Two kittens living by train tracks found house cats who taught them to trust.
Jenny
Animal rescuers discovered two orange kittens living by train tracks and set out to rescue them.
With great patience and effort, they secured both kittens and brought them into foster care. By the time they were about two months old, they had little or no human contact. Tired and scared, they huddled in a corner and sought comfort from each other.
“It’s on the cusp of when it can be hard to socialize them. They were quite nervous and scared for a while,” Tails High foster Jenny shared with Love Meow.
Tomato soup and grilled cheese were found alive by train tracksJenny
The kittens, affectionately named Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese, were treated for stomach ailments and soon realized that their foster mother always brought food. After two weeks, they began to get used to indoor life.
“Tomato Soup is very curious and wants to explore everything. Grilled Cheese is a little less secure around people, but she comes out and plays when I’m around.”
They slowly warmed up to indoor lifeJenny
When the kittens fully recovered and were ready to socialize, Jenny noticed how much they loved being with other cats.
When they put Minestrone, another kitten rescued from the same place, they immediately accepted her and started snuggling together. As soon as they saw the resident cats, their eyes lit up, eager to make new friends. “They love the big cats and are even interested in the dogs.”
Minestrone, tomato soup and grilled cheeseJenny
Encouraged by their feline friends, Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese plucked up the courage to venture into the rest of the house.
“I leave the door open during the day and they can come up to the living room and my office with me. That way they can get used to the normal sights and sounds of a house, but can still retreat to the comfort of the nursing room if they get scared.”
Jenny
Freddie, one of the resident cats, is an extraordinary foster family who has helped Jenny socialize many new arrivals. He seems to have that magical touch that brings even the shyest kitten out of their shell.
“He’s so good with the kittens – always gentle and snuggling with them. They may not have a mother, but Freddie is a good stand-in.”
Freddie and one of his foster kittensJenny
Tomato soup and grilled cheese began to rely on the help of the resident cats. “When I first started letting them interact with my cats, that was the big turning point. They loved my cats right away. And it helped them feel brave and want to get out and explore.”
Freddie happily let Tomato Soup lean in for a cuddle, gently washing her face and soothing her with the purr.
Freddie and tomato soupJenny
The two cat sisters have come out of their shells and fully embraced indoor life. When they’re not frolicking, chasing toys or scurrying through tunnels, they can be found snuggling with other cats, especially Freddie.
“If I can’t find them, I know I just have to look for my cats and they’ll be cuddled.”
Freddie taught them to enjoy indoor lifeJenny
“It’s taken time, but they’ve slowly gotten braver. My adult cats have shown them that houses are fun to run around and get into trouble in, and that the human with the food and treats isn’t so scary. I keep telling them that I know they secretly love me, even if they’re not ready for full-on hug sessions yet.”
Freddie taught the two the art of relaxation – they can sleep all day without worrying about their next meal.
Jenny
Being with other cats has given tomato soup and grilled cheese newfound courage. They have become more independent and really blossomed into their happy, playful selves.
Jenny
Share this story with your friends. More about tomato soup, grilled cheese and Jenny’s fosters on Instagram and Tails High on Instagram.
Related story: Kind people go back to find a kitten’s mother, turns out the cat has more kittens to feed
