One year ago, Winter found her forever home, leaving a difficult road behind her to enjoy the happiness she deserved.
Winter was adopted in March last year as part of our Glow Program, which aims to facilitate adoption for kittens who are nearing the end of their ringworm treatment course. As part of the program, we cover the costs of a kitten’s ringworm treatment until they are fully recovered, allowing new adopters to focus solely on nurturing their bond with their furry friends.
To everyone who played a role in her care, from our shelter team to her devoted adopters, thank you. Your compassion and commitment changed her world forever.
By the time it was Winter’s turn to meet the family of her dreams, she was still undergoing treatment for ringworm, a fungal infection that occurs when an animal’s immune system is compromised by things like stress, malnutrition, and even other illnesses.
Oftentimes, ringworm manifests in flaky skin and patchy hair loss. Ringworm can take up to 6 weeks to resolve, sometimes longer, a tough stint in a shelter that no kitten should endure.
Shelter living can be stressful spaces for some of the animals who turn to us for help, and we know that when animals are in a comfortable environment, they heal much faster than when they’re experiencing stress.
That’s why we created our incredible Glow Program: to move kittens who are nearing the end of treatment course into loving homes sooner, giving them the best chance at recovery with a family willing to meet their needs.
Now, ringworm is contagious to both other pets and humans. This means that a Glow kitten won’t be the right fit for everyone, particularly people who are immunocompromised and households with young children.
The risks of infection are lower in adults who are not immunocompromised and, while the word “contagious” can sound alarming, ringworm is a very manageable condition. With the right support, the risk of spread is low, and the outcome is overwhelmingly positive for both our wonderful Glow kittens and their dedicated carers!
Since launching in July 2024, 44 ringworm cats have found committed, compassionate adopters willing to look past a temporary condition and focus on the loving companion they can treasure all their lives.
So many families, including Winter’s own, embrace the journey with their kittens wholeheartedly.
When Winter first went home, she weighed just 1.8 kg. Now, a whole year later, she’s at a healthy 3.1 kg and absolutely thriving! Her physical transformation mirrors her emotional one, from a vulnerable shelter cat undergoing treatment to a confident, cherished member of a family who loves her for who she is.
Winter’s story is a powerful reminder that no cat is ever beyond hope. Sometimes, they just need someone willing to give them the time and care they need.
Happy one-year anniversary in your forever home, Winter! Here’s to many more years of love, health, and happiness ahead.
