Two shelter kittens waited for a new start until a kind person took both home, changing their world completely.
Cheddar and BrieJen
Cheddar (ginger) and Brie arrived at a municipal shelter when they were about two weeks old. Tiny and vulnerable, they huddled together for comfort.
The shelter environment was far from ideal for the kittens, who required round-the-clock care and were at risk of illness. In urgent need of foster care, they awaited someone to scoop them up and bring them home.
Jen, a foster volunteer for Kitty of Angels, received a message from the shelter networking volunteers and knew she had to help. “I immediately said I could take them,” Jen shared with Love Meow.
Jen
The kittens arrived in foster care with some sneezes and sniffles. Though 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 quickly settled in.
“Brie latched onto the bottle right away. Cheddar was a little confused at first, but it only took two or three feeds for him to get it.”
Jen
The kitten cuddled up to their snuggle toy, drifting off to the sound of its heartbeat until they awoke for their next meal.
“When I foster bottle babies, I always have a toothbrush handy, and I brush the kittens with the toothbrush after each feeding. The toothbrush mimics grooming by the mama, and this gives them comfort and teaches them how to groom themselves.”
Jen
The moment Jen opened the incubator, Brie sprang awake, crying for attention. Her brother, Cheddar, soon joined her in a duet, meowing in harmony until they received their bottle.
As they drank the formula, wiggling their ears in delight, the only sound was the smacking of their contented sips.
Jen
Cheddar’s eyes cleared up and brightened. With plenty of food and TLC, he grew more active, wriggling around and burrowing under the bedding. “I came in and couldn’t find Cheddar. He tucked himself into the blanket.”
“He does the best milk comas. As soon as he is done with his bottle, he just falls asleep where he is. These two babies are just an absolute joy.”
Jen
Brie was always the first to seek attention and her bottle, while Cheddar patiently waited his turn. They were inseparable like two peas in a pod, except at bottle time—unless Brie wrapped her arm around her brother.
For a brief moment when Cheddar was given the bottle, Brie “didn’t understand why she was alone for 30 seconds.”
Jen
“Brie’s coloring is so unique. I can’t fully decide what it is yet. But I can’t wait to see how it develops. She is such a sweet little doll.”
The cheese siblings grew by leaps and bounds, ready to graduate from their incubator to a roomy playpen where they could practice their steps, build leg strength, and learn to use the litter box.
Jen
As Brie took in her new surroundings, Cheddar stayed by her side, clinging to his faux mama and looking to his sister for guidance. Once he sensed his newfound freedom, his personality began to shine.
“I always love those first few seconds in their new space where they wonder what is going on. These babies were a little surprised but also so brave.”
Jen
“Cheddar is such a typical orange cat. He does everything with everything in him. He plays hard, purrs hard, and cuddles hard. He purrs so loudly when he eats.”
“Brie is just a sweet, delicate angel. The second I sit down, she hops in my lap and then hops onto my shoulder or back. She would be thrilled if she could just sit on my shoulder and play in my hair all day.”
Jen
The kittens have discovered a penchant for lap snuggles, often competing for their foster mom’s attention and belly rubs.
With Jen in the pen, they love climbing all over her like a “human cat tree,” and then wrestling and cuddling beside her, enjoying every moment of their kittenhood.
Jen
Share this story with your friends. More on Brie, Cheddar, and Jen’s fosters on Instagram and Kitty of Angels on Instagram.
