Three kittens were taken to the Orange County Animal Shelter late last month. The triad was terrified of humans and retreated in a corner to avoid them.
Baby Kitten Rescue (BKR), a Los Angeles-based animal rights organization that specializes on kittens in danger or in severe health, volunteered their assistance. “The kittens were terrified, antisocial, hissing, and spitting profusely. “It was evident that they had no prior interaction with people, or that their last encounter had been negative,” explains BKR volunteer educator Jamie.
“I realized they were simply fearful little children beneath all this apparent rigidity who wanted to feel protected, cared for, and loved.”
Wasabi (seal point), Ginger (tortoiseshell), and Pepper (pepper) were the names given to all of the kittens (black and white). They were around six weeks old at the time. They formed a tight-knit community from the start and relied on each other for support.
Wasabi, the lone boy, was the most arrogant, despite his little height. Wasabi was the spicier of the bunch. He seems to have taken it upon himself to safeguard the group. “He’s also the master of peripheral vision,” Jamie adds.
When socialization began, Wasabi and his sisters received daily hugs and plenty of treats as a reward. “I wrapped Wasabi in a roll, rinsed his eyes, put in drops and gave baby food with chicken as a reward.”
In a matter of days, Wasabi made tremendous progress – he no longer tried to bite the hand that feeds him. “Still the spiciest of the spicy trio, he fell asleep almost immediately when I swaddled him in a baby blanket.”
Slowly but steadily, the kittens began to develop confidence in humans. They became more composed, and the panic in their eyes faded.
“They began to purr in response to my touch after two weeks of socializing. A lot of time and patience had led up to this point. “I believe they felt comfortable because I held them in my arms and offered them treats,” Jamie explains.
It took great patience and countless hours to bring the kittens from hissing for their lives to their current acceptance of hugs and kisses, to having the courage to ask people for touch and attention themselves.
“There is no comparison with what they were.”
Wasabi, the cockiest of the three, has undergone a significant transformation. Jamie recalls, “There was a time when I believed Wasabi would ever stop hissing at me and being terrified of me.”
He now gladly sits on his knees with the nanny, purring loudly.
“I’m really proud of this guy.” He overcome a deep phobia and grew to be not only gregarious but also incredibly loving. He purrs and appears to appreciate the human touch.
“There is nothing better than food and activities for socializing kittens.” To establish trust and avoid being fearful, they need to have regular, pleasant encounters with individuals over time.”
Three kittens have come a long way and are now ready for the next step.
Wasabi and Ginger, who managed to become very close, will go to their common house together tomorrow. Their little sister, Perchik, was also chosen, and a loving family is already waiting for her, with whom she will spend the rest of her life.
Jamie explains, “From hissing, spitting, fighting, and hiding to purring, playing, and even climbing on me.”
“I discovered that the most conflicted kittens are really the most terrified, and they completely changed their minds.” “It’s in Wasabi,” says the narrator.
