Two feral kittens were rescued together from life on the streets. They are strongly bonded and help each other gain confidence.
Dorset Rescue Kittens
Earlier this year, Dorset Rescue Kittens (in Ontario, Canada) took in a number of feral kittens from a large cat colony. Amongst them, two kittens, Cholua (calico) and Tabasco (brown tabby) clung to each other from the moment they were rescued.
As it turns out, they have been a bonded pair since they were tiny kittens. "We believe they are litter-mates but are not 100% sure," Cailey Seymour, the founder of Dorset Rescue Kittens, shared with Love Meow.
With the help of volunteers, the kittens were transported into foster care. The feral cat caretaker who looked after Cholua and Tabasco, wanted to make sure that they stayed together, as they shared an unbreakable bond.
Dorset Rescue Kittens
The calico and tabby were placed in a quiet, comfortable room to help them decompress. Right away, they took refuge behind some furniture, as they were terrified of people and the new environment.
They wouldn't let anyone near and were ready to fight with tooth and nail. "Cholua would try to bite and Tabasco never came out of hiding," Cailey said.
Dorset Rescue Kittens
With lots of good food that they found irresistible, the pair slowly emerged from hiding and cautiously began to explore their new digs.
They were always on the move together as if they were looking out for each other. They had a lot of adjusting and adapting to do, but keeping each other close at all times gave them a sense of security.
Dorset Rescue Kittens
They began to feel more relaxed and venture out a bit more from their hiding spot each day. Eventually, they allowed having humans in their presence, and were comfortable enough to get some shut-eye in front of their people.
When Tabasco saw Cholua get small pets here and there, he began to warm up to the idea as well.
Dorset Rescue Kittens
They were still skittish and wary, but whenever they were together, they gave each other a boost of courage. They were closely attached, wrapping their tails around each other as they walked around the room.
"The spicy kittens were starting to come around and accept the warm and cozy place."
Dorset Rescue Kittens
Their foster mom used their favorite things to help win them over. "Cholua is obsessed with the laser pointer while her brother Tabasco prefers food socialization."
The two besties became braver and calmer as they continued their daily excursions around the house and positive interactions with their people.
They encouraged each other to try new things and even entertained the idea of accepting love from their humans.
"They are finally starting to come around. They follow each other everywhere and need each other in order to feel confident. If one kitten does something, the other follows," Cailey told Love Meow.
Dorset Rescue Kittens
"They love to groom each other and cuddle on the couch and in their cat tree. Even when they were in the large colony, they did everything together."
Cholua and Tabasco are getting more confident every day and have access to the entire foster home. They are pleased with plenty of napping choices and try them out together, one by one.
Dorset Rescue Kittens
"When the time comes for adoption, they will need patient owners who are willing to work with them while they continue to gain confidence," Cailey shared.
"These kittens love treats and will gladly accept affection when food is involved. They are starting to learn to want affection when food isn't involved but it's a work in progress."
Dorset Rescue Kittens
The calico and tabby have come a long way and no longer have to fend for each other on the streets.
They are loving their VIP life as spoiled indoor cats and have been each other's pillar throughout the entire process.
Dorset Rescue Kittens
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Related story: Kitten Follows Cat Home and Decides She is Never Leaving After Life on the Streets