John Bartlett started fostering kittens for Purrfect Pals in 2008 and, since then, has fostered more than fifty litters.

In 2011, John combined his loves of technology and fostering by setting up a webcam in his house that allowed him to monitor his kittens while he was at work. He enjoyed watching them so much that he started to wonder if other people would also like it!

In October of 2011, John launched “the Critter Room” Kitten Cam, featuring “The Lotus Fosters.”  The viewer count has steadily climbed ever since, and now over 40,000 cat lovers all over the world follow “Foster Dad John” on Livestream and Facebook!  The chat feature on his kitten cam has created a virtual community of “Kitten Cam Fans” who bonded over the adorable antics of his fosters.

Once adopted, many of John’s fosters have created their own Facebook pages so their fans can continue to watch them grow online.  Local fans of the cam and adopters of the kitten cam alumni began meeting up at adoption events whenever Foster Dad John’s litters were ready to find forever homes.

Fans outside of the Seattle area decided they wanted to join the party so they organized the first “Kitten Cam Con.”  In May of 2014, Foster Dad John and dozens of his fans from all over the United States (and Australia!) came together in Seattle for a four day convention centered around the Average Joe Cat Show, a fundraiser for Purrfect Pals.

What started as a simple web cam has evolved into an international sensation.  Foster Dad John has inspired other foster kitten cams and inspired cat lovers all over the world to begin volunteering and fostering for their local shelters and rescue groups.  Lifelong friendships have developed, children are learning about fostering in their classrooms and Purrfect Pals, located in rural Washington State, is now known around the globe!

Order YOUR Cat His Own Chickenwhale!

Made famous by Foster Dad John’s “Critter Room” Livestream Kitten Cam, Chickenwhale (Chickenfish’s big brother) is a fun plush toy/pillow for cats and kittens.

Chickenfish was discontinued by his German manufacturer, Nobby, but thanks to a GoFundMe project organized by kitten cam fans, an exclusive batch of Chickenwhales was created.

Get one today by making a $15.00 donation (+$3.00 shipping for online and phone orders). 100% of the proceeds support Purrfect Pals and the life saving work we are doing to end cat homelessness in the Puget Sound Region!

Order Merchandise from the Club Chickenfish Store!

Are you a fan of Foster Dad John and the infamous Chickenfish (Hail!)? Fans of the cam have created fun designs featuring FDJ’s foster kitties which are available on t-shirts, mugs, bags and more. Best of all, Purrfect Pals receives a portion of the proceeds from all sales!  Click Here to Visit the Club Chickenfish Store on CafePress today!