In this episode of Catster’s Chatty Cattys podcast, Nicole & Dr. Karyn sit down with Devin, the founder and one-woman show behind “Here Have a Kitten”—a nonprofit rescue based right out of Los Angeles. They dive into the massive animal crisis hitting the city, talk about why cats do what they do, and share what running an independent animal rescue is really like.
Devin busts some major myths about fostering—especially the idea that saying goodbye is “too sad”—and pulls back the curtain on the harsh realities of “no kill” shelters. She also shares her own journey from corporate law to full-time rescue work, showing just how much community support it takes to keep these vulnerable cats safe.
Watch the full episode below, and subscribe to Catster’s YouTube channel for weekly cat chats, helpful tips, and more!
Why Listen
Tune in to find out why fostering is a total lifesaver that directly helps clear out packed animal shelters. Devin gets real about overcrowding and what happens to street cats when city resources dry up. You will also learn about “single kitten syndrome,” why adopting kittens in pairs is actually much easier, and how adult cats teach each other how to play nice.
Plus, this episode digs into the serious health issues that come with trendy, flat-faced designer breeds, and why standard mixed-breed “trash cats” are often way hardier. You will also discover how corporate buyouts of vet clinics have caused pet care costs to skyrocket, and why the phrase “no kill” shelter doesn’t mean what most people think it does.
Quick Recap
- Getting Over the “Too Sad to Foster” Excuse: Devin doesn’t buy the excuse that people can’t foster because saying goodbye hurts too much. She points out that a brief moment of human sadness is nothing compared to a kitten dying on the streets or in a shelter.
- The Power of TNR: The group talks about why Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is the absolute number one most important part of animal rescue. Devin’s nonprofit steps up by funding independent local trappers who do this essential groundwork.
- How Looks and Biases Affect Adoption: Devin shares some surprising insights into how coat colors and gender stereotypes change how fast a cat gets adopted. Thanks to public awareness, pure black cats are actually getting adopted more, leaving female tuxedo cats as some of the hardest to find homes for.
- Single Kitten Syndrome vs. Adult Matches: Think one kitten is less work than two? Think again. Devin explains that raising a single kitten can lead to major behavior issues, and says that if you truly want just one cat with a predictable personality, you should always adopt an adult.
- The Real Cost of Designer Breeds: Devin details the structural health disasters that face flat-faced, trendy pets—even sharing stories about rescuing abandoned purebreds from Kuwait. Her own white, flat-faced rescue cat, Winston, is a prime example, racking up thousands in vet bills for breathing and dental issues.
- The “No Kill” Illusion: The episode wraps up with a tough but necessary look at municipal “no kill” labels. Instead of saving every animal, these policies often create a bottleneck where shelters just turn pets away, leading to crowded facilities, unsocialized animals, and hidden euthanasia loops for very young or slightly sick pets.
