A kitten "persuaded" a staff member to take her out of the shelter and help make her dream come true.
PoppyCourtney
A few months ago, Courtney, an animal care specialist at the SPCA Westchester in New York, was going about her duties when a tiny ball of fur caught her eye.
The kitten, about the size of a hand, had been brought to the shelter alone. She gazed up at Courtney with her cartoon-like eyes. Unable to resist, Courtney stopped what she was doing to greet the little one. The moment she reached out to pet the tabby, the kitten melted into her hand.
If Courtney pulled her hand away, the kitten looked up pleadingly, as if asking for more.
Courtney
At just four weeks old, the kitten craved companionship. Her eyes followed Courtney's every move, and she quickly tugged at her heartstrings. Courtney couldn't bear to leave the kitten overnight by herself. Before her shift ended, she made a decision that would give the kitten the best chance to thrive.
"I came across her as I was cleaning and just knew I had to take her home to foster," Courtney told Love Meow.
Courtney
The moment the kitten arrived at her foster home, her playful personality burst to life. She explored every nook and cranny, bounding around with endless curiosity. "She was full of personality when I got her home."
To make sure the kitten never felt lonely, Courtney tucked a giant teddy bear in her bed. The kitten curled up beside it, comforted by her new plush companion.
Courtney
Like a tiny duckling, the kitten followed her foster mom everywhere, craving constant affection. She was a perfect little doll when being held, but once she started to play, she transformed into a whirlwind of energy.
When she finally ran out of steam, she would flop onto her side mid-play and drift off into an impromptu nap.
Courtney
"I couldn't think of a name for her, so I posted a video on Instagram and TikTok asking for suggestions. I took the top three names and let her choose her own name. She was so curious about everything."
Courtney wrote each name on a small piece of paper and rolled them into balls. Without hesitation, the kitten snatched one from her hand that said "Poppy."
Courtney
As Poppy grew, her energy and confidence flourished. Her baby blues slowly warmed into a soft amber, and her adventurous spirit truly shone. She joined Courtney on car rides, delighting in every new sight and scent.
"She loves car rides, she loves people, and she absolutely loves to play."
Courtney
Every morning, Courtney woke up to the sweetest cuddles from Poppy, who never failed to start her day with a smile.
Courtney gave Poppy the chance to thrive, and in turn, Poppy brought her joy and comfort when she needed it most. "Poppy is incredibly special. She helped me get through some tough times when I was fostering her."
Courtney
Finding Poppy a forever home means the world to Courtney, as it allows her to continue fostering other kittens in need.
When Poppy was finally big enough for her next chapter, Courtney hoped she would still be able to stay in touch. As it turned out, the perfect family was much closer than she thought.
Courtney
Courtney's friends fell head over heels for the sweet tabby and decided to give her the forever home she'd been dreaming of. "Her new parents got her this bird toy that hangs from the ceiling—she is obsessed with it—and a heated window bed (where she loves to nap)."
"I'm very grateful my friends adopted her, so I get to see her grow up more. Her new name is Cleo."
Courtney
Share this story with your friends. More on Courtney's fosters on Instagram @we_foster_kittens and TikTok @courtneyl96.
Related story: Kitten, Hard of Hearing, Decides to Follow Hearing Cat Everywhere, Even Showing Him Courage Along the Way