Three kittens born to a feral cat became the happiest bunch when they realized their lives were about to get a whole lot better.
Flower, Bambi, and ThumperAlyssa @orlandofosterkittens
For the first few weeks of their lives, three kittens, Bambi, Thumper, and Flower, were hidden away by their feral mother, who had evaded rescue for years.
Volunteers from Liberation Cat House had been trying to get her spayed, but she had outsmarted every humane trap. "We're not giving up and hope to eventually be able to end the cycle (of endless litters)," Alyssa, a volunteer with the rescue, told Love Meow.
When the kittens were located, the team knew they had to act fast.
Alyssa @orlandofosterkittens
Kittens are best left with their mother until they are weaned, as this gives them the strongest chance of survival. Even so, most kittens born outdoors do not survive to adulthood.
"Their mom has a track record of hiding her kittens until they're far too old and feral to be socialized. We had to act immediately so these kittens would have a chance at a better life. The first week was a rollercoaster for all of us."
Alyssa @orlandofosterkittens
At first, everything was new and confusing for the kittens—soft blankets, bowls of food and water, and a caring human tending to their every need. But it didn't take long for them to realize they were safe.
Getting them onto solid food was a rocky transition. "I worried they weren't eating enough or gaining weight in the beginning."
Alyssa @orlandofosterkittens
Alyssa spent hours each day patiently teaching them to eat from a dish, guiding them with a baby spoon while offering words of encouragement.
When the kittens finally caught on, their appetites took off. They devoured their meals and began growing by leaps and bounds. "I'm proud to say they've finally gotten the hang of it, and they're truly thriving."
Alyssa @orlandofosterkittens
As their strength and confidence grew, their curious and adventurous sides quickly emerged. They explored every corner of their space, claiming toys and cat furniture as their own. "They were definitely happy to finally have a warm, soft bed to snuggle up in."
Now that they are bigger and stronger, their personalities are beginning to shine.
Alyssa @orlandofosterkittens
Flower, the gray kitten with a hint of dilute tortie coloring, may be the smallest of the trio, but what she lacks in size she more than makes up for with sass. Thumper, the gray kitten with white mittens, boasts the loudest purr motor and turns it on the moment he's touched.
And "Bambi has the cutest and most unique markings."
Alyssa @orlandofosterkittens
In just one week, the kittens have fully embraced indoor life. They actively seek out attention from their foster mom and spend their days wrestling with one another. "They're at the cutest age where they're not quite coordinated enough to full-out run, so they do the silliest little waddles instead."
When playtime finally wears them out, all three pile into their foster mom's lap for naps.
Alyssa @orlandofosterkittens
Once timid and unsocialized, the kittens have transformed into affectionate little lap cats who love being held and cuddled, as if they'd never known life outdoors. They turn just about anything into a toy, even the scale, which they attempt to squeeze into all at once.
Whenever they curl up on their foster mom, they melt into contented puddles, purring themselves to sleep.
Flower and BambiAlyssa @orlandofosterkittens
While rescuers continue their efforts to ensure the feral mother is spayed and receives the care she needs, Bambi, Thumper, and Flower are living their best lives indoors.
"I can't wait to see their personalities continue to develop over the next several weeks."
ThumperAlyssa @orlandofosterkittens
Share this story with your friends. More on the three kittens and Alyssa's fosters on Instagram @orlandofosterkittens and Liberation Cat House @liberationcathouse.
Related story: They Give Two Kittens Home But Then Realize There's One More and Return to Complete the Trio