Three kittens decided to come out of hiding and learn to trust at the same time. It was the cutest thing.
Jackson, Nini, and BennieAlyssa
When Alyssa, a volunteer with PuppyKittyNYCity, learned that three scaredy kittens needed a foster home, she immediately stepped up to help.
The trio was so timid that upon arrival, they took refuge inside or behind their “cave” bed. Any attempt to approach them was met with hisses, wide eyes, and flattened ears, but it was all bark and no bite.
After two days of cushy indoor living, they emerged from their hiding spots.
Alyssa
The three little musketeers found courage in each other as they explored their new surroundings. Once they realized that Alyssa always came bearing food, their defenses quickly melted away.
The moment they allowed her to pet them, they relaxed and started purring in unison.
Alyssa
When Alyssa finally earned the privilege of giving them belly rubs, she knew they were ready for a bigger space where they could zoom around and play. As it turned out, they were total love bugs who just needed a safe place to let their true personalities shine.
“They love affection and playing, and when I lie down, they’re already feeling comfortable enough to nap on my stomach and purr up a storm.”
Alyssa
The once-hissy little “habaneros” (Jackson, Bennie, and Nini) have transformed into full-fledged snugglers with purr motors rumbling everywhere they go. “They have learned to jump, roll, play, and purr in your arms.”
Alyssa brought them to meet the students in her department for a “kitten therapy” session. The trio filled every participant with immense joy while getting some much-needed socialization.
Alyssa
“They were invited to give students a moment to destress during finals. I saw everyone playing with kittens, holding, petting them, and so many smiles in the room. The experience helped the kittens, too.”
“They gained new confidence from meeting new friends. Even Bennie, who was a little shy, was held with such love.”
Alyssa
Bennie (black) was the smallest of the bunch, but she quickly caught up to her siblings thanks to her ravenous appetite. If Alyssa was even a few minutes late with dinner, the trio would hop up on their post and start vocalizing their complaints.
Bennie was the loudest of the crew, leading the chorus, while Jackson (gray) chimed in with his own crunchy meows, and Nini (gray and white) waited patiently for dinner to be served.
Alyssa
After eating to their hearts’ content, they would curl up in a cozy pile, purring themselves to sleep. “They nap through all the construction and drilling like some real NYC kittens.”
“They are the ultimate cuddle crew—purring machines that’ll smooch your face and claim your lap like it’s their throne.”
Alyssa
“Bennie started out as the shyest of her siblings, but she’s grown into such a sweetheart. She purrs the moment you pet her, loves climbing tall cat trees, having adventures, and playing with her siblings.”
“Jackson is not only sweet, but he’s such a character, always exploring the boxes that arrive, carrying around a spring or pipe cleaner, or trying to make friends with our resident cats. He’s a lap cat who also gets floppy when I pick him up to kiss him.”
JacksonAlyssa
“Nini is the most athletic. She was the first to figure out the (cat) wheel, the first to claim the top of the cat tower, and the first to plop in my lap and demand affection. She’s so smart and sweet.”
NiniAlyssa
From being hissy and scared, the three kittens have come a long way. Now, they greet the world one paw-step at a time, with curiosity, courage, and a whole lot of heart.
Nini and BennieAlyssa
Share this story with your friends. More on the three kittens and Alyssa’s fosters on Instagram@adoptablesnyc and PuppyKittyNYCity @puppykittynycity.
Related story: Kitten Stepped Indoors for the First Time, and the Moment She was Held, Her Walls Came Tumbling Down
