Kittens born to feral moms run the risk of becoming feral themselves as these wild kittens don’t often have interaction with humans. The window for easily socializing feral kittens can close as early as five weeks old. As a 5-week-old kitten living at an Iowa City, Iowa, recycling center, Ivy was on the edge of the feral life. But when the Johnson County Humane Society spotted her, they knew she could be captured and taught to love the forever home life.

Without your help, Ivy might still be on the streets, struggling to fend for herself. Because you shop with iHeartCats.com, your helping cats like Ivy find chances they never had found otherwise.

Image Courtesy of Johnson County Humane Society

The Power of a Full Belly

Every purchase you make donates money to rescues and shelters working hard to care for cats and kittens in need, all thanks to a partnership between iHeartCats.com and Greater Good Charities. This purpose-driven family of charities devotes their efforts to improving not only our lives, but the lives of animals too. And one of the best ways to serve animals in need is by filling their food bowls and giving them the comfort of a full belly. The Rescue Bank, a pet food distribution initiative developed by Greater Good Charities, has been keeping hungry bellies full for over a decade. To date, the Rescue Bank has delivered over 275 million meals to shelters and rescues across the country.

And with your help, we can make that number grow by funding more of these much-needed donations to shelters and rescues. This way kittens like Ivy are certain to get the care they need in order to grow into healthy and happy family members.

Wild Kitten to Beloved Best Friend

The cat lovers of the Johnson County Humane Society found Ivy and a black kitten playing beneath a semi-truck in the recycling lot, explaining, “She stood out because she was grey, and many other cats at the site are black.”

She was also easy to spot “because she was having a lot of fun rolling and jumping around.” Even from the first moments in the Humane Society’s care, this adorable kitten “exuded such a sweetness.”

Image Courtesy of Johnson County Humane Society

 “She has these big curious eyes and she would just stare for long periods of time straight at you.”

But being a wild girl on the edge of feral life, Ivy needed just a little time before she’d allow anyone to touch her. She’d come close, but scamper away if curious fingers tried to pet her. One thing Ivy had no trouble accepting though? The food bowl!

Her love of delightfully odiferous cat food was what got her into the Humane Society’s humane trap in the first place! So, when staff and volunteers would bring the bowls of food, curious little Ivy would come to eat for sure. Thanks to the food donations from Animal Resource Foundation, Rescue Bank, Greater Good, and other caring cat lovers, Ivy and all the cats at the Johnson County Humane Society always had full bowls. And for kittens, good nutrition is a must.

As the Human Society explained, “Wet food is super in providing the high protein needs of growing kittens, along with being soft so the kittens can bite into it.”

Once Ivy had her fill of good eats, she was ready for her forever home with Kate.

Image Courtesy of Johnson County Humane Society

A friend of the Humane Society, Kate once had a cat she rescued from an alley. This wild kitty needed to be socialized, but Kate knew this feline was meant to be family and soon, that’s just what they became, with the cat becoming “the most loving, affectionate lap-cat.” The time had come though, that Kate was ready for a kitten.

“Kate had the patience and experience to know that loving Ivy and working with her would yield great results. Ivy was at first shy and would observe with great interest all that was new in her world.”

Image Courtesy of Johnson County Humane Society

“She now loves to play with new toys and has all the excitement and energy that new kittens have.”

Not only did Ivy find a mom in Kate, she also found doggie best friend in Buddy. And before long, the shy kitten was the center of her social scene, cuddling and purring with anyone who came for a visit. And when the company goes, the whole family tucks in tight with Ivy curled up next to Kate’s head.

This purrfect life couldn’t have happened without help though. The Johnson County Humane Society appreciates every bit of help the animals in their care receive, sharing, “Without Animal Resource Foundation, Rescue Bank, Greater Good, and the donations of food and money from caring people, we wouldn’t be able to take care of these cats or rescue and re-home the kittens. We are extremely appreciative of the donations and food we receive.”

Those donations wouldn’t be filling food bowls for kitties without your help though. So, keep shopping and keep those food donations pouring!

Shop & Give Back!

The following products provide quality food for shelters and rescues, helping them reserve more of their precious funds for medical expenses, supplies, and spreading the word about their adoptable pups and kitties.

Feature Image Courtesy of Johnson County Humane Society