Ellen Carozza, a licensed veterinary technician at Nova Cat Clinic in Arlington, Virginia, can’t pinpoint the exact moment she realized her cat, Benedict Cumbercat (affectionately called Benny), had a natural talent for foster parenting. But one thing is certain—his nurturing instincts have made him an indispensable part of her kitten rescue efforts.
With his striking looks and gentle demeanor, Benny lives up to his namesake, actor Benedict Cumberbatch. But beyond his charm, he plays a vital role in socializing and caring for the neonatal foster kittens Carozza takes in—many of whom require intensive medical care beyond what typical shelters can provide.
A Surrogate Father to Fragile Felines
Carozza, who runs a small foster program for medically complex kittens, says Benny has seamlessly integrated into the routine. “He makes friends easily with every kitten he meets—it’s a daily occurrence,” she told PEOPLE. “Cats thrive on routine, and Benny loves to help.”
The black-and-white feline doesn’t just offer companionship—he provides something humans can’t. “There’s a primal bond between cats that we can’t replicate,” Carozza explained. “Kittens raised with a surrogate cat do much better than bottle-fed ones. Benny gives them cat-to-cat comfort and teaches them how to behave.”
From Rescue Cat to Foster Hero
Benny’s own story began when Carozza took him in as a sickly kitten. A rescue group had described him and his littermates as having “mild” upper respiratory infections—but the reality was far worse. “They had severe infections, conjunctivitis, and diarrhea,” she recalled. “But the moment I saw Benny, I knew he was mine.”
Now fully recovered, Benny pays it forward by nurturing other vulnerable kittens. Whether snuggling with newborns or gently correcting misbehaving “bratty singletons,” he adapts to each foster’s personality. “He grooms them, disciplines them when needed, and socializes them perfectly,” Carozza said.
A Lifeline for Neonatal Kittens
Carozza’s foster program, which typically cares for two to five kittens at a time (and up to 12 in peak season), relies on limited resources. Many of the kittens are adopted by her clinic’s clients, ensuring they find loving homes.
To support their efforts, donations can be made to the Chris Griffey Memorial Feline Fund, which helps cover medical costs for these vulnerable animals.
For Benny, though, the reward is simpler—a house full of kittens to love, guide, and occasionally put in their place. After all, as Carozza says, “We want them to grow up as cats—not cats who think they’re human.”
Related topics:
