Lauren, the “Kitten Foster,” took in two “tiny treasures,” Xavier and Xandria. When they arrived, they were just a few days old. She put little paper pirate hats on them while they were wrapped up, purrito style. The little buccaneers grew up and remained so closely bonded that they, like other foster kittens we’ve seen, sometimes almost appeared like one cat.
First, she introduced Xavier, whose name made her think, “X marks to spot,” hence the pirate theme.
Xavier and Xandria The Tiny Pirates
Xavier had a great appetite and took to the bottle fast, which is always a relief in foster care.
“Xavier is a darling little tux with a BIG appetite. I think he may be one of the best latchers I’ve ever had,” she said. “I can’t wait to watch this baby buccaneer grow up!”
Images and media via Instagram/our_fostering_tails
Then we met Xavier’s lil’ sister Xandria. Lauren had to separate her from her brother because she was suckling, something kittens who have lost their mothers tend to do. Although it might seem harmless, it can be deadly left unchecked, so it’s another important thing to be aware of.
“Introducing… Xandria!! 🐟 This bonny lass is as sweet as can be, and she’s also been eating and gaining well so far. She has the best purr that activates with the slightest touch. “
‘Not All Treasure is Silver and Gold’
Fortunately, the tiny pirates were doing great and became irresistibly cute as their bellies grew.
“Not all treasure is silver and gold,” Lauren said.
“BFFs 🖤”
As they grew over four weeks, she shared pictures in their tiny hats.
Xandria grows up over 4 weeks
Xavier grows up over 4 weeks
Caring for the tiny treasures was great therapy for the foster mom, who was grieving the loss of her beloved cat Nico. Despite the loss, she continued fostering vulnerable babies to honor Nico’s memory.
“There’s nothing like some Xavier therapy to melt your worries and stress away.”
The two kittens grew up fast with their Uncle Kolbe, the loving resident cat.
“Is there anything more pure or peaceful than this?”
Two Peas in a Pod
By the end of the next month, Xavier and Xandria remained inseparable. It was soon time to begin a new life, and Lauren would ensure they could be together forever. Adopting in bonded duos is ideal, and who would ever want to separate them?!
“At first glance, this may look like a two-headed, three-armed mutant kitten with a blep – but really, it’s just two black besties who are quite literally inseparable from each other!”
If the kittens lost sight of each other for even a short time, they became distressed.
“Having grown up side by side since they were only a few days old, Xavier and Xandria do almost everything in unison – play, eat, snuggle, and even use the litter box! More than once, I’ve heard them give urgent cries and have come dashing from the other room, heart hammering, only to find they just lost sight of each other for a moment!”
Purrsonalities and Green Emerald Emerge
After reaching the milestone of spaying and neutering, they were ready to take flight and had unique purrsonalities. Lauren knew anyone would be lucky to adopt them. Xavier became a “lovable class clown,” and his sister became ‘a strong independent female.”
“Life’s just better with a house panther (or two!) – wouldn’t you agree?”
Xavier and Xandria Set Sail Together
Soon afterward, Lauren shared the great news that Xavier and Xandria had graduated and would soon be setting sail into the sunset. Amazingly, the man who adopted them had friends with the same names, she said.
“During the meet & greet, their new dad shared with me that he had been looking for a pair of kittens and Xavier and Xandria caught his eye because 1) duh, look at them – they are adorable! and 2) he has friends with the exact same names! How funny and amazing is that? There are no coincidences, friends. Kittens always find where they are meant to be, and I will never not feel humbled to be a part of that process.
“Thank you, Xavier and Xandria, for letting me love you and for loving so hard back. You’ll be in my heart forever.”
She shared the cute video below of their progress since their first arrived at just days old.
For more, you can follow Lauren on Instagram and the Animal Welfare League of Arlington she works with.
