Colorado, These Two Stray Kittens Saved My Life

Why Adopting a Pet in Colorado Can Change Your Life

Having a pet can truly enrich your life in a beautiful way.

July 10th, 2025 is National Kitten Day, so let's celebrate the adorable feline family members in our life!

I for one have two cats and they bring so much joy into my life! This October it will be two years since I first rescued them.

Get our free mobile app

READ MORE: The Purr-fect Road Trip for Cat Lovers in Colorado

It's absolutely crazy how happy these two little chaotic balls of hair have made me.

And I cannot believe that they've been bossing me around for so long!

There are 47 million cat households in the United States, according to reports. In addition, about 3.2 million cats end up in shelters every single year and people are typically more likely to adopt stray cats than they adopt stray dogs.

From Midwestern Garage to Forever Colorado Home

Picture it...Autumn 2023.

I had moved out to a new apartment after getting the boot from my landlord.

They decided to not renew any of their tenants' leases, so that was pretty fun.

One of the great things about this apartment building was that it was pet friendly. So, I decided to take this as a sign from the universe that it was time for me to get a cat.

I looked at all of the local animal shelters, trying to find the perfect furry companion for myself. In between tasks at work I was looking at cats on local shelter and humane society's websites.

I'd find an adorable cat on their website, and then forget about it.

By the time I'd remember them, they were already snatched up and sent to a loving home. Honestly, I think I kept pushing it off because I was a bit nervous about owning my own pet for the first time.

National Kitten Day Reflections: August and Cornelia

Ask and You Shall Receive

So, I'd been talking about how much I wanted a cat at the office. One day, one of my co-workers Bob came up to me and said that he had found some kittens on his property.

He and his wife Julie had tried to bring in the whole litter which included mama, but they had no luck. The couple was only able to bring inside two babies that were a few weeks old.

They fed them, bathed them, and made sure they had everything they needed as they tried to tame them.

After mentioning their feline friends that they'd found, Bob sent me an email the next day with this picture of the kitties.

The message read, "I can't promise the one on the right, but the left one I can! We caught them in live traps and they're now in a big rabbit cage in our garage while we try to get them tamed. Please let me know if you want him/her... no idea at this point."

Why I Took Home Two Cats Instead of One (And Never Looked Back)

I knew immediately that I had to bring home these cats.

Originally, my heart was set on taking just the orange one home. I prepared myself to hear from Bob about how the other one was already taken by one of their friends.

When I went to their house to meet the cats, the couple surprised me with some big news.

I could take both of the kittens if I wanted.

My jaw sort of dropped to the floor as I held the purring orange cat. I think this pic might've been right around the moment they told me.

Two? I'm scared about being able to handle one. That's double the poop to scoop.

But I had been reading that if you are adopting kittens, it's better to get a pair. They'll always have a buddy and it's supposed to help teach them not to bite.

So...I ended up taking the cats home a week or two later.

Taylor Swift-Inspired Cat Names

Meet August and Cornelia, Two Felines With Pop Star Flair

Since I'm such a big fan of Taylor Swift, I decided to name them after two of my favorite songs by her. I picked "August" and "Cornelia Street."

Thus, August (orange cat) and Cornelia (gray) came into my life.

Pets, Anxiety, and Building a Home Away From Home

Why These Two Cats Help Me Stay Grounded in Colorado

It's crazy how quickly they both became such important pieces of my life.

These two furballs were born under a stoop in Iowa and now they're living a great life out here in Northern Colorado!

They've helped me deal with my anxiety and the homesickness I feel every now and then. I know it might sound silly, but the three of us have become a little ragtag family.

I struggle with some mental health issues and having these constant, furry presences in my life helps me bring myself down to earth and center myself.

Taking Cats on Planes and to Farmers Markets

Real Talk: Yes, You Can Take Your Cats to Outdoor Events in Colorado

I've flown with them across the country, taken them out to farmers markets, and have used them for some great social media content.

READ MORE: Is The Holiday Twin Drive-In in Fort Collins Dog-Friendly?

We've traveled thousands of miles together in just one year, and I'm so excited for all of the adventures to come!

If you're able, support local shelters like NOCO Humane so every animal, not just kittens, can have a great life.

READ MORE: Lovable Bloodhound Mix in Northern Colorado Needs a Forever Home

Stay up to date with everything going on in Northern Colorado and beyond by downloading the free station app from your app store.

Do not forget to follow the station across all social media platforms for the latest updates.