At the close of the previous month, the UC Davis Veterinary Hospital Emergency Room welcomed a quartet of kittens. These adorable felines were found in the great outdoors, orphaned, and huddled together, their hearts racing with fear.
Their exposure to human contact had been minimal, and at just five weeks of age, they were quite cautious around people, responding with hisses and spits, and attempting to conceal themselves.
Recognizing their need for care, the Yolo County SPCA stepped in to provide assistance. Angela, a dedicated foster volunteer, took the kittens into her care, offering them a safe and warm haven.
In the tranquil confines of her home, Angela gave the anxious kittens time to decompress. When they were removed from their carrier, they appeared tense, with their fur standing on end and ears flattened. They sought refuge in a box, comforting each other while casting wide-eyed glances at their foster mom.
Initially, any attempt to approach them was met with a chorus of hisses. Angela noted, “They probably hadn’t been around people before. They would try to hide behind the litter box and hiss whenever someone got too close or tried to pet them.”
Gradually, as their anxiety subsided, Angela introduced them to a tempting offer – cat treats. Pumpkin, one of the tabbies, hesitantly nibbled on one and soon found herself eagerly devouring more. With each bite, her eyes sparkled with delight, and her fear dissolved.
The other kittens, namely Boo, Spice, and Casper, also mustered the courage to sample these delectable morsels. Angela recounted, “The kittens quickly realized that humans were not so bad after all. They went from hissing at me to meowing at me whenever I entered the room.”
“They purr as soon as I pet them. Sometimes, Casper (the gray kitten) will start purring as soon as he sees me.”
Casper and Boo emerged as the boldest of the quartet, paving the way for Spice and Pumpkin to seek affection, explore, and engage with new toys. Their playful and adventurous side surfaced as they acclimated to indoor life.
Spice, in particular, took some time to warm up to Angela. Initially, she hissed and spat the most, overwhelmed by fear. However, with playtime and nourishment, she gradually shed her apprehensions. Angela fondly recalled the moment Spice purred for the first time, noting, “It felt like such an accomplishment. She’s been the sweetest kitten ever since.”
