A "forgotten" young cat had the transformation of a lifetime. Now, she's giving back in abundance.
EdenBestFriendsFelines
Earlier this year, Nikki and her team at Best Friends Felines received three young cats in desperate need of help.
They were emaciated, sick with colds, covered in fleas, missing lots of fur, and looking around warily with dilated saucer eyes. "Some days in rescue are harder than others," Nikki shared.
Volunteers quickly galvanized their efforts to ensure the trio had a safe place to stay, good food to fill their bellies, and all the love they needed to heal and trust.
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Among them lay the tiniest cat named Eden, huddling behind her siblings for comfort as she was terrified of humans. "The day of her rescue, she weighed a teeny 550 grams, which is the weight of a five-week-old kitten, yet she was about six months of age."
After a week in foster care, the feline siblings made many advances. Their appetites improved, and their coat started to grow back.
Eden was six months old but only the size of a 5-week-old kittenBestFriendsFelines
While Eden's siblings, Regia and Rain, warmed up to their carers, Eden stayed on the sideline, observing their interactions.
"We can see she has quite the sassy personality underneath. She will need more time than others to be comfortable with humans. Her carer is confident with time and patience, she is going to blossom into the most beautiful little soul."
She was timid and needed more time to warm up to peopleBestFriendsFelines
Mustering her courage, Eden joined her siblings in cuddle sessions with her human. By then, their colds were gone, their eyes were bright, and their bodies were finally filling out.
"Their enthusiasm for meals means clambering over each other. They have come along in leaps and bounds, with each tiny personality beginning to shine as they find both their feet and voices."
They recovered and regained their voracious appetitesBestFriendsFelines
They have discovered the joy of cat toys and befriended other feline friends in the house.
"Eden seems to prefer her own company in a calm space. She is steadily gaining weight and has grown into a very smoochy girl. She greets her carers with squeaky mews every time they enter the room. She loves to give head boops and has discovered the delight of treats."
They learned to trust and enjoy lap time with their carersBestFriendsFelines
"Even when she is standing and walking, her front paws are always on the go, showing her happiness by making little biscuits along with a permanent little purr."
Eden remains the smallest of the trio. With her newfound energy, she has taken to exploring, playing with other cats, and creating all sorts of antics.
Eden has completely transformed since she was rescuedBestFriendsFelines
She and her siblings have tripled their body weight in less than two months, and their strength and all-around "kitten-ness" are back to where they should be.
"Eden has always embraced her inner princess. She carries herself with an air of royalty, always looking impeccably put together in an adorably sweet package right down to her little tippy toes," Eden's foster dad shared.
She is a little princess at heartBestFriendsFelines
"At night, she loves to sleep on our chests, curled up in the crook of our arms, or snuggled into our necks. It's her way of feeling safe and loved, even if she's so light you sometimes forget she's there."
Rain (tabby) has grown in confidence alongside his sister, Regia.
Regia and RainBestFriendsFelines
Despite the rough start to life, Eden radiates joy with her humans by her side. "She will give back tenfold in the form of utterly ridiculous, high-pitched, squeal-inducing, puss-in-boots style cuteness."
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