Sometimes the plan changes… and your heart happily follows.
I’ve shared before that our little backyard playhouse has served many purposes over the years. One of its most meaningful roles has been as a safe haven for stray cats and foster kittens.
It’s the perfect little space—safe, quiet, and separate from our own pets while newcomers settle in, receive care, and prepare for their forever homes.
Over the years, every little critter who has come through its doors has eventually found a loving family.
Until now.
If you’ve spent any time with animals, you know every pet brings something uniquely their own. Their personalities, funny habits, little quirks, and unconditional love create memories that stay with us forever. Our own cats and dogs have all been rescues, making it especially fitting that our home has become a place of second chances.
Of course, we also had a plan.
To keep life balanced, we had one simple household rule: the pets could never outnumber the humans.
It worked perfectly when we were a family of four under one roof.
Now there are just two of us. The math… wasn’t looking good.
At the time, we felt pretty content with our little crew: two ginger cats and one German Shepherd. It was a comfortable balance.
Living where we do, though, stray cats are not uncommon. Cats from nearby farms or the neighbourhood often wander through while we’re gardening or make surprise appearances on our yard cameras.
Then, early last year, one little visitor stood out.
She was a tiny grey cat with four white feet who began following me around the yard. She would come just close enough to share a sweet little meow and a quiet moment before darting away again.
It wasn’t long before I realized she was pregnant.
I searched neighbourhood groups and community pages, hoping someone was missing a very friendly little cat. She clearly trusted people but was still cautious enough to keep her distance.
As summer continued, I noticed she was no longer pregnant.
Now the search became two-fold: where were her kittens, and how could I earn her trust?
Finally, near the end of summer, while Mike was away out of town, she made the decision for both of us.
She walked right onto our front porch.
Out I went with food and water. She was heartbreakingly thin, but this time she came right to me. I was able to pet her, pick her up, and finally give her the meal she desperately needed.
Then the reason for her condition appeared.
Three tiny kittens emerged from our front flower garden.
It was action time.
This was exactly what the playhouse was meant for.
Mom and babies were safely tucked into carriers and moved into the playhouse for food, health checks, and lots of love.
We’d done this before.
Assess. Support. Find amazing homes.
Keeping with where they were discovered, everyone received a garden-inspired name.
• Mom: Lily
• Grey calico girl: Willow
• Dark calico girl: Ivy
• Grey and white boy: Clover
One thing they all shared? Four little white feet.
The playhouse quickly became the happiest place on our property. There were endless play sessions, loud purrs, cuddles, and kitten antics. I definitely took a few work meetings from the playhouse just so my colleagues could enjoy the cuteness too.
Working in the veterinary industry has connected me with wonderful families looking to adopt and wonderful pets looking for homes.
Apparently, my luck finally ran out.
From the very beginning, we knew Lily wasn’t going anywhere. She had sacrificed so much raising her babies while still being little more than a kitten herself. She arrived at exactly the right time, placed her trust in us, and quietly became part of our family.
Ivy found an incredible forever home, and we still receive updates from time to time.
The rest?
Well…
They stayed.
We really did try. Honestly.
Somewhere between hilarious antics, afternoon naps, playful wrestling matches, and bedtime cuddles, they simply became ours.
The kittens will soon celebrate their first birthday, while Lily is only about two years old herself. They have blended beautifully with our other cats and our German Shepherd, creating a wonderfully chaotic household.
Five cats.
Does that officially make us a proud Clowder Clan?
Our days are filled with more laughter, more naps in unexpected places, more playtime, more cuddles, and yes… a few more litter boxes than we originally planned.
I wouldn’t change a thing.
Well…Maybe one thing.
The cat tree definitely had to be upgraded.
Turns out five felines are particular about sharing and want what they feel is the best seat in the house.
