just going to the shelter to visit.”

The visit turned into fostering almost 60 kittens over three summers. This summer, they’ve taken in 25 kittens.

“I love to watch them play and climb, and I love to cuddle with them,” said Simpson’s daughter Annelise Stolarz.

Simpson said, “I love getting them and to meet all of the kittens. Their personalities are so different.”

Simpson said she’s enjoyed every minute of it, and her help takes weight off the Almost Home Humane Society, the place where the kittens will eventually go to get adopted.

“By us keeping them as kittens, they don’t have to be here taking up space,” said Simpson. “We are able to keep a closer eye on them so if anything comes up.”

Even though Simpson and her daughter keep dozens of kittens, Stolarz remembers and loves all of them.

“I want to be a vet,” said Stolarz.”But I really want to keep fostering, even when I’m older.”

Simpson said the demand for fostering kittens in the summer is especially high.

“I’m a school teacher, so this works out perfect for me,” said Simpson.

She said while fostering is a big commitment, it’s not long term.

“It was really easy to get involved,’ said Simpson. “I just had to answer some questions and then once I got involved, the shelter is really helpful in terms of if there is anything I need.”

To get involved and foster animals, call the Almost Home Humane Society at 765-474-5222. The shelter is located at 1705 S. Second Street in Lafayette.