Animal rights advocates from Baby Kitten Rescue (BKR), a Los Angeles-based organization that specializes in saving kittens in danger and in serious health, volunteered their assistance. The kittens hissed and spat, were very afraid, and were antisocial. The fact that they had no prior interactions with others or that those interactions were negative was evident, according to BKR volunteer educator Jamie.
I was aware that tiny children who are afraid and want to be protected, taken care of, and loved were hiding underneath all of this seeming rigidity.
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 received lots of snacks and daily cuddles as socializing started. Wasabi was given chicken-flavored baby food as a treat after I wrapped him in a roll, washed his eyes, and applied drops.
Wasabi made significant progress in just a few days; he stopped attempting to bite the hand that feeds him. Even though he was the least mild of the spicy trio, he quickly fell asleep after being wrapped in a baby blanket.
Slowly but surely, the kittens began to grow trust towards people. They began to behave more calmly, the fear in their eyes disappeared.
“After two weeks of socialization, they began to purr in response to my touch. This moment was preceded by a sea of time and patience. I think they felt safe that I held them in my arms and fed them goodies, ”says Jamie.
The kittens had to go from hissing for their life to their current acceptance of hugs and kisses before they could have the bravery to request touch and attention from others.
Wasabi, who was the most cocky of the trio, has changed drastically. “There was a period where I doubted Wasabi would ever stop hissing at me and being afraid of me,” Jamie writes.
Now he happily hangs out with the nanny on his knees, purring loudly.
“I’m proud of this dude. He overcame a great fear and became not only sociable, but also very loving. He purrs and clearly enjoys the human caress.
“For the socialization of kittens, there is nothing better than food and games. They need consistent, positive interactions with people over time to build trust and stop being afraid.”
Three kittens have made great progress and are prepared to go on.
Tomorrow, Wasabi and Ginger, who have become quite close, will travel to their shared home together. Perchik, their sister, was also selected, and a loving family is already waiting for her to spend the rest of her life with them.
“From hissing, spitting, fighting and hiding to purring, playing and even climbing on me,” shares Jamie.
“I discovered that the kittens that are the most conflicted are also the ones who are the most afraid, and they actually did a 180. In Wasabi, I observe it.
