Two tiny kittens were found abandoned in a parking lot. A couple took them in and turned their lives around.
Nala and Simba, two feline siblings, were around one week old when they were found abandoned in a college parking lot in Corpus Christi, Texas. A student discovered them huddled up together without a mother in sight, and knew he had to help.
"He immediately recognized their need for help since they were sitting out in the hot Texas sun without a mom," Lindsay Haglund of Coastal Bend Cat Rescue told Love Meow.
The young man took the kittens back to his dorm, and with help from his girlfriend, they started bottle feeding the babies every two hours around the clock.
Despite having busy class schedules, they stepped up to help and took shifts to tend to the kittens.
"They researched what to do for orphaned baby kittens, and did everything they could to keep them alive, giving them constant attention and care," Lindsay added.
Having to juggle between bottle feedings and their hectic school life, they realized that they were in over their heads. To ensure that the kittens would get the best care and continue to thrive, the couple reached out to Coastal Bend Cat Rescue, a foster-based rescue.
"Nala and Simba were placed with one of our neonatal foster families, and we were so impressed by how well the college students had cared for them. The kittens were both a good weight, and eating well," Lindsay shared with Love Meow.
"Truly, it's a miracle in itself to keep newborn kittens alive, but especially so without having bottle feeding experience. We told the college students that they saved Nala and Simba's lives, and they should be so proud!"
After being treated for some stomach issues, the kittens' appetites bounced back, and they were ready for a bigger space to play and run around. Their foster mom upgraded them into a comfortable playpen.
The two besties immediately started jumping, pouncing, and even trying to climb things. They turned into rambunctious kitties with unbridled energy.
"They love playing together and cuddling with their snuggle puppy with a beating heart, which reminds them of their mama cat."
Over the next few weeks, the kittens really blossomed. They reached the one-pound milestone, and Simba officially graduated from his bottle.
Nala can eat from a dish just like her brother, but still demands bottle time and enjoys being doted on like a baby.
The feline siblings are thriving in foster care. Between naps, they scamper around the room, chasing and wrestling with each other.
When it's time to recharge, they curl up in their fluffy bed together, wrapping their arms around one another, purring themselves to sleep.
"Their story is a true testament to how people in the community stepping up to help animals can make such a difference," the rescue said.
"It may take a little time, patience, dedication, and maybe some online research, but if an animal needs your help, there is a way to make it happen."
In a few more weeks, Nala and Simba will be ready to look for a forever loving home through The Cattery Cat Shelter.
As of now, they are working on growing big and strong and being the perfect little shoulder kitties.
The two best friends are loving their purr-filled life and have a bright future ahead of them.
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