A kitten ran into a backyard for a snack but landed himself the perfect happily ever after instead.
Alexa Elliot, a rescue volunteer of Little Wanderers NYC, has been caring for the community cats in her area—feeding them, providing shelter, and getting them spayed/neutered.
A feral cat showed up one day with a little orange kitten running around in the backyard. The cat left the kitten on the porch where the food was, as if she was ready to entrust him to her carer.
"The kitten was around six weeks old at that point. He was curious, calm, and not aggressive in any way. He was different than any other feral kitten," Alexa shared with Love Meow.
The orange tabby came back every day for snacks and food, and scampered around the backyard as if it was his playground. He kept his distance from Alexa but was intrigued.
"I began the process of trapping him, and because he is naturally trusting, it only took me a few days."
The kitten named Spruce was then brought inside and placed in a pen so he could relax and decompress. He was very shy at first and trying to hide, as he had never interacted with humans.
With a bit of reassurance and good food, he began to warm up to his people.
Alexa cleaned him up with a warm bath and treated his eye for a mild infection. Spruce felt calm and comforted when he was wrapped in a towel like a little "purrito."
After several cuddle sessions and plenty of pets, the tabby boy came out of his shell completely and started playing up a storm.
Spruce was packed with energy and would unleash it by running around the house and pouncing on toys. He was so happy to have a warm place, comfy beds, and all the food at his disposal.
Once he realized how good it felt to be held, he was obsessed with getting attention from his humans.
In just a few days, Spruce went from being that shy little outdoor kitten to a bundle of joy, eager for attention and love.
With the help of Little Wanderers NYC, the kitten landed the home of his dreams when a big family came to adopt him just in time for the holidays.
"Only three weeks prior, he was running around, homeless on the Bronx streets, but look at him now! He has found his forever home with so many new best kitty, doggie, and human friends," Little Wanderers NYC shared with Love Meow.
Spruce is spending his first winter with his forever family. He adores his furry siblings and enjoys racing around the house with them, living the best life.
Alexa continues to care for the local community cats, keeping them warm with heated cat houses and feeding them every day.
It takes a village to save a cat, but with the teamwork of Little Wanderers NYC, Spruce will never have to spend another day on the street.
"We feel like we have hit the jackpot! He is safe and happy to be with all his (new) brothers and sisters," Spruce's human mom shared.
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