A kitten stepped indoors for the first time, and the moment she was held, her walls came tumbling down.
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While assisting with the vetting and neutering of over 30 community cats, a caretaker noticed a tiny gray kitten with pleading eyes.
The kitten was brought to a vet clinic and treated for a mild cold. When Stephanie Grantham, co-founder of Sparkle Cat Rescue, came across the little one, she immediately offered to take her in and help find her a loving home.
"She was all hiss, no bite when I first met her at the clinic," Stephanie shared with Love Meow.
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The kitten, Hazel, was a bundle of sass, swatting at any hand that tried to pet her. Despite her attempts to look tough, her swipes were more adorable than intimidating. Once she felt the gentle strokes on her back, she stopped protesting and leaned in for more.
"She melted as soon as she was held and cuddled."
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"Her tail, though, is a different story—she swooshed it so much whether she was happy or uncertain."
Hazel was initially wary of people, swishing her tail wildly. But as soon as she realized how comforting the petting was, she relaxed into it, even though her tail still flicked as if to remind everyone she was skeptical.
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Stephanie knew from the start that it was only a matter of time before this sassy kitty would turn into a total love bug.
Lori, a foster volunteer with the rescue, welcomed Hazel into her loving home. The kitten was so frightened at first that she spent two days hiding under the bed.
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"Stephanie suggested placing her in an enclosed playpen, and that has really helped," Lori told Love Meow.
"She was still very nervous the first few days in the playpen; however, her little personality is starting to emerge. She now comes to greet me when I come to visit, and she loves to be petted and have belly rubs."
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"Our resident cat, Charlie (a Sparkle Cat alum), likes to go in her playpen and visit her whenever possible."
"They sniff each other, and Charlie even washes her head a little bit. I think they are going to be buddies once she feels comfortable enough to come out of the playpen."
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"I am letting her take it at her own pace as I want her to feel very comfortable and safe when she ventures out."
As her confidence grew, Hazel became more curious, lounging at the edge of the playpen and mustering the courage to explore the world beyond.
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She has warmed up to her foster family and can't get enough affection. She happily flops onto her side and rolls onto her back, soaking up every gentle belly rub from Lori.
After a week in foster care, Hazel decided it was time to take her first steps outside the playpen.
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"At first, she was a little apprehensive, but by nighttime, she was wide open. There were quite a few zoomies as she ran back and forth in our bonus room."
Hazel will never have to fend for herself or scrounge for food again. Surrounded by loving humans and feline friends, she's learning the ropes and blossoming into a happy, playful cat.
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Despite her early days outdoors, Hazel now wholeheartedly embraces the comfort of indoor life, never looking back.
"She is a beautiful little girl, and I have no doubt that her forever home is out there waiting for her."
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