An adorable grey kitten named Penn became obsessed with a ball “more than anything else in life,” says Brooklyn-area rescuer Heidi. But just hours before, the 5-week-old kitten was living dangerously beside a busy road.
Heidi named Penn after the spot he was found on Pennsylvania Avenue. While driving there towards the ASPCA, a Paws of Hope NYC volunteer just happened to spot him. They brought the kitten to the vet right away, and he was miraculously doing okay just feet away from the road.
Rescuer Stumbles Upon Penn, the Kitten
The rescuer carried the kitten to Heidi, where he would soon be living the good life in “Chez Heidi.” He was playful, friendly, and obsessed with a little yellow ball.
“Thank you for taking in this little butterball so unexpectedly,” the finder said. “It was heartwarming to see how he immediately settled in and started to play because he felt safe. He’s one lucky dude.💯🥰🙌❤️.”
A Handmade Toy
Although the kitten loved his yellow ball, he would soon have Heidi’s “favorite homemade cat toy” called the Heidi Dancer 5000. Although it sounds fancy, it’s deceptively simple. As every cat lover knows, cats are often happiest with the simplest of toys. Below are two of Penn’s fellow foster kittens model for the adorable “infomercial.”
Keep in mind that string or yarn can be hazardous if they ingest it, so it’s best not to let them chew on the string. These kittens are being closely attended.
Penn Finds a Best Friend and a Home
Later, the kitten met Marshal, the cutest little plump ginger kitten found abandoned near a Brooklyn fire station. We previously shared Marshal’s story. As Heidi hoped, the two became best friends.
They soon found a home together and started a new life and Marshal got an extra ‘l’ in his name.
On Instagram, their new human said:
“They’re already bringing so much joy in our home! Also appreciate stinky little Marshall butt sleeping on my head at night. Thank you for rescuing these sweet dudes ❤️❤️❤️.”
Penn and Marshall Start a New Life
Now, the “two little stinky boys,” are as happy as can be, snuggling up with each other and their mama. But they are also as rambunctious as ever.
“They look so sweet…don’t be fooled, they love to use our bed as a trampoline at 7am and use my computer chair as a jungle gym (while I’m sitting on it…of course!),” their mama shared.
Images via Instagram/penn_and_marshall
“Winter is in full effect here….luckily these two will never be cold!”
The Kittens’ Purrsonalities Emerge
After being home for about a month, the young cat’s purrsonalities are blooming. Penn still loves his toys but is very gentle and has the softest fur.
“Let’s meet Penn! Nickname: Pennsylvania Slim. Weight: 4lbs 4oz. Endlessly patient, extremely sweet, possibly part Mogwai. Loves to walk by you and flip down next to you. The target of Marshall’s endless licking. Loves his mouse toys, crinkle ball and anything on a string. Loves sleeping in the cat tower, in Amazon boxes, and on my side. Goes wild for laser pointers!”
Meanwhile, Marshal grew into a big love bug who isn’t shy about demanding affection, especially if he sees his brother getting snuggles.
Like his brother, his favorite place to be is around his mama’s neck.
“Meet Marshall! Marshall Marshall Marshall. What can I say about this guy?? 4lbs 10oz and demands to be loved most hours of the day. Loved to jump and do somersaults chasing laser pointers. Has a huge appetite, and loves to chase Penn and suckle on his ear, or a rogue piece of your shirt. Enjoys sleeping on your head, on a chair….just about anywhere!!”
You can follow Penn and Marshall on Instagram, as well as Heidi and Paws of Hope NYC. Heidi the “Cat Wrangler” also has a great TikTok.
