Things get spicy when rescuers from South Carolina teamed up to save a colony of feral cats from an abandoned mansion in Anderson.
Mary from Miss Dixie’s Kitten Rescue joined Ash from the Chiquitin’s Cat Project, Inc as well as Anderson County PAWS. It would be a team effort to save what they learned were some extra-feisty kittens and cats.
The mansion, Images via YouTube/The Dodo
“We are forever grateful to be working with such a needed and wonderful rescue and their partners,” wrote Miss Dixie’s Kitten Rescue on Facebook. “Collaboration between rescues is the best way to ensure that animals in our communities are taken care of. The more we support each other, the more the animals benefit.”
Mary from Miss Dixie’s Kitten Rescue
While Ash worked on trap, neuter, release (TNR) efforts on the adults, Mary focused on caring for the kittens.
When they arrived at the boarded-up mansion, they saw two kittens and a mama cat. However, that was just the beginning. Before they knew it, they had six adults and nine kittens. All had been trying to survive in and around the old mansion.
Once Mary took the kittens home, she found out they were very “spicy,” indeed, hissing and trying to make themselves appear fierce. Thus, it would take time for them to realize she was someone they could trust.
However, one little calico named Paqui was the spiciest of all.
🌶️ Paqui the Spicy Kitten 🌶️
Of all of the kittens saved from the mansion area, Paqui was the spiciest spitfire. Whenever Mary approached, she would lose it, hissing, biting, and scratching. As tiny as kittens are, they can be surprisingly formidable.
“I was a little afraid for my hands at some points,” Mary told The Dodo.
Paqui the Spicy Kitten via YouTube
Fortunately, some of the other kittens figured out that Mary was their friend, including Paqui’s brother Pringle. Then, the kittens taught Paqui that she could relax. Slowly but surely, the little cutie allowed Mary to pet her without the zesty reaction.
Eventually, Paqui gave up hissing and even enjoyed being petted. Then, Mary discovered the kittens’ weakness: butt scratches. From that point, Paqui really warmed up, seeking out her human momma for affection.
Now, Paqui was a well-adjusted sweet kitten who knew Mary loved her. It’s wonderful to watch the transformation.
The Kittens Find Forever Homes
After Mary raised them lovingly in foster care, Paqui and Pringle were ready for adoption at around 11 weeks old.
“This little firecracker will surely keep you on your toes. She is a complete package: playful, cuddly & sassy,” said her adoption bio. “They were a bit spicy & scared when they came to us, but now they are sweet as sugar.”
Image via Facebook/Miss Dixie’s Kitten Rescue
Pringle
Soon afterward, the siblings found a home together! Then, all the kittens, but one named Buge, found homes where they would never have to struggle again. Also, the rescuers learned there were more kittens at the mansion that needed help. But, they looked forward to helping more fur babies thanks to donations from the community.
“The most reward thing is being able to see them thriving in their forever home,” says Mary. “I get updates from almost all of the babies who have been adopted. They are the most spoiled children in the entire world, and it just makes it all worth it.”
Today, Miss Dixie’s is happy to help their community with a sponsored spay and neuter day and is always looking for help fostering spicy babies like Paqui. Meanwhile, Chiquitin’s Cat Project just celebrated its first birthday and continues TNR services and education for the well-being of feral and community cats.
You can see animals for adoption by Anderson County PAWS, the largest no-kill community in upstate SC, on their website.
See the touching video by The Dodo Foster Diaries below:
