Self-described Brooklyn “Cat Wrangler,” Heidi shared a sweet story of foster kittens Jive and Waltz. Over the summer, Heidi and other cat rescuers had an overwhelming effort, as kittens kept on coming while adoptions were low. So, Jive and Waltz were very fortunate to find a loving foster home.
Despite the overwhelming need for people to rescue kittens, Heidi and many others like her are volunteers. Due to their love for animals, they are willing to pay out of pocket while working daytime jobs to pay bills. Then, they go out and safely trap feral cats and their kittens living on the streets. All, to save kittens just like Jive and Waltz.
Heidi with one of her tiny rescues via Instagram
Jive and Waltz Survive the Odds
Rescuers Heidi and a friend found the kittens in a backyard in nearby Greenpoint, NY. At the time, they were only three weeks old and in desperate need of help. They were starving, suffering from parasites, and wasting away. Thus, without immediate intervention, they would have no chance at life. However, despite best efforts, Jive and Waltz’s much smaller sister Tango passed away. It was “one of the hardest things” the rescuer had ever experienced.
Jive on the first day he came to the rescuers
Waltz on her first day
Fortunately, Jive and Waltz made it, recovering and gaining weight quickly in foster care.
During this time, words of support and seeing the kittens growing comforted the rescuer. In a video, the playful kittens seemed to already be in full recovery.
“I get the most comfort from seeing these two growing and gaining weight again,” wrote Heidi.
Jive
Waltz
Rescuing Feral Cats in New York
Meanwhile, the kitten’s feral mother was safely spayed and returned through Trap, Neuter, and Release programs. Now, the momma cat would no longer have kittens that required saving on the streets of Brooklyn. In all, Heidi has been able to help 40 feral cats through the TNR program in 2021 alone. Pretty spectacular!
Recently, Heidi and her friends needed to safely trap cats in the junk pile of a parking garage. Due to their amazing efforts and patience, they saved whole colonies of kittens just like Jive and Waltz.
Jive and Waltz Rough-and-Tumble Play
Fully recovered, Jive and Waltz began acting like typical rowdy kittens. In the video below, we see that big brother Jive has managed to clip his little sisters’ whiskers in play.
Jive’s Beautiful Bicolor Eyes
By the end of July, Jive and Waltz were much bigger. Now, Jive developed some stunning bicolor eyes.
“So at some point… I have no idea when or how, Jive ended up with bicolor eyes?! Like all kittens, he was born with blue eyes, but then one shifted to green and the other stayed blue! I have no idea if this is permanent or not, though at 9 weeks old it’s quite possible they will stay this way. I’ve never seen bicolor eyes on a cat that wasn’t white or a calico before. I’m shooketh! 🙀🤩”
Enjoying ‘the VIP Life’
By nine weeks old, the kittens were even more beautiful, despite some chewed whiskers here and there. As you can see, they have boundless energy and love each other dearly. Indeed, their bond is so tight that Heidi would only consider adopting them to a home if they could always be together.
As you can see, they are real couch potatoes, enjoying “the VIP life” at “Chez Heidi,” as she sometimes calls it.
“…Now they are nine weeks old and THRIVING, and officially ready for adoption! These two could not be more perfect. Jive is the big personality of the two, always wanting to be the center of attention. Where Waltz is the sweetheart, a calmer energy, but oh so snuggly. I will only be accepting applications for them as a pair, (how could anyone want to split them up). It does not get any better than these two. ❤️”
Jive and Waltz Find a Home Together
Wonderfully, by mid-August, Heidi announced that Jive and Waltz found their forever home. Best of all, they would be together as she had hoped.
“I don’t normally have kittens in my home for their entire journey like I did for these two. They will be missed but mainly I’m thankful for the adoptions because there are so many more kittens needing rescue every day!”
As wonderful as it is to know the kittens would have happy lives, the cat rescue efforts never stop. She and others continue to foster many other amazing kittens as part of an ever-growing “Bean Colony.”
Now, they too will have a chance at life thanks to people like you. For more, check out Heidi Wrangles Cats on Instagram and TikTok. If you are able, please consider a donation to help kitties like Jive and Waltz.
Below, check out the kittens getting some belly rubs. Hey, it’s the VIP life, so who says it’s a dog’s life anyway?
