The summer after 8th grade, my family was bored as per usual and my mom suggested we take up something we hadn't done in a while: fostering. Well, actually we had fostered about six golden retrievers and a couple other dog breeds- but no cats before. At that point, we had two Golden Retrievers and one small Havanese dog.

In the past, we had an outdoor cat, but it had been years and my sisters and I never knew her well. Also, my mom was allergic to cats, but we decided to give fostering kitties a try because the shelter needed help and we could keep them upstairs.

We headed down to the shelter with one kitten in mind and were then asked to take a set of two brothers or three siblings. We took home the two brothers, who came out of the "J" batch; they were named Jack and Jayden. Y'all- these guys were two weeks old. I'm talking fit in the palm of your hand babies.

My sisters and I then took care of these babies for the entire month of June- watching them grow (literally weighing them every time they ate) and playing with them. You bet we got attached to them- these brothers were the sweetest, most cuddly kids out there. As adoption days came up, we asked around the neighborhood and friends for possible takers so we could still see them on occasion.

My mom and dad didn't originally want to keep them because we had three dogs and the large financial intake of two kittens. But the first adoption day at Petsmart came and went, and my mom made an excuse as to why they couldn't go. Mind you- if they had and were adopted out- we would never see the sweet brothers again.

After much convincing and promising to help out, my parents agreed to hold on to the kittens. We renamed Jayden because the "J" names were tongue twisters and soon became even more obsessed with these cats. Before, I would have declared in seconds I was a dog person, but these cats were quickly proving their loving companionship.

Fostering was dangerous because we couldn't let go of these two perfect brothers, but it was something none of us ever regretted. Forget your negative preconceptions about cats- if raised with love, cats are the sweetest, best companions for their possible 20+ year lifespan.

Treat them with care and I suggest keeping them indoor cats for their own health and safety. Jack, the brown, fat, mischievous brother passed away from heart problems this last August. We wouldn't have ever guessed how much of an effect that boy would have on us, but my whole family still misses him every day.

If you haven't met a sweet cat yet, you just haven't met enough yet. Don't prejudge these beautiful creatures- as they could be the best, most loving companion you will ever love.

P.S. Special shout out to Austin Pets Alive!- the stunning organization we found these sweet boys at- that is the best no-kill shelter you will find in Texas.