Lyra, the kitten, didn’t understand when rescuers first put her inside a warm cozy incubator. Rescued kittens often put up a vocal protest, making pitiful cries and looking as though everything is all over. But these kittens change their act when they’ve had time to realize everything is ok. Once that happens, they can settle down and begin enjoying their surroundings and playmates.
Lyra was about three weeks old when she and her brother Pantalaimon (or Pan) arrived in her LA-area foster home. Their names came from “His Dark Materials,” a fantasy drama. Pan, the kitten, looks much like Pan, the animal spirit accompanying the human girl Lyra, in the series.
Images via Instagram/babykittenrescue and lilfosterbabes
Both kittens were sick, dehydrated, underweight, covered in fleas, had badly-infected eyes, and had no “teefies” yet. Hours earlier, someone found them all alone. After waiting all night, their mama cat didn’t return. So the Good Samaritan reached out to the rescuers for help.
Kitten with inset of Pan, character from His Dark Materials
Lyra and Pan Protest the Incubator
With no mama, the kittens needed to be in the warm incubator to help them recover from a potentially deadly situation. The fleas were draining them dry. Lyra must have thought she had gone out of the frying pan to the fire though! But don’t worry, she was safe, secure, and warm. She just didn’t realize it yet.
For the first few days, Lyra screamed for help and made the most pitiful expressions. Seeing her brought out the maternal instinct in her foster mom and thousands online. Everyone wanted to comfort her, but she didn’t realize she had it made until a little while longer.
“Oh, Lyra 🤭. The first few days, these babies were VOCAL with lots to say about their new living arrangements and feeding schedule,” said foster mom Pei Chiu. “…clearly Lyra feels she’s too big for the nice, cozy bubble prison she’s in 🤭🤣❤️ (at least at first).”
As dramatic as Lyra was initially, Chiu explained that she and her littermates settled in after a few days. When they were feeling better, they could enjoy being kittens for the very first time. They needed fluid therapy, iron supplements, antibiotic eye drops, and a warm compress to help their crusty eyes. The babes had suffered greatly in their short lives but that was over now.
“After a few days of settling, no more fleas, cozy blankets, always warm, and most importantly, always knowing they will be consistently fed – they don’t feel the need to feel so panicked and vocal 🥺. You can tell they feel safe now, happy, and just focused on rolling around for belly rubs, exploring everything, and playing with each other 🥹❤️🥰.”
Lyra and Pan Are Too Cute to Be Real
Once the kittens named after a fantasy recovered, the cuteness became unreal.
Lyra grew up closely bonded with her brother, frequently hugging him as they cuddled.
“Pretty Little Lyra ❤️. This girl comes over multiple times a day just to climb up, give me a kiss and a snuggle. She also loves her brother so much, and just about always goes to hold him when it’s time for a nap 🥺🥹. Pure sweetness 🥰”
Lyra hugs Pan while they sleep.
Furever Together
The kittens grew up in a flash, reached their spay/neuter day, and soon found a furever home… together! It’s always hard for fosterers to say goodbye, but the foster mom was happy knowing they would always be with each other. No more distress for these two, but quite a few sleepy yawns.
“For fosters, adoption day is bittersweet. I couldn’t be happier knowing they will have the best life with the most loving family. And I couldn’t be more proud that they’ve grown into the most loving, well-socialized, silly, go-with-the-flow kitties. I will miss these two very much. Love you Lyra and Pan, have the bestest life ❤️🥹❤️,” she wrote.
Previously, we shared the saga of four adorable kittens that Chiu named after characters from the Succession TV series. You can also see the happy season finale (adoption story) here.
You can follow Lil Foster Babes on Instagram. Also, you may follow the Baby Kitten Rescue here.
