HELOISE Orphaned kitten found caring new home

Dear Heloise: After reading your article about orphaned kittens, I had to write. We adopted a kitten from our animal shelter. She was 2 weeks old, and had been dropped off.
Everything that you said in your previous column was exactly right! Unfortunately, we had to find out as we went along. Yes, just like a baby, you have to feed around the clock. Litter-box training was not hard because it is the kitten's nature to use it. I am not going to tell you it was not a lot of work -- it was -- but we would do the same thing again.
Our vet was instrumental. We called her almost daily for about four weeks, and she was wonderful. Heloise, this is the point: Our kitten is almost 1 year old, and the bond she has with us is incredible. And it was a family thing. Our kids helped with the feedings, our family spent a whole lot of time together raising our kitten, and it was a lot better than playing a board game or going to the movies.
It does get kind of expensive buying formula, but it's worth it. You can give leftover formula to a Humane Society. We did, and they were so thankful.
Thank you for writing an article and letting people know that the fate of an animal sometimes depends on what we do. Out kitten is happy, healthy and ruler of the house now. Jimmy and Tammy in Arkansas
Thank you for bringing an orphaned kitten into your home. It is good to know that there are wonderful people all across our country who open their hearts and homes. Remember, your Humane Society and other animal-welfare groups are appreciative of donations. Give them a call to see what they need. Hugs, Heloise
Dear Readers: Linda Riccomini of Bakersfield, Calif., sent a cute picture of her two cats, Mickey and Katy. They look cozy -- especially Katy, who is lying inside a clothes hamper. Linda says the cats are always in some kind of trouble, but she can't help laughing at them.
Visit my Web site, www.Helo-ise.com, to see Mickey and Katy looking cozy. Send your favorite, unusual pet photo to: Heloise/Pet Photo, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I have some little zebra finches that I am raising. I put a small birdbath in the cage, but not one of the birds would use it. So, I called a local avian specialist, and he said that birds won't get into water unless they can tell how deep it is. He suggested placing a few marbles in the shallow container of water. I did this, and viol & aacute;! -- it was bath time! Kelly from Texas
It's always a good idea to buy a care booklet for any new animals you add to your household. It will help a lot in the long run. Heloise
XSend a great hint to: Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, Fax: (210) HELOISE or E-mail: Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate