When you are a foster parent to cats and kittens, you literally have the opportunity to change their entire lives. For these scared felines, you may be the first contact they have with humans. And while this is extremely important so they can learn to trust people, it’s missing something special. The familiar touch of another feline, there to ‘show them how to cat’. It’s often detrimental with singleton kittens, but can be just as important for larger litters. We’ve seen it from time to time when a special older cat will begin caring for lonely kittens. It’s absolutely beautiful. So when Ashley Saldana introduced new hissy foster kittens to her resident cat Poppy, it was easy to see how special Poppy truly is.
Poppy Meets Some Spicy Kittens
On her Instagram page @soccercatmom, Ashley introduced us to three spicy kittens she had just welcomed into her home via @ittybittykittycommittee.rescue. She appropriately named them Wasabi (f), Tabasco (m) and Sriracha (f). While introducing them officially, she shared quite the amazing story about Wasabi’s true identity. Apparently the kittens came from a feral cat community where there were numerous litters. Tabasco and Sriracha’s mom STOLE Wasabi from another litter, so she’s about a week younger! 
Noting that they are the spiciest trio that she’s ever taken in, she loves a good challenge. Wisely, she was patient and gave the kittens time to adjust to their new space and her. Airplane ears aside, the siblings were hesitant but couldn’t complain too much from a soft, fluffy bed with full tummies. 
By the second day she was able to hold one kitten only. And by day three, a forced cuddle was accepted from them all. Day five, out of quarantine playtime, Sriracha still trying to hiss her disapproval and Tabasco testing out those bouncy legs of his.
However, this entire time the trio had no clue there was a secret ‘weapon’ she had yet to introduce into the mix.
There are not enough words to describe the feeling you get when you see a rescued cat or kitten relax for the first time. Maybe ever in their lives! 
Day seven; time to meet Poppy. *If you are prone to happy tears, grab tissue now.
With a success like that, Ashley had to be overwhelmed with love. To allow a spicy kitten the space for peaceful purrs is a heroic act. So with the positive momentum, the female kittens would visit with Poppy little by little, longer each time. And without hesitation Poppy would welcome the curious kittens with a bath, a hug and a purr.
But Tabasco was hesitant. He would watch from afar but couldn’t hide his growing interest in the cuddle puddles. And then he finally got close enough to find himself in the mix.
Thank you to all the foster homes that welcome these precious souls. And thank you to Ashley’s family and Poppy for spreading love, joy and healing purrs. Be sure to follow her for updates on these three and all her future transformations!
Photos/Video/Screenshots property of Ashley Saldana (@soccercatmom)
