Two shelter kittens were waiting for a new start until a kind person took them both home and changed their world completely.
Cheddar and BrieJane
Cheddar (Ginger) and Brie arrived at a local shelter when they were about two weeks old. Small and vulnerable, they huddled together for comfort.
The crisis environment was far from ideal for the kittens, who required round-the-clock care and were at risk of disease. In urgent need of care, they waited for someone to scoop them up and bring them home.
Jen, a care volunteer for Kitty of Angels, received a message from the shelter network volunteers and knew she had to help. “I immediately said I could take them,” Jen shared with Love Meow.
Jane
The kittens arrived in foster care with a few sneezes and sniffles. Although Cheddar had a crusty eye, he remained cheerful with his sister close by. Nestled in a cozy incubator and accompanied by a heartbeat plush toy, they settled in quickly.
“Brie latched on to the bottle straight away. Cheddar was a little confused at first, but it only took two or three feedings for him to get it.”
Jane
The kitten snuggled up to their snuggle and drifted off to the sound of its heartbeat until they woke up for their next meal.
“When I take care of bottle babies, I always have a toothbrush on hand and I brush the kittens with the toothbrush after each feeding. The toothbrush mimics the mother’s care and it gives them comfort and teaches them how to care for themselves.”
Jane
The moment Jen opened the incubator, Brie jumped awake and cried for attention. Her brother, Cheddar, soon joined her in a duet, meowing in harmony until they received their bottle.
As they drank the formula and wiggled their ears in delight, the only sound was the smacking of their contented slurps.
Jane
Cheddar’s eyes cleared and shone. With lots of food and TLC he became more active, wriggling around and digging under the sheets. “I came in and couldn’t find Cheddar. He was hiding in the blanket.”
“He does the best milk comas. As soon as he finishes his bottle, he just falls asleep where he is. These two babies are just an absolute delight.”
Jane
Brie was always the first to seek attention and her bottle while Cheddar patiently waited his turn. They were as inseparable as two peas in a pod, except at bottle time—unless Brie put her arm around her brother.
For a brief moment when Cheddar got the bottle, Brie “didn’t understand why she was alone for 30 seconds.”
Jane
“Brie’s color is so unique. I can’t quite decide what it is yet. But I can’t wait to see how it develops. She’s such a sweet little doll.”
The cheese siblings were growing by leaps and bounds, ready to upgrade from their incubator to a spacious playpen where they could practice their steps, build leg strength and learn to use the litter box.
Jane
As Brie took in her new surroundings, Cheddar stayed by her side, clinging to her fake mother and looking to her sister for guidance. Sensing his newfound freedom, his personality began to shine.
“I always love the first few seconds in their new room, wondering what’s going on. These babies were a little surprised, but also so brave.”
Jane
“Cheddar is such a typical orange cat. He does everything with all his heart. He plays hard, purrs hard and cuddles hard. He purrs so loudly when he eats.”
“Brie is just a sweet, gentle angel. The second I sit down she jumps in my lap and then jumps up on my shoulder or back. She would be happy if she could just sit on my shoulder and play in my hair all day.”
Jane
The kittens have discovered a fondness for the lap and often compete for their foster mother’s attention and belly rubs.
With Jen in the pen, they love to climb over her like a “human cat tree” and then wrestle and cuddle next to her, enjoying every moment of their kitten time.
Jane
Share this story with your friends. More about Brie, Cheddar and Jen’s carers on Instagram and Kitty of Angels on Instagram.
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