Three kittens were taken to the Orange County Animal Shelter late last month. The trio 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 past 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.”
All kittens were named after spicy foods: Wasabi (seal point), Ginger (tortoiseshell) and Pepper (black and white). They were about six weeks old. From the very beginning, they kept a close-knit group and found support in each other.
The only boy, Wasabi, with his tiny stature, was the most cocky. Wasabi was the sharpest of all. He seemed to take it upon himself to protect the group. In addition, he is the king of peripheral vision, ”says Jamie.
Wasabi and his sisters were given regular cuddles and plenty of sweets as socializing began. “I wrapped Wasabi in a roll, cleaned his eyes, placed drops in his eyes, and rewarded him with baby food and chicken.”
Wasabi made incredible development in a couple of days, and he no longer tries to bite the hand that feeds him. “He went asleep almost instantly when I swaddled him in a baby blanket, despite the fact that he was still the spiciest of the spicy trio.”
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 extremely 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 made significant progress and are now ready to take the next step.
Wasabi and Ginger, who have become fast friends, will head to their shared residence tomorrow. Perchik, their younger sister, was also selected, and she has already been adopted by a loving family with whom she will spend the rest of her life.
“From hissing, spitting, fighting and hiding to purring, playing and even climbing on me,” shares Jamie.
“I discovered that the most conflicted kittens are actually the most terrified, and they completely changed their minds.” “It’s in Wasabi,” says the narrator.
