How Fostering Kittens Helped Me With Empty Nest Syndrome

When Your Kids Move Out

Image by author.

At one time, my home in California was filled with noise. Kids were always darting about; there was the constant sound of talking, laughter, and even the occasional fighting. I was continuously kept busy between driving kids around, homework help, cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc., etc., etc!

Most of all, there were lots of hugs and love and the feeling of being needed. Then, kids did what they do, and they grew up. Out of four kids, three have moved out, and the adult one who is still at home is so busy between work, the gym, and a very hectic social life that I barely see her.

Gone are the fun play times filled with laughter, the numerous hugs throughout the day, and the cuddling on the couch while watching movies. Yes, I was definitely feeling the effects of empty nest syndrome.

Granted, I had a lot more free time than I used to. I was able to get back to my writing, which is a passion of mine, and take time to socialize more with friends. Still, there was something missing. I just wasn’t feeling fulfilled.

One day, while checking some local message boards, I came across a post from a woman who had kittens she was trying to find homes for. They belonged to a family member who had taken ill and couldn’t care for them.

I contacted her and let her know that if she couldn’t find a home for some of them, I would be willing to foster them until they were ready for adoption, then place them with a local rescue group.

I had previously fostered kittens in the past, so I knew what to do. I also knew of local rescue groups I could put the kittens through when it was time for them to be adopted.

The lady contacted me back, and I agreed to take three of the kittens. They’re the kittens you see in the photo above. I can’t begin to tell you how excited I was when I went to get them. I actually had butterflies in my stomach! I couldn’t wait to have some new little lives at home.

When I got the kittens, they were absolutely adorable. However, they were also scared to death. They hadn’t had much socialization, and I was nothing more than a stranger to them, taking them from the only home they knew and putting them into a new, strange environment. I knew I had a challenge ahead of me.

The calico kitten was named Ariel, the grey one, Mochi, and the black one, Loki. (What can I say? I’m a huge Disney fan.)

For the first few days, they tried to stay as far away from me as possible. They would allow me to pick them up, but only momentarily before trying to get out of my arms.

I knew a way to reach them was to talk to them and spend as much time with them as possible, attempting to play with them and trying to get them to relax enough to pet them.

After a week, I finally made progress with Loki. He purred for the first time when I put him in my lap. I was so elated! Within a few days, the other two came around and accepted me as well. By now, it was time to have them spayed and neutered, and after a few days of recuperation, it was time for them to go to the adoption clinic.

The clinic had only been open a matter of minutes when Ariel was adopted. A couple of hours later, Mochi had found a new home. It would take a week for Loki to be adopted, but he was quite smitten with the lady who became his new mom.

This experience was bittersweet. On the one hand, I was sad to see them go. On the other hand, it felt so good knowing I had helped these three precious lives get ready to go to their forever homes. One lady actually brought me to tears when she put her arms around me, hugged me and thanked me for taking such good care of her new kitten.

The house is quiet again, but I know it’s only a matter of time before I get a call and some new kittens will need a temporary foster home in preparation for them being ready for adoption.

Now, did these kittens cure my empty nest? No. As wonderful as the experience was, nothing can replace having your kids at home. However, it did fill a void in me. I felt a new sense of purpose, and it was such a special feeling being needed again.

If you’re considering fostering kittens, know that it didn’t cost me any money out of pocket. The rescue group paid for their food, litter, and medical.

If you’re looking to get with a rescue group, check your local pet stores, like Petco and PetSmart, on the weekends. That’s when the local rescue groups are there. You might also check your local message boards where you live, such as Nextdoor, and inquire about groups in your area.

Feeling the effects of empty nest syndrome is no fun, but it is possible to find ways to make it better. If you have any questions regarding fostering kittens, please ask me in the comments below, and I will do my best to answer them.