When John first came into our care, the world was a scary place for him. He was rescued alongside 21 other cats and kittens from an overwhelmed home after a concerned animal lover made a call to our Animal Helpline. The officers that entered the home said they found a heartbreaking situation of animal hoarding. Many were extremely under‑socialized and frightened of anything new. Without intervention, these animals faced severe health risks and an uncertain fate.
John was five months old when he was brought in. Despite his initial fear, loving staff were able to gently examine him by wrapping him in a towel for comfort. Although nervous, he still managed to purr during chin scratches and quietly licked at his wet food while being pet… these were early signs that he could learn to trust! This kitten was one of the more friendly members of the group and responded to human contact relatively quickly.
Medical care and recovery
Upon inspection, it was found that John was suffering from a large umbilical hernia and an issue with one of his testicles. He was taken to the vet immediately and was booked for neuter surgery and a hernia repair at the same time.
He also had a mild heart murmur, which thankfully was something this sweet boy grew out of without the need for intervention. Given his various medical needs, John was placed in foster care so he could heal and receive the gentle love and care he desperately needed.
From foster to forever
While recovering with his foster family, John’s photos and story were shared with potential adopters looking for a kitten. Nicole, a lovely woman came in with one of her three children hoping to grow their family with a new pet; they’d recently moved into their new home and realized they had extra love to give… When they saw John’s cute and fluffy face, they had to meet him! The moment they walked into the door in the new year, they were already sure he was coming home with them. Little did they know they would become the first official BC SPCA adoption of 2026. Their only focus was on getting to know their little one and to help him settle in.
A few days after adoption, they reported things are going great! Still a bit shy, but showing steady improvement as he adjusts to his new environment. “It took him a little bit to ‘come out of his cage’ so to speak” says Nicole, “He was really comfortable sleeping under the bed for a bit there, but now he lets the kids play with him. He also loves to cuddle and purr”. Nicole’s children are absolutely smitten with John (now also going by Smokey!) and the young kitten loves spending his time with all the fam.
“He does like to be spontaneous about playing. He likes to play with balls, but not toys on strings. My kids are kind of rumbunctious, but he seems to have taken to them already, and my daughter Nana has gotten really attached. I didn’t think that he was going to adapt so fast!” Nicole adds.
A community effort of love
When you walk into an animal centre and fall in love with a rescued animal, as John’s forever family did, there have already been many helping hands and hearts that have made their happy new beginning possible. In this case:
- The concerned caller who alerted us about the situation. We rely heavily on our wonderful community to help the most vulnerable in British Columbia!
- Animal Helpline Operators, who answer these calls and are always ready to activate our network,
- Animal Protection Officers, who ensure animals are safe,
- Veterinarians who provide urgent medical care and surgery,
- Animal care staff and foster families who nurse animals back to health and gently socialized them,
- And, as always, kind supporters whose generous contributions make all this work possible.
New year, new life for little John!
Now settled into his forever home, John has the space to learn what it means to be a cat: to play, to nap in his favourite spots, to accept affection on his own terms, and to grow more confident each day. Our first of 2026 is a hopeful start to the year. We look forward to sharing more success stories as the year unfolds!
Additional resources:
- Do you want to report an animal in distress? Call the BC SPCA Animal Helpline: 1-855-622-7722
- Thinking of becoming a foster family for the BC SPCA? Here’s how to apply.
- Want to become an Animal Protection Officer? This is what you need to know!