One young kitten decided he was going to be adopted; whether his new family knew it or not! And if he needed to stowaway in a carrier to do it, so be it!
Photo courtesy Foster Mom Emily & Happy Jack Cats, Inc. ~ Hercules
The stowaway tale of the “Greek Gods” litter of kittens began as many other Greek myths do…with tragedy.
A local farmer near Boise, Idaho, sadly found a stray mama cat who had been hit by a car on her property. With the mom, was a small orange male kitten approximately 2-weeks-old.
The farmer worked with the husband of Emily, a fosterer for Happy Jack Cats, Inc. shelter in Meridian, ID. She asked if they would be able to take the little boy into their program. Agreeing right away, the baby was named Apollo after the sun-god, and accepted in the organizations care.
Photo courtesy Foster Mom Emily & Happy Jack Cats, Inc. ~ Apollo
Apollo was COVERED in ringworm and had to be kept isolated, but at least now had a chance at survival.
Two days later, the farmer discovered 2 more stowaway kittens huddled together in an area of the farm.
She called Happy Jack Cats, and Tortie Artemis, and black cat Hercules joined their brother.
Photos courtesy Foster Mom Emily & Happy Jack Cats, Inc. ~ Artemis & Hercules
All 3 kittens were suffering from ringworm but fortunately, Emily was experienced with this and had them in a secluded bathroom of her home. After 2 months in Emily’s care, she had conquered the ringworm and the kittens were ready to find loving furever homes.
Female Artemis was adopted first by a single woman. She was the nanny for her sisters young children. Unfortunately, her sister’s baby ended up in the E.R. twice with breathing issues.
Photo courtesy Foster Mom Emily & Happy Jack Cats, Inc. ~ Artemis
They assumed it was Artemis and she was understandably returned to Emily after a month. During this time, Apollo and Hercules had still not been adopted.
Photo courtesy Foster Mom Emily & Happy Jack Cats, Inc. ~ Apollo & Hercules
The Greek Gods had been re-united.
On September 16th, a young couple came to the foster home in the hopes of adopting a kitten. They fell in love with all of them…obviously not hard to do. However they already had a young adult cat at home and were set on a 2-cat household.
After playing with the numerous fur-babies running around Emily’s home, they settled on adorable Artemis. Hopefully her 2nd home was PURRmanent!
Photo courtesy Foster Mom Emily & Happy Jack Cats, Inc. ~ Artemis
The couple borrowed one of Emily’s carriers so they could bring Artemis home that very night. Emily readied the carrier with a nice, comfy blanket that had the kittens smell on it already. She put the carrier down on the floor, found Artemis and after a few more snuggles said good-bye.
She placed Artemis in the carrier and secured the door, wrestling with bittersweet emotions as every foster family does.
Photo courtesy Foster Mom Emily & Happy Jack Cats, Inc. ~ Artemis
It was about 10:00 pm at this point. Artemis could barely been seen peeking out from the cage in the dim light of the evening.
Her new “purrents” were extremely impressed at how calm she was during the 20-minute car ride home. They even texted Emily to say Artemis was so happy in the carrier, purring up a storm.
They were so excited about how sweet she was and Emily knew they were a great fit.
When they arrived home and opened the carrier door, they realized just WHY that was.
Photo courtesy Foster Mom Emily & Happy Jack Cats, Inc. ~ Hercules: Do we see a sly little smile?
Her brother Hercules had snuck into the carrier and was nonchalantly sitting in the dark back corner! It was the perfect spot for a gorgeous black stowaway cat to blend in like a ninja.
No wonder Artemis was so content! Because she and her bro were keeping each other company.
Photo courtesy Foster Mom Emily & Happy Jack Cats, Inc. ~ Hercules
Absolutely shocked, they called Emily right away to tell her what they’d found.
Since it was so late, they made plans to meet halfway the next morning to get the carrier and return the little stowaway Hercules.
Overnight, Hercules’ brave and far-fetched adventure won over the hearts of the couple.
Photo courtesy Foster Mom Emily & Happy Jack Cats, Inc. ~ Hercules
In the morning, they asked Emily if they could return the carrier….without the furry fugitive! They just loved Hercules and couldn’t bear to separate him from Artemis. And there was no way they could refuse adopting him as well.
Yes, everyone, THAT is what happens when you try to stick to a “limited cat household” policy! (wink, wink)
Photo courtesy Foster Mom Emily & Happy Jack Cats, Inc. ~ Artemis & Hercules
Happy Jack Cats was thrilled to update their Facebook followers that the resident cat has also accepted the 2 new siblings.
“Received an update last night, new kittens and resident cat are all doing well! They are so glad this little stowaway happened… they didn’t plan for it, but they love their new little family <3”
Photo courtesy Foster Mom Emily & Happy Jack Cats, Inc. ~ Artemis & Hercules in their new home
So just like the Greek God he was named for, this little house panther’s larger-than-life exploits are a delight to us all.
“His life was not easy–he endured many trials and completed many daunting tasks–but the reward for his suffering was a promise that he would live forever among the gods at Mount Olympus” – excerpt from History.com on Greek hero and God Heracles
But don’t worry – brother Apollo wasn’t left behind too long.
After this video showed the captivating and fiery little stowaway soul, he was adopted as well =)
REMEMBER: ADOPT, DON’T SHOP; FOSTERING SAVES LIVES & SPAY AND NEUTER!
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Oh my goodness, thank you for articulating this adorable story! Great job!
Lovely article! Thanks so much for telling the story of Hercules and Artemis.
no such thing as an ugly cat. they may be “exterior challenged” but never ugly! hercules was certainly pro-active, hiding away to be with artemis. artemis could have “selene” tacked onto her name for the ginger half-moon shape on her throat. as all kittens, all beautiful.
“Exterior challenged” is much nicer! I’ve fostered hundreds of kittens… he turned out to be so handsome but he was the most “exterior challenged” little fella I’ve ever had the honor of caring for.
This is too cute! I will definitely become a foster parent to sweet little kittens like these when I am older and have the proper chance! I just love cats, and adorable little Hercules is far from any exception!
What a wonderful story! I know Emily and Happy Jack Cats is a wonderful non-profit. I’m so happy for them to get this recognition!