Earlier this summer, a frail, underweight kitten with an infected eye was discovered hiding beneath a deck. Fortunately, the homeowner—a former volunteer with Sparkle Cat Rescue—knew just who to call.
Stephanie Grantham, founder of the North Carolina-based rescue, took the kitten in, treating her eye infection and helping her regain strength. Dubbed Fireball, the spirited ginger quickly found her purr and an insatiable appetite.
“She was playful, curious, and on the road to a quick recovery,” Grantham said. “A happy baby ready to conquer the world.”
A Perfect Match
When foster volunteer Lisa met Fireball, she was smitten. Lisa had long hoped for a ginger cat to join her family but needed to ensure her laid-back tabby, Moonpie, would accept a tiny newcomer.
“Her personality is a perfect match for him. She is fearless,” Lisa shared on Facebook.
True to her name, Fireball fearlessly claimed every corner of her foster home, playing tirelessly before crashing into brief naps. Moonpie, a calm 11-pound cat, was initially wary of the two-pound whirlwind—but Fireball was undeterred.
From Hesitation to Heartwarming Bond
Fireball shadowed Moonpie, wrestling and coaxing him into play despite their size difference. Within days, her persistence paid off: Moonpie began grooming her and even shared his favorite pastime—birdwatching by the window.
“She has stolen their hearts,” Grantham said. “Moonpie enjoys playing, chasing her, and having a best friend.”
A Forever Home—and a New Routine
Now thriving, Fireball has doubled in size and turned her foster home into a permanent one. The pair spend their days chasing toys, napping together, and even skipping trips to Lisa’s stained-glass studio in favor of at-home antics.
“Sometimes, he’d rather stay home with her,” Lisa said. “It’s a happy tail indeed.”
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