Five kittens squeezed on their fosterer's lap and snuggled up a storm after she brought them back from the brink.
Penny Richards
Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) took in a litter of five kittens needing rescue. They were in poor shape with crusty eyes and stuffy noses, and just skin and bones.
Penny Richards, a foster volunteer of AWLA's Kitten College Program, didn't hesitate to take them into her care. "All five, Weston, Walker, Margaret, Dorothea, Ansel, were named after famous black and white photographers since they were a greyscale litter," Penny told Love Meow.
"The poor little babies had an upper respiratory infection (URI), and a couple of them were suffering more than others. Little Maggie, the grey and white girl, couldn't eat because she was so congested and dehydrated."
Penny Richards
"I had to give her fluids three times a day for the first few days and syringe feed her around the clock."
After getting all cleaned up and their bellies filled, the kittens snuggled up safe and warm in their comfy nest. Penny provided supplemental care along with the right meds and nebulizer treatment. Through painstaking care, the kittens perked up and their appetite soared.
Penny Richards
As soon as they felt better, the five bundles of fur began to move around their playpen and explore. Maggie, being the tiniest of the litter, had a big personality to make up for.
"She was an expert climber, and she scaled up to the top of the playpen in seconds, swinging from the roof while meowing her little head off."
Penny Richards
When their eyes and noses cleared up, the kittens doubled down on their demands for food and attention.
Maggie finally caught up in size with her voracious appetite, as if she was making up for all the lost meals while she was sick. With help from medications, the kittens were able to kick the tenacious URI. Collectively, they began to seek more snuggle time with their foster mom.
Penny Richards
One after another, they crawled onto Penny's lap and settled in for a nap. Even though there was barely enough room to fit all five, the kittens insisted on squeezing in a purr pile and went right to sleep.
"Ansel was the first to come over for a cuddle after eating, every single time. He would snuggle on my lap for a while, then he was ready to play," Penny added.
Penny Richards
"Maggie was the tiniest of the bunch, but she packed a big personality into that small frame. She was the most vocal at meal times," Penny said.
"Once she's done eating she'll strut over to you, climb on your lap, and wash her paws and face as she purrs away."
Penny Richards
"Weston has been a little fuzzy teddy bear from the start. He likes to cuddle on your lap while purring away! He's got a loud purr, and activates it every time you touch him."
Penny Richards
"Thea has got a bit more sass and bravado than her littermates. She does like to cuddle on your lap and be held, but she also likes to climb up to your shoulder and plot her escape from the room."
Penny Richards
"Walker certainly comes with some quirks and they are the most adorable things. At eight weeks old, he was still nursing on his food," Penny added.
"He loves to sit on your lap and has the loudest purr. He's such a lover, and sometimes he wants to let you know his feelings by letting out the most adorable squeak! That's his way of communicating and it is precious."
Penny Richards
The kittens blossomed into rambunctious teenage cats in foster care, but some things never changed.
"All five babies still insisted on cuddling on my lap. Most of them wanted to reach up for kisses," Penny told Love Meow.
Penny Richards
These kittens took their lap snuggles seriously.
Every time Penny entered the room, they trickled into her lap and formed the cutest, fluffiest cuddle-puddle.
Penny Richards
They continued this adorable tradition until they were ready to find their forever homes. "They were extremely loving and cuddly, they had been with me since three weeks old."
Penny Richards
"Thea and Ansel became incredibly bonded and were always doing everything together, and chasing each other around," Penny added.
"Weston loved to rub his face all over you, and Walker was our little weirdo who weaned two weeks later than his siblings, and to this day he still nurses on his wet food."
Penny Richards
At 11 weeks old, the kittens were finally ready for their next chapter in life and to continue their lap time tradition with the family of their dreams.
Penny Richards
"Even right until they left at 11 weeks old, all five would squeeze on my lap together. They didn't quite fit so they would lie on top of each other," Penny shared with Love Meow.
Penny Richards
Two days ago, Thea and Ansel, the two best friends, went to their forever home as a pair.
Weston and Maggie were also adopted together by a loving family. They quickly claimed the new space as their kingdom.
Penny Richards
Walker has befriended another foster kitten George, and the two have formed a beautiful friendship. "They had a meet and greet last night that went well, so we hope to be able to share some exciting news very soon."
"It has been a joy raising all of the babies. They are going to be loved and spoiled."
Penny Richards
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