This story was submitted by our shelter friend The Cat House on the Kings. The Cat House on the Kings saves pets’ lives in the Fresno County, California area, and the Animal Rescue Site is proud to share their stories. You can learn more about their work here!

As the movement for TNR (trap-neuter-return) grows, so does the heart tugging affection for the kittens that are among colonies where compassionate caregivers trap cats in need of care. When kittens come from a cat colony (a group of free-roaming cats that live together in a specific location, sometimes in areas that can be difficult for cats to live in), it is hard to know what they have been exposed to, what they have learned, or what they have been taught by their mom or the elders in that colony.

PHOTO: THE CAT HOUSE ON THE KINGS

Our wide-eyed Atlas represents thousands of kittens in this situation. However, today he is our model for his nervous foster siblings that really, we can't stress enough, really, need to find their adoptive families in order for more kittens to get the opportunities that this group has had.

Now, most TNR experts know that feral cats or semi-feral cats mostly prefer to remain free to live in their colonies, but they all appreciate health care so that they can live pain-free. That being said, our merciful TNR volunteers also pay close attention to the young kittens that clearly seek human connection and affection. Knowing what is ahead in life for those surviving the streets makes the possibility at a loving home life an important chance for kittens showing that they are interested. That doesn't mean it is an easy road. Atlas again fits the ideal candidate to show the path for himself and his foster siblings.

PHOTO: THE CAT HOUSE ON THE KINGS

After getting picked up from a colony, Atlas, Apollo, Betsy, Bonnie, and Buster all went into a foster home that has fostered many apprehensive but affectionate young kittens. It is difficult when we want ever so much to be close to such cuteness to remember to let each be themselves on their terms. This is why we end up with so many teenagers and adult cats that live with our fosters or in our adoption rooms for much longer than we hope for.

We turn to the warmhearted public to help us network these fabulous fosters with Atlas, now six months old, mapping the way to loving adoptive families. Please check out his bio below and you can see all of his foster siblings available on our website.

PHOTO: THE CAT HOUSE ON THE KINGS

This darling boy’s saucer-sized, soulful eyes are a purrfect reflection of his sweet heart. He’s ready to be the precious prized addition in a loving forever family and just asks that they have the bit of extra patience he may need to be at ease in new surroundings. Play times with his cutie pie sister, feather toys, and anything that rolls never fail to capture his full attention and bring out his delightfully spritely bounce and pounce!

He has also gotten along with other cats and kittens in his foster home. Little smoky gray stripes on one of his “sleeves”, the sweetest little pink smile and nose, beautifully black-lined eyes, velvety gray face “drapes”, and the softest ivory coat, make this lovable boy a classically handsome one, too! Could gentle, adorable six month old Atlas be the treasured gem for you? If you think so, apply to adopt him here!

This story was submitted by our shelter friend The Cat House on the Kings in Fresno County, California. Learn more about them here!