They never gave up on two kittens left in a yard. Now, the young cats are ready for a happy ending this Thanksgiving.
Butterball and WishboneTailsHigh
Early last month, two tiny gray kittens, Butterball and Wishbone, were brought indoors for the first time in their lives.
A concerned community member had found them in a yard. After waiting for a long time, it became clear their mother, likely a feral cat, wasn't coming back. Too young to survive on their own, the kittens needed intervention, and Tails High, a volunteer-run rescue, stepped up to help.
To prevent future litters from ending up in the same predicament, the rescue partnered with another group to find the mother cat and have her spayed.
They were found in a yard, and their mother cat never returnedTailsHigh
A dedicated foster family welcomed the kittens into their home. At just three weeks old, Butterball and Wishbone required round-the-clock bottle-feeding and a steady heat source to keep their tiny bodies warm.
The pair nestled together like one soft gray puff, finding comfort in each other.
TailsHigh
The demanding feeding schedule became a team effort. Each time the kittens stirred for a meal, the foster family prepared two bottles, one for each kitten, so neither brother ever had to wait his turn.
They latched on eagerly, and with nourishing meals and constant affection, they began to thrive.
A foster family took them in and started round-the-clock bottle-feedingTailsHigh
At this age, kittens instinctively seek warmth and the heartbeat of a companion. Having each other made Butterball and Wishbone feel safe. Instead of crying out for a mother who wasn't there, they curled up together and drifted into peaceful sleep.
With full bellies, they snoozed contentedly, often wrapping their tiny paws around one another.
TailsHigh
As the days passed, their ears perked up and their eyes widened with curiosity. Once they found their footing, they started to explore beyond their nest. Wishbone became an affectionate, gentle cuddle bug, always ready to snuggle into the nearest lap.
"He loves to check in on his people as if he's making sure everyone is doing their job correctly."
As they grew bigger, they became more curiousTailsHigh
Butterball turned into a whirlwind of energy, darting around the room and making every corner his personal playground. "When he's not zipping around in search of a playmate, he's climbing right up to your shoulder to tuck himself in for the coziest little nap."
Both kittens are social butterflies who have never met a stranger, greeting every visitor with bright-eyed enthusiasm.
TailsHigh
"Now at two months old, these gray tabby brothers have grown into confident, affectionate, and endlessly playful kittens."
With Thanksgiving on the horizon, they are ready to wiggle their way into the hearts of their future family. "With names like Butterball and Wishbone, it feels only fitting that they find their family as Turkey Day rolls around."
TailsHigh
The brothers spend hours romping, wrestling, and chasing toys until they finally tire out. When playtime winds down, they seek out each other or their humans and curl up in a warm heap, purring themselves to sleep.
Nearly identical, they bring equal parts fun, mischief, and tenderness.
They look almost identicalTailsHigh
After a rough beginning, Butterball and Wishbone have flourished under the care of their loving foster family. Now more playful and energetic than ever, they charm everyone they meet and are ready for their happily-ever-after.
TailsHigh
Share this story with your friends. More on Butterball, Wishbone, and Tails High (in the DC area) on Instagram @tailshigh and Facebook.
Related story: Cat Walks Straight into a Carrier and Never Looks Back, Turns Out He's the Chillest Cat Ever