When people find out I sometimes foster kittens for the Kamloops and District Humane Society, they wonder how I can hand them over for adoption.

It’s not easy. But the way I look at it, kittens are cute, they’re in demand and they won’t have trouble finding a home. Adult cats don’t have that cuteness factor that makes them as appealing to pet seekers.

So while it’s hard to see them go, I know they won’t linger for long in the pet stores that the humane society uses to display its homeless animals. I also know the society is careful about screening potential adopters, although no system is perfect.

Usually when Barb Zibrik goes to feed any of the feral cat colonies in Kamloops, the felines and any of their offspring disappear into a myriad of hiding places.

But last fall, the head of the Kamloops and District Humane Society was surprised when one black kitten stayed put on a chair as she neared the food and water dishes at one feeding spot she has set up on a property with the homeowner’s permission.

When she got close enough, she could see why the 12-week-old kitten wasn't taking off into the dark of the fall night like the others.