A kind person thought she would babysit a kitten for a few days, but her other rescued cat had a different idea.
Penny
Patricia Lika
A Good Samaritan found a tiny calico in their backyard without a mother or siblings. After searching and waiting to no avail, they contacted a local animal rescuer, Patricia Lika, for help.
At 3-4 weeks old, the kitten, Penny, wouldn’t have survived outside in the unrelenting heat. Patricia took her in and started bottle-feeding her around the clock.
Penny immediately sought affection from her foster mom. Despite her tiny size, she had a ravenous appetite and a big voice.
Penny was found in a backyard all alone
Patricia Lika
To ensure the kitten never felt alone, Patricia spent ample time with her, keeping her occupied and reassuring her that she was loved. “She acclimated quickly and enjoyed being the only spoiled baby.”
Whenever Penny wanted attention, she spoke her mind loud and clear.
Patricia Lika
Once she ventured beyond her playpen, she befriended the resident cats and was thrilled to have constant companions. She discovered the joy of toys and realized she could play peekaboo under the couch.
“She loves being outside her kitten enclosure and quickly became friends with my older cats, but we always knew she would benefit from another kitten her size.”
Patricia Lika
Around the time Penny was found, Nikki, a fellow animal rescuer, was at the municipal shelter for a 2-week-old kitten who needed a foster home.
“She was very fussy about bottle-feeding, so for a short period of time, I had to tube-feed her in order for her to survive,” Nikki shared with Love Meow.
Bea
Nikki
She named the little house panther Beatrix or Bea, which means “the one who brings happiness” or “blessed.”
Thanks to the devoted care of her foster mom, Bea grew more alert each day and eventually started to eat on her own. When she was strong enough to climb the nursery with her micro claws, Nikki could breathe a sigh of relief.
Bea was rescued from the municipal shelter
Nikki
At 4.5 weeks old, Bea taught herself how to eat from a dish and tackled the litter box like a champ.
As she got more strength in her legs, she became braver and more mischievous. One day, she scaled the playpen and claimed the foster room as her playground. “All the middle-of-the-night feedings and cleaning are worth it when you see things like this.”
She is the happiest little kitten
Nikki
“Baby Bea has such a sweet disposition. She’s so content all the time and doesn’t make a peep. She can easily entertain herself, so I thought she would be okay as an independent kitty.”
Last weekend, Nikki was away for a convention and entrusted Patricia to babysit Bea.
Patricia Lika
The moment Bea entered the house, she strutted about like she owned the place. Completely fearless, she jumped on a robot vacuum and rode it around like her own magic carpet.
They thought Bea would stay for just a few days, but little did they know Penny had a plan of her own.
Penny and Bea became instant friends
Patricia Lika
Penny immediately took Bea under her wing, sharing all her toys and blankets. “They quickly became buddies and played all day long.”
They zoomed around the house and jumped up and down the couch. They danced around their people’s feet, demanding attention. After a long play session, they curled up and purred until they fell asleep.
Penny shared her toys and blankets with Bea
Patricia Lika
Perfect partners in crime, they found their way into all kinds of mischief and always crashed side by side after a day full of play.
When the weekend was over, Patricia looked at the two best friends and didn’t have the heart to separate them. She asked Nikki if Bea should stay with Penny, and Nikki agreed.
They decided to keep the two best friends together
Patricia Lika
“I have to do what’s best for her. That’s what fostering is all about,” Nikki said.
Both rescued from a rough start, they’re now thriving together with a loving foster family and friendly resident cats.
Patricia Lika
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