Two baby house panthers, Godiva and Melli, arrived at the Kneady Kitty Rescue separately. But they quickly became adorable friends. Then a tiny tabby, Oregano, arrived later that month with two other black kittens. Rescuers found two of the kittens during TNR (trap, neuter, release) efforts at a local feral colony in Pinellas County, Florida.
The kittens came from different places, but their fates are forever interwoven. They were all extremely lucky to find their way to the rescuers, where they could be bottle-fed and nurtured to health. Happily, they all survived, beating the odds for kittens born on the streets where the vast majority won’t make it.
According to the Humane Society, only 25% of street cats survive past 6 months. However, TNR efforts can reduce the number of kittens needing rescue by 31 times! It’s one reason the Humane Society and rescuers everywhere want it implemented nationwide and worldwide.
Godiva Meets Melli
A kind woman delivered the tiny Godiva to the Kneady Kitty Rescue after someone found her all alone in a parking lot and took her to a vet. Fortunately, she was doing ok, but was ever-so fragile.
“Meet Godiva! This sweet gal was dropped at a vet clinic in Ruskin today. They were so kind as to transport her to us. She is 9 oz, and yes, she already did a quick photo shoot. She is doing great and has already won our hearts. Black panthers rock!” Kneady Kitty Rescue shared.
Images via Facebook/Kneady Kitty Rescue
By the next month, Godiva met her new bestie, Melli. She was a tiny bottle baby from an emergency vet.
“These two came into Kneady Kitty at different times as bottle babies. Even though they were not the same age, they became quick friends. They both have been raised around children and dogs. They do not need to be adopted together. However, if you are looking for two, they make the cutest pair.”
On their Petfinder pages, the rescuers described their purrsonalities as friendly, affectionate, playful, smart, brave, curious, funny, athletic, and independent.
A Black Cat Special for Godiva and Melli
As cute as these kittens were, they had no takers, even after a Father’s Day promo and a Black Cat Special with a donated adoption fee. While the other kittens found homes, Godiva and Melli remained in foster care.
“Our Black Cat special is about over!! We have adopted everyone except sweet, sweet, Godiva and Melli. We can not understand this. If someone would come meet them, you would see how loving they are. They were raised together as bottle babies ,and they love their humans.”
Trio Finds a Home Together!
Is an overwhelming kitten season always in Florida, but then something amazing happened to lift the rescuer’s spirits. A family adopted Godiva and Melli together. They then saw Oregano who also needed a home. So, they decided to make it a trio!
Ameowzingly, the family adopted the three girls together. Congratulations to the family!
“I don’t think we could get any happier tonight! This beautiful family came to meet Godiva & and Melli and noticed that poor Oregano had been overlooked and would be left by herself. They decided to adopt her too! This has been a pretty exhausting week here at Kneady Kitty, and this is a boost for all of us. Sending love, light, and happy times to these girls and their new family.”
Family who adopted Godiva, Melli, and Oregano too!
It might seem like a lot of responsibility to adopt three kittens. However, adopting duos or bonded trios can often be the best option. That way, they will play together, wrestle and learn about boundaries. It’s important stuff they teach one another, which usually leads to better-adjusted, calmer and happier cats.
Avoiding Single Kitten Syndrome
Single kittens are the number one most returned animal in sanctuaries and shelters. (see graphic below via Facebook/Pasado’s Safe Haven.
Graphic via Facebook/Pasado’s Safe Haven.
Adopting a duo or trio also allows rescuers to take in more helpless kittens like Godiva, Melli, and Oregano.
For more, you can follow and support the Kneady Kitty Rescue on Facebook, Instagram, and check out their website.
