Colorado Woman Brought Home A Tiny Kitten, But The Cat Soon Revealed A Surprising Calling
A teenage girl’s spontaneous decision to adopt a free kitten turned into a beautiful 19-year friendship. But it was the cat’s unexpected role as a foster puppy mother that truly changed their lives.
A Chance Encounter
When Kate was just a teenager, a simple errand changed the course of her life forever.
She encountered some people who were trying to sell a few items, but it wasn’t the merchandise that caught her eye. Sitting right there, completely free to a good home, was a tiny, unassuming kitten.
Kate decided to take a chance and bring the little feline home, naming her MowMow.
“She’s still with me 19 years later, so it was very lucky for me to pick this kitten,” Kate shared with GeoBeats.
A Feline With A Canine Soul
As MowMow grew up, Kate quickly realized that her new pet wasn’t exactly a typical cat.
In fact, many of Kate’s friends who were nervous around felines or simply preferred dogs found themselves instantly charmed by MowMow.
“They all love her because I think she’s very dog-like,” Kate explained.
MowMow even learned to sit on command, a trick that always leaves guests amazed. As Kate noted, she had never seen a cat that simply sits when told.
The Foster House Manager
MowMow’s true calling revealed itself when Kate began opening her home to foster puppies.
While many cats would hide from energetic, exuberant young dogs, MowMow took a completely different approach.
She didn’t just tolerate the puppies; she actively stepped into a mothering role.
“She considers herself to be more of a dog than a cat,” Kate said, noting that MowMow is highly protective of the young pups and completely unfazed by their wild energy.
Saving Ghost
MowMow’s maternal instincts proved life-changing for one particular foster puppy named Ghost.
Ghost arrived at Kate’s home as a highly anxious and fearful puppy. He was so terrified that he was even frightened of Kate.
Sensing the puppy’s distress, MowMow immediately picked him out as a baby who needed extra attention.
She patiently worked to win his trust, and Ghost actually bonded with the cat before he ever bonded with Kate. Because of their beautiful connection, Kate ultimately decided to adopt Ghost permanently.
Setting Feline Boundaries
Interestingly, MowMow’s endless patience for baby animals does not extend to her own species.
A few years ago, Kate tried her hand at fostering kittens, thinking MowMow would be just as maternal with them.
The senior cat politely tolerated the kittens, provided Kate kept them in a separate room where she didn’t have to see or interact with them.
Eventually, MowMow made it clear that she was completely over kitten fostering, preferring to stick to her canine companions.
The Ultimate Dog Whisperer
With the kittens gone, MowMow went back to doing what she does best: being a dog whisperer.
When new puppies arrive, they are often confused by the confident cat who insists on snuggling with them.
“Puppies are like, ‘I’m not even sure what you are,'” Kate laughed.
But MowMow wins them over incredibly fast. By simply being sweet and paying them gentle attention, she teaches the anxious dogs how to be calm and confident.
Enforcing Nap Time
MowMow takes her role as the household role model very seriously.
She firmly believes she is in charge of the daily schedule, especially when it comes to resting.
If MowMow decides it’s time for a nap, she will actively herd the dogs—whether it’s Ghost or a new foster—into the dog bed.
She gently but firmly bosses them around, making sure her “babies” get the sleep they need to grow.
A Loyal Companion Through It All
Beyond her work with the rescue dogs, MowMow is an incredibly devoted companion to Kate.
She is highly affectionate, following Kate around the house and waiting patiently while she cooks or works.
MowMow is also deeply empathetic. If Kate is having a bad day, the sweet cat will bring her a toy or act extra playful just to cheer her up.
“Every dog’s her baby,” Kate noted, but it’s clear that Kate is MowMow’s favorite person.
Nineteen Years Of Love
Today, at 19 years old, MowMow is still going strong.
A few years ago, she was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, which initially terrified Kate.
Thankfully, with the help of a great veterinarian and a couple of daily medications, MowMow is doing wonderfully and her health remains great for her age.
After nearly two decades together, Kate can hardly remember life without her. “She’s been an incredible cat,” Kate smiled, “and I don’t think there’s too many cats out there like her.”
