Paris Hilton Adopts Himalayan Mix Kitten and Starts Adoption Craze

The hotel heiress and reality star is well-known for her love of diminutive dogs, but last week Paris Hilton decided to explore her feline side.

She broke the news of her kitten adoption on Twitter July 29, tweeting, "I adopted the cutest kitten today. I named her Princess Annabelle. She is so adorable and sweet!" Hilton urged others to contact Laurel Pet Hospital in West Hollywood, California, where she adopted the adorable kitty. "There's other kittens there that are in need of homes," she tweeted.

Apparently, people listened. Dr. Meredith Rettinger, a veterinarian at Laurel Pet Hospital told Paw Nation that the practice, which also rescues animals, has since been getting "a lot of calls" from potential adopters. "Some of the people say that they would never have thought about adopting a mixed-breed cat, and that they've only had purebreds," Dr. Rettinger told Paw Nation. But seeing Hilton adopt a Himalayan-mix cat changed their minds.


Then there are those who come into the hospital clutching a photo of Hilton with Princess Annabelle, insisting they, "want the same kitten, just like the one Paris Hilton has," Dr. Rettinger told Paw Nation. Those applicants are gently turned away with a reminder that a cat is not an accessory.

Princess Annabelle was one in a litter of mixed-breed kittens who were to be euthanized at a local city shelter. They were rescued by animal rescue group Saving Grace, who brought the kittens to Laurel Pet Hospital. "We're a veterinary hospital," said Dr. Rettinger. "But we do have an adoption program and try to take in orphaned animals."

Dr. Rettinger, who met with Hilton, says that the famous socialite was put through the hospital's adoption process, same as anybody else. Hilton was questioned about who would care for the kitten, where it would sleep ("In my bed," Hilton replied), and the number of dogs in the house. Hilton assured Dr. Rettinger that she had a large enough space for all her animals and that the kitten would be well cared for. After all, her dogs do have a doggy mansion to play in when outdoors.

After agreeing to the terms of the adoption -- keeping the cat indoors at all times, having it spayed, continuing to provide medical care, and no declawing -- Hilton paid the $65 adoption fee and was taken to meet the felines.

"I was impressed when she said she was open to adopting a kitten or an adult cat," says Dr. Rettinger, recalling that Hilton wanted to adopt whatever kitty she felt a bond with. "But the kitten picked her." As soon as Hilton opened one of the cages, the kitten now known as Princess Annabelle "kind of jumped on her," laughs Dr. Rettinger.

Princess Annabelle sure knows how to grab attention -- just like her mom.

Tags: cat adoption, CatAdoption, kitten adoption, KittenAdoption, laurel pet hospital, LaurelPetHospital, meredith rettinger, MeredithRettinger, paris hilton, ParisHilton, princess annabelle, PrincessAnnabelle