Kittens saved from death through woman's efforts | News

SOUTH TAMPA, Fla. -- Furry paws tap across a hardwood floor as tiny faces peer out from under a warm blanket at Katie Selman's house.

Selman fosters kittens, and currently houses more than 40 of them. About 60 more are staying at friends' houses until they get older.

"We're kind of like that bridge between death and life," Selman says.

She has a full-time job and five children, but feels passionate about constantly caring for kittens because they could be put to sleep if she doesn't.

Several times a week, Selman stops by local shelters and picks up kittens the day they're scheduled to be euthanized. Shelters often have too many animals and not enough resources to care for newborn cats, who are too small to be spayed and neutered, and require bottle feeding every few hours.

On the day 10 News traveled with Selman, she ended up taking home five newborns who were dropped off at a shelter in a cardboard box.

Once the kittens are eight weeks old or weigh two pounds, Selman works with no-kill shelters to find homes for them.

"Seeing the forever family and seeing that connection makes it all worthwhile for me," Selman says.

She's started a group called Katie's Nest, and is always looking for people to help care for kittens for just two or three weeks. Email her if you're interested.