4th of July Rescue, ADOPTED 9/22/19

7/28/19

Picked up 6 new, tiny, noisy kittens last night (7/27/19) on my way home from Disneyland. They've already had 4 visitors today, including my niece whom is currently napping in the kitten pen, covered in kittens. This batch was born on 6/14/19 and abandoned on the 4th of July when their mom fled the fireworks, never returning for her niblets. Last night, I really just got them settled in before falling asleep after a long trip, but it was pretty obvious the house pets were very interested in this new brood.

This morning, after opening their crate- they entire crew crawled out and in my lap or all around me. Orange climbed straight up my chest and tried to nurse on my nose or lips.

No names yet- still getting to know their personalities, but I have:

Orange (M)

Tabby (M)

White Socks (F)

Gray (F)

Torti (F)

Calico (F)

We do know they're LOUD and demanding. They want attention, and they want it now. They're pretty chill around kids and barking medium dogs. They accepted enthusiastic dog kisses without protest while being held.

8/4/19 Update

Former Itsie Bitsie Rescue (IBR) foster kitten, Katsu Kurry is delighted with the second set of kittens arriving. She is only a year old herself and has quite enjoyed the energy of her new kitten playmates. Katsu grooms and wrestles with her tiny charges.

3 year old Mochi was slow to warm up to the first set of foster kittens, but learned to like them (and their kitten food) before they left. She had no hesitation to meet the second batch of kittens and takes more of the maternal role, teaching them manners and making sure they know SHE is in charge. She's no helicopter mom though- she let the little tabby figure out how to get unstuck when he failed the crate door and face planted into her belly.

This was the EASIEST batch of kittens to bath I've ever met. None of them cried and they gave very little struggle. It was also the most useless feline bathing I've ever given, as they were still adjusting to their new foster home... long fur + upset tummies = gross butts in young kittens. Luckily, this phase seems to be passing quickly and I am no longer speeding through a pack of pet wipes on a daily basis, so maybe I'll try it again once they've kept relatively clean for at least half a week!

Just a mix of them from their first week! It is my last week of summer vacation and I let myself become cat paralyzed many times. We also did name them, inspired by their rescue on the 4th of July.

Orange: Independence

Tabby: Victory

Socks: Firecracker

Gray: Liberty

Tortie: Justice

Calico: Sparkler

8/15/19 Update

It's very difficult to get pictures of these kittens because they like to climb and lay on me. My husband's camera is TERRIBLE and he lacks even basic photography skills. When they're not sleeping on me, they're in constant motion. I'm always the happiest when they finally run out of steam and are ready for snuggles.

8/25/19 Update

This group of kittens often falls prey to the afternoon sunshine. They love to lay or play there.

I really hope they all get adopted in pairs or into homes with other pets. They're such social kittens. They get along well with my kitten friendly house cats, and even keep trying to win over our grumpy man cat. They're not scared of the dogs either, though the large floofs are little too energetic for the tiny kittens.

Kittens and kids are the perfect combination. This active 4 year old came over for a visit. Initially wary of kitten claws, he learned that gentle human hands meant no harm from this friendly batch of mini floofs. They were so patient with him picking them up or rolling around them. They absolutely loved entertaining him during play time-he kept them jumping and pouncing with lasers, balls, ribbons, and fishing toys.

Food time is the very best time!! Every few nights they get spoiled with some canned food kitten treats or other delights- mostly because Justice is lagging behind in weight and needs to get fattened up.

Independence started as one of the runts but has now surpassed the entire litter. He is one of the most voracious eaters I've ever met, minus his foster cat mom, Mochi (who we called the M4- Mini Mochi Mastication Machine- as a kitten). He likes to use his round belly to body block the food bowl.

The last 2 days, Liberty and Independence have spent more time together. I'm wondering if they're becoming a bonded pair. Their colors are so striking together!

9/9/19 Update

Now that they're older, the kittens have the run of the entire house whenever we're home. They still get crated at night or when we'll be out for awhile, as we want them to be kennel trained so they will be comfortable and less anxious when they are at Petsmart waiting for adoption. Typically, they burst out of their crate as soon as it is opened and rampage around the house, full of energy. They particularly love new toys, like this new crinkle mat and track toy (99c store!)

But my favorite time is when they get sleepy. If I'm sitting on the floor in their kennel room or a couch where they can easily get to me, they'll often come hang out on me or near me. I love the feeling of tiny kitten paws on me!

Even though I like it best when they're on me, it is so much easier to get cute pics when I'm not trying to take blind selfies. I've deleted so many pictures that have a corner of a cat ear or a blurry cat back in my poor attempts!

Though all 6 made the minimum weight last week (at least 2lbs to get fixed before being eligible for adoption), only the boys are scheduled to get fixed this week. They will be available this weekend! (Independence, orange & Firecracker, tabby with white socks).

9/17/19 Update

I decided to move my giant Stitch bed into the kitten room so I could lay with them. They love it!!

9/22/19 Update

Firecracker and Independence both got adopted last weekend. Firecracker was barely at Petsmart for a few hours before finding his furrever home! This weekend, I took the 4 girls, and Liberty, Sparkler, and Justice all found homes. Victory is still waiting- but competition is tough as we were completely overrun with kittens this year.

Won't you consider checking out how to help?:

http://www.itsiebitsierescue.org

Here they are at the kennel. I cried more than a little leaving them there, but I know I can help more kittens if I let these ones go to find their new furrever homes. Almost lost it when little Justice climbed back out onto my shoulder, but I was strong!!!