A former stray cat wants to “talk” to every kitten that comes through the door after his life was forever changed.
Forest the cat found his forever home a few years ago and has been helping kittens in need ever since. Erica, a vet tech, crossed paths with Forest when she was working at a cat cafe.
“He originally ended up at our city’s open admission shelter as a stray with a very badly injured leg. He was transferred to a smaller shelter. After his (leg) surgery, he wound up at the cafe looking for a home,” Erica shared with us.
The rotund, mellow house panther reminded Erica of her beloved late cat Banjo. Not only did Forest look like him but also acted like him. “He was just a gentle giant with three legs. I knew I had to adopt him.”
Forest settled into his new home and hit it off right away with other feline residents. He immediately brought a sense of calmness to the household as he lazed around without a care in the world.
“Forest isn’t a very active cat. His favorite things are eating and lounging in a soft cat bed.”
One day, Forest noticed there were tiny meows coming from the kitten room, and decided to wait outside the door and tried to “talk” to the little ones.
Erica has fostered around 200 kittens over the years, and when Forest first found out about the fosters, he decided to guard the room outside until he could meet them.
Once the kittens were medically clear for a meet-and-greet, Forest sauntered right in. In no time, he found himself surrounded by a clowder of furballs, vying for his attention.
“Every kitten I brought home was immediately drawn to him.”
Forest has “the patience of a saint”. Even the shyest kittens can’t resist his charm. The sweet cat seems to know exactly what the kittens need and allows them to cuddle up to him on their terms.
“They always feel so safe and comfortable around him.”
“He usually doesn’t approach the kittens, and just lays around and lets them come to him, even when they climb on him and nurse on him.”
Ashley, a long-haired tabby, adored Forest and was so happy to have a constant snuggle buddy. After tiring herself out, she would seek him out and curl up next to him for a nap.
Forest is very gentle and nurturing with the kittens. He makes himself available whenever they need a cuddle. He keeps them warm and reassures them that they are loved.
“He helps me take care of the kittens by grooming them and teaching them how to play appropriately,” Erica shared with us.
Forest is extremely laid-back but if he smells food, he doesn’t hesitate to meow for some. Besides food, Forest will speak every time he spots new kittens in the house.
Cookie the tortie is also a tripod (like Forest). She gravitated towards him when they first met, and has been sharing beds with him since.
Forest gives every foster kitten a dose of his love and all the cuddles he can offer. He shows them the ropes and prepares them for their future happily-ever-after.
