Kitten Nursery

Bottle Feeding At The THS, A Life Changing Experience

by Isabelle Hemond

My volunteer application was approved early this summer and the THS was in desperate need of kitten bottle feeders so I got trained and started helping quickly.

The THS created a nursery to provide a quiet environment to kittens and their nursing mothers. Unfortunately, most of the kittens don't have their mother so my role as a bottle feeder is to make sure they eat well and grow healthy. Since the beginning of the summer, I have fed many kittens, some as young as one day old with their eyes still closed.

Early in the morning when I arrive at the nursery, many hungry kittens wanting food and attention greet me. This is a volunteer's dream job, not only do I feed the kittens but I get to caress and play with them. The best part of my day is when a kitten rolls on its back, purrs and lets me play with its paws and then falls asleep on my lap.

Like many other bottle feeders, I developed a relationship with many kittens and sometimes I get worried if they don't eat enough and lose weight or I get excited when they start eating on their own or they get fostered.

Nature is sometimes unfair, only the strongest kittens will survive. I find it hard to understand, but it is very rewarding knowing that most of them grow healthy and get adopted. I am part of a team of volunteers who make a real difference in the lives of these cats. I just want to thank the THS for this wonderful opportunity. It has been a life changing experience for me.