Three kittens showed up in a garden, trying to navigate their way around. Little did they know, their world was about to get a whole lot better.
Nova and NellieAnne
Three kittens appeared in the garden of some kind-hearted residents earlier this month, with no mother in sight. They were hungry, scrounging around for food.
Knowing the kittens needed help, the residents gave them food and water and contacted their local rescue. Volunteers at Kat Zoekt Thuis immediately responded to the request and swiftly brought the trio to safety.
"When they arrived to me, they were completely overwhelmed," Anne, a foster volunteer for the rescue, shared with Love Meow.
Nellie and NapoleonAnne
Napoleon, the black-and-white kitten, was the bravest of all, emerging from hiding as he could no longer resist the smell of food. His siblings, Nova (black) and Nellie (tabby), were very timid, nestling in the shadows of their "cave," wide-eyed.
"It didn't take long for Napoleon to show me he wasn't as frightened as the other two. By the next morning, he'd already figured out I was the lady with the food."
Nova was the most timid at first but became bolder over timeAnne
He rose from his nap to greet Anne with renewed enthusiasm while his siblings curiously watched from the cave. "Napoleon is a big foodie, devouring his wet food in seconds. I'm so relieved knowing he'll never have to go hungry again."
Soon, Nova and Nellie mustered the courage to poke their heads out, cautiously peeking around the room.
Nova and NellieAnne
They surveyed the area, tilting their heads hesitantly, attuned to every creak and rustle. Their bodies remained hidden, tucked safely away. "Their progress is on a completely different timeline than Napoleon."
Nellie, the smallest and shyest of the bunch, needed extra time and reassurance to adapt to the new environment, but when she discovered her favorite treats, she became more willing to come out to eat.
Nellie loves her treatsAnne
Nova was the most timid at first but became bolder and more curious and even approached Anne for a sniff test. "If he gets unsure, he'll swat or nibble my hand."
Now, mealtime has become a socializing opportunity where Anne pets them gently, building a positive experience with human contact.
Anne
With the help of their favorite snacks, Napoleon has ventured out of his nest to explore. He joins his foster mom on the couch, putting his paws on her lap, a sign of approval, as he gobbles down his delectables.
"Napoleon has turned into a total cuddle bug, always wanting to snuggle on the couch and purring nonstop."
Napoleon has blossomed into a snuggle bugAnne
"Their favorite thing, without a doubt, is food. All three were extremely underweight when they arrived, and the lack of nutrition had stunted their growth, making them much smaller than they should be."
"Now, they're food-obsessed and would eat until they got sick if I let them. So I have to carefully manage their portions and gradually bring them to a healthy weight."
Anne
It's been about ten days since the trio found their way indoors. Nova and Nellie still have a way to go with socialization, but through patience and love, they are slowly coming around.
Nellie's eyes widen at the sight of her treats. She comes out for food, edging closer to her human each day. Her progress may be slow, measured in inches, but trust is steadily taking root.
Anne
With Nova, it's a slow dance of affection and attitude - one step towards trust, two sassy steps back. "I'm determined we'll be friends in the end."
With a kind human catering to their every whim, the trio has warmed up to their new life of cozy naps and delicious treats.
Anne
They are leaving their old worries behind, trading the harsh streets for a future filled with love and endless head scratches.
Anne
Share this story with your friends. More on Napoleon, Nova, Nellie, and Anne's fosters on Instagram and her rescue @KatZoektThuis.
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