When three-week-old Mariya was discovered alone in a back alley with no mother in sight, her future was uncertain. But after being rescued by Tails of Freedom foster volunteer Jill, the ginger kitten not only survived—she thrived, thanks to an unexpected bond with a special cat named Gracie.
A Fragile Start
Weighing barely a few ounces, Mariya required round-the-clock care. “Bottle babies are very fragile, and things can go south quickly,” Jill told Love Meow. “But Mariya was strong from the beginning.” With hourly feedings, a snuggle toy mimicking a heartbeat, and Jill’s dedication, the kitten soon graduated to solid food and a larger playpen.
Then came the life-changing introduction.
Love at First Sight
Gracie, Jill’s resident calico cat with cerebellar hypoplasia (a condition causing wobbly movement), took an instant liking to the tiny newcomer. “Mariya was immediately drawn to her,” Jill said. The pair began mirroring each other—stretching their legs in sync, cuddling for naps, and even sharing Gracie’s mobility cart, with Mariya hitching rides on her back.
A Perfect Match
Mariya’s playful antics—puffing her tail, wrestling her own feet, and swatting at Gracie’s swaying tail—brought new energy to Gracie’s life. “She’s rekindled Gracie’s joy,” Jill explained. The older cat, who previously relied on her late brother Oliver for companionship, now grooms Mariya and curls up with her nightly.
The bond deepened so naturally that Jill made it official: Mariya would stay forever. “Oliver sent the perfect little girl to love,” Jill said. “She’s home.”
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