A kitten who was rescued along with his sisters, took a liking to a family cat and turned into a stage five clinger.
Three tiny kittens came to their foster home for a chance at a better life. They were just skin and bones and rough around the edges. The trio had a lot of growing and healing to do.
"They were very skinny and dirty when I got them, so I assume they were on their own for a bit before they made their way to IndyHumane (in Indianapolis, Indiana)," Jennifer, a foster volunteer of IndyHumane, shared with Love Meow.
"At around four weeks old, these kittens were undersized, weighing approximately 12-13 ounces each."
Despite the condition they were in, the two tabby girls, Splash and Spritz, showed plenty of sass. Their ginger brother, Squirt, was a bit shy at first but nothing some good food and soft things couldn't fix.
Spritz wears an endearing grumpy face and doesn't hesitate to show off her cattitude. She is the most playful of the three, and loves her new digs and toys.
After a few days, the ginger kitten warmed up to his foster mom and even crawled in her lap for some intense cuddles.
"Squirt was the most leery of me at first. He even hissed when I came in the room, but now, he's obsessed with me. He wants to be in my lap all the time and purrs his head off when getting head and face scritches," Jennifer said.
With proper care, a comfy place, and nutritious food, the kittens have gained some healthy weight and are putting their new-found energy to good use.
Jennifer spoils them with an assortment of toys and kitty furniture to keep the trio entertained.
Bear, Jennifer's resident cat and foster brother extraordinaire, was excited to meet the kittens when they were ready for a meet-and-greet. He has been a great help for many fosters that have come through the door.
"The first meeting was no contact. The two girls were curious about Bear, but Squirt wasn't so sure. He was the same way with me at first, but he warms up quickly," Jennifer told Love Meow.
After about two weeks in foster care, the kittens were finally ready to hang out with their resident buddy. Bear hopped right into the playpen and assumed the role as the kittens' mentor. "He just likes to help out with the fosters!"
Watch Bear and his foster kittens in this cute video:
Squirt enjoys spending time with Bear by the window, watching cat TV. When they are not cuddling with each other, the ginger boy will try to play with Bear's tail -- his favorite toy.
Bear seems to always know what his fosters need, and offers snuggles to those who could use them the most.
Bear is giving the tabby sisters the space they demand, as Splash and Spritz insist that they are the boss cats in their playpen. Meanwhile, Squirt loves Bear's presence and asks for attention on demand.
"Squirt has definitely become the most opinionated and attention seeking kitten of the group. He loves to be held and cuddled!"
Bear has a way to help kittens find confidence with his magic touch. He will go around playing with the rambunctious little ones and let them snuggle to him for comfort, on their own terms.
Spritz remains the big boss in the foster room. She may be tiny but has a mighty personality.
Just like these kittens, Bear used to be a foster himself when he came to Jennifer in need of love. He became a permanent resident in the family and the coolest friend to all their foster kitties.
Share this story with your friends. Follow updates on the kittens and Bear on Instagram @newkittensontheblock.
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