Kristin Weis, the heart behind KC Kitties, is a leading voice in cat rescue photography, dedicating the last decade to the well-being of cats in our community. Her journey began unexpectedly in 2014 when she and her husband, Joe, took in their first two bottle-baby foster kittens, a moment that quickly evolved into a passion that has helped over 200 felines. Along the way, Kristin discovered the powerful impact a high-quality photograph has in connecting a shelter cat with its forever family. Through KC Kitties, she uses her talent to share their stories, advocate for adoption, and inspire others to get involved in rescue.
Kristin’s dedication has truly saved lives, inspiring countless others in the Kansas City community. Now, let’s dive into the details of her work, her passions, and how a good photograph can be the start of a forever home.
You’ve fostered over 200 cats and kittens. What is the most profound lesson fostering has taught you about the resilience of cats? And, as many cat lovers want to know: what turns a foster kitten into a permanent “foster fail”?
“We began our foster journey in 2014, when we brought home two tiny kittens who were so young they needed to be bottle-fed. We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into, and it was quite the crash course in rescue—what a way to begin, jumping in headfirst! Over the past 11 years, we’ve learned so much, but the biggest lesson for me has been that if you set your mind to something, you can accomplish it. At the same time, every cat teaches you that their needs come first; each one is different. Success often comes from simply listening to what they’re asking for—whether that’s raising funds for a medical case, offering patience to build confidence, or just providing love and a safe space until their forever family comes along. Everything happens on their timeline, not mine. I think that respect for their pace has especially helped the shy kitties who’ve come through our care.
I’ve always been drawn to the “harder-to-adopt” cats, and over the years fostering has turned into forever three times for us. Snowcap, Hachi, and Tillie all started as fosters, but each eventually claimed their place in our family. I tend to fall for the ones who take a little longer to settle in, and after so much time together it became impossible to say goodbye. While we love every foster who comes through our home, with those three we knew forever was the only option—and we wouldn’t have it any other way.”
You realized a good photo is a powerful tool for adoption. How did that realization lead you to start KC Kitties Photography? What’s your secret to capturing a cat’s unique personality in a single photo that helps them find a home?
“I’ve always loved photography and had been dabbling in it for years. When I began fostering, I naturally started taking photos of my fosters, but I quickly noticed how much more attention the dogs at the shelter were getting compared to the cats. That pushed me to start visiting the shelter regularly to take photos of the adoptable felines living there. I loved spending time with them, so I began sharing their pictures on my personal social media and the volunteer page. At first, I wasn’t sure if anyone would notice, but soon another volunteer began using my photos on their rescue’s website and social media. From there, word spread and fosters started asking me to take pictures for their cats too. I photographed some at the shelter, some in my home, and some in foster homes. Eventually, I realized this needed its own identity, so I had a logo created (so generously designed by Furkid Studio) and launched a Facebook page dedicated solely to promoting adoptable cats. Once COVID hit, everything shifted to our in-home studio, where I now photograph foster cats from several rescues across the KC Metro.
When it comes to capturing a cat’s unique personality, patience is the most important thing. We let every kitty have the time and space they need to check out the studio and get comfortable before the camera ever comes out. Some cats are ready right away, while others take a little longer—and that’s okay. My goal is always to showcase them in a way that helps potential adopters see who they really are. Lately I’ve been working on adding more videos, but photos will always be my true passion.”
For those considering adoption, what is your most important piece of advice for a successful, long-term match? Beyond adopting, what are the most impactful ways people can “pay it forward” and support rescue missions?
“My biggest piece of advice for anyone adopting is to keep the 3-3-3 Rule in mind. It’s a helpful guide that reminds us it usually takes about 3 days for a new cat to start feeling safe, 3 weeks to get into a routine, and around 3 months to fully settle in. Some cats adjust faster, some take longer, but it’s a realistic timeline that helps set expectations. Patience, consistency, and letting the cat lead the pace make all the difference in building a strong, lasting bond.
For those who can’t adopt but still want to make an impact, there are so many meaningful ways to help. Simply sharing posts on social media is huge—it’s free, takes only a few seconds, and can put an adoptable cat in front of the right person. Volunteering is another wonderful way to give back, especially if you can use your own strengths and skills—I found my niche with photography, but every talent can make a difference. Donations, whether supplies or money, are always needed to keep rescues running. And fostering, even in a small space, is life-changing for a cat in need. Most rescues cover supplies and vet care—you just provide love and a safe place until they find their forever family.”
After experiencing the emotional highs of fostering and the personal lows of heartbreak with your own cats, where do you and Joe find the strength and inspiration to keep opening your hearts and home to the next cat in need?
“Rescue really is a roller coaster—the highest highs come when a foster finds their perfect forever home, and the lowest lows happen when you’ve poured your heart into a tiny newborn without a mom, only to lose them despite your best efforts. Over the years, we’ve definitely had our share of emotional moments, and there have been times I’ve worried my own cats weren’t getting as much of me as I wanted to give. But even in those tough times, the pull to keep helping these voiceless cats has always been stronger than the thought of walking away.
At the end of the day, I think what inspires us most is knowing that every single cat matters. I’ve always loved cheering on the underdog, and in the world of rescue, that underdog is so often the cat. Giving them a chance, watching them blossom, and then seeing them finally land in a loving home—that’s what keeps our hearts open to the next one who needs us.”
What are your hopes and dreams for the KC Kitties brand and your photography? How can our cat-loving audience best follow and amplify the stories you share on your Facebook page to help more cats?
“My biggest hope for KC Kitties is simply to reach more people. The more Likes and Followers we have on Facebook, the more eyes on the cats, and every new set of eyes is another chance for them to find their forever family. My dream has always been about giving these cats the best possible shot at adoption, and sharing their photos and stories is the way to make that happen. The best way anyone can help is to SHARE, SHARE, SHARE our daily posts—every share really does make a difference.
Another way to support is by purchasing one of our annual calendars. Each year we create a calendar featuring our photos of adoptable cats, with 50% of the profits donated to a rescue of the purchaser’s choice, and the other 50% used to buy backdrops and props so we can continue offering free photo sessions for fosters. KC Kitties has never been about making money—it’s always been about helping cats in the way we know best, and with the support of fellow cat lovers, we can keep telling their stories and helping them find homes.”
Final Word: Every Cat Matters
Kristin Weis’s journey from bottle-feeding two kittens to running KC Kitties Photography is a powerful testament to the impact one dedicated person can have. Her work reminds us that rescue isn’t just about providing shelter; it’s about giving a voice, a story, and the best possible chance to the most vulnerable members of our community.
Whether you’re opening your home to a new furry friend using the 3-3-3 Rule or simply taking a moment to share a photo on Facebook, you have the power to change a life. The inspiration that keeps Kristin and Joe going—the knowledge that “every single cat matters”—is a call to action for all of us.
Thank you, Kristin, for sharing your passion, your hard-earned wisdom, and the beautiful faces of the KC Metro’s adoptable cats.
How to Follow and Support KC Kitties:
Ready to make a difference? You can follow Kristin’s work and support the cats she photographs in two key ways:
Amplify Their Stories: Find and follow KC Kitties Photography on Facebook. The most important thing you can do is SHARE their daily posts to ensure these adoptable cats reach their future families.
Purchase a Calendar: Support the mission by purchasing an annual KC Kitties calendar. Funds go toward rescue organizations and maintaining the free photography services for foster cats.
