A tuxedo kitten who was found abandoned outside, bonded with a rescued calico who needed a friend.
Hearts Alive Animal Rescue in Las Vegas took in a pair of kittens who were found near a dumpster. They were just skin and bones and in poor shape.
Nikki Martinez, a foster volunteer of the rescue, stepped up to help as the kittens needed foster care. "They were abandoned next to a trash dumpster. A man passing by heard their cries. They were starving, had severe eye infections and smelled like a garbage can," Nikki said.
She named them Piccolino (boy) and Bambina (girl). Over the next few weeks, Nikki transformed the two sickly siblings into happy, plump, and healthy kitties through round-the-clock care.
Around that time, Nikki came across a 4-week-old calico who was brought to the shelter as a stray. "I found Whitney (the kitten) while cruising the 'not eligible for adoption' list at the municipal shelter," Nikki said.
The kitten was in desperate need of rescue, so Nikki pulled her from the facility and took her in with open arms.
The calico was a bit wobbly. It took her some time to find her footing, but the kitten never stopped exploring and playing with everything she could lay her paws on.
Being in a home environment quickly gave her a boost to her health. She perked up, learned to use the litter box and walked around on her own.
"No matter how much one-on-one time I spent with Whitney, she was still very lonely and would cry nonstop," Nikki told Love Meow. "She desperately needed siblings her own age."
When she was ready, Nikki placed her in the same playpen with Piccolino and Bambina. They immediately took her under their wing and started playing together, showing her the ropes.
"Her foster siblings were there to give her love and comfort. Soon, we could all see the strong bond that she and Bambina were forming."
Whitney would follow her sister-from-another-mister everywhere around the house. She sought her out for comfort and would nuzzle in her belly, purring away. The calico was the happiest she had ever been.
Whitney was encouraged to walk and play every time she saw her siblings up on their paws. Her agility quickly improved.
"It was great feeling to know that not only was her life saved, but she would never be lonely again," Nikki told Love Meow.
Watch their journey in this cute video:
Bambina adored her little sister and showered her with cuddles.
"She has been the best thing that ever happened to Whitney but I bet if you ask Bambina, she will say the opposite."
When it came time to find them forever homes, Piccolino, the independent brother in the family, quickly found his perfect home. They knew Bambina and Whitney had to stay together as they depend on each other.
Early August, the two best friends had their dream come true!
"Whitney (now named Cleo) and Bambina (now named Coco) have been adopted together! Their new parents are so wonderful. They made sure to have plenty of little ramps for Miss Cleo to climb," Nikki said.
"Her new dad even secured a blanket with holes onto the sofa cushion so she can easily grip her claws into and help her climb onto the sofa."
"You often hear that Fostering Saves Lives, but here you can see that it truly does," Nikki said.
Home sweet home!
Share this story with your friends. Follow the two best friends on Instagram @cleolovescoco. Follow Nikki's rescue/foster kitties on Facebook and Instagram.
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