Written by ©Victoria Rittinger (flickr: viva_victoria).

I foster kittens for the Houston SPCA. If they are small (not yet 2 lbs) or sick I take care of them until they are ready to be put up for adoption at the HSPCA. I very much enjoy fostering because it's a direct way to get involved and save an animal's life. So rewarding! There's more information on their foster program here.

This current litter of foster kittens was about 5-6 weeks old when I got them. They were dropped off by someone at the HSPCA, but I'm not sure why - but they were in good health, just tiny. I've had them for about 10 days. They are only 1.5 lbs and they all have the sniffles, but that doesn't stop them from being playful and energetic.

Porter is the big boy of the bunch, he's very energetic and inquisitive and comes running immediately to the door when I come in to greet me (they've got their own bedroom in my home). His brother Stout is very affectionate and sweet, he likes to lie in my lap for head scratches. Sister Amber is the big girl, she is very playful and outgoing, and can keep up with Porter. Cider is the littlest one, she only weighs 1.25 lbs, but she is the independent one and likes to do her own thing. They all like playing with my tennis shoes very much! I will have them for another week or two while they continue to gain weight and recover from the sniffles.

Photos courtesy of ©Victoria Rittinger (flickr: viva_victoria)