Sacramento, CA — A tiny kitten, found alone in a sweltering backyard during a heatwave, is now living a life of luxury in foster care, thanks to a quick rescue by a Good Samaritan and the Front Street Animal Shelter.
A Desperate Rescue
The kitten, later named Lavender, was discovered lying on her back in 100+ degree Fahrenheit weather after her mother and littermates vanished. Concerned neighbors contacted the Sacramento-based shelter, and an animal control officer swiftly retrieved the helpless feline.
“She was just a few weeks old and needed round-the-clock bottle feedings,” said Haley Waugh, Public Information Coordinator at Front Street Animal Shelter. “At first, she was hissing and spitting—overwhelmed by all the new people and smells.”
From Feral to Friendly
Despite her initial feistiness, Lavender quickly adapted after receiving food, warmth, and care. Her tiny claws and sassy swats couldn’t hide her growing trust in her rescuers.
Waugh, who had recently lost two foster pets, felt an instant connection when a coworker handed her the kitten. “I knew I was taking her home to foster right away,” she told Love Meow.
A Pocket-Sized Companion
The moment Waugh placed Lavender in the front pocket of her overalls, the kitten relaxed, soothed by the rhythm of her foster mom’s heartbeat. “She went from hissing to completely content as a pocket kitten,” Waugh said.
By the next morning, Lavender had fully embraced her new life, eagerly perking up at the sound of Waugh’s voice and scrambling for her bottle. “She wiggles her ears when she eats and has become a champion feeder,” Waugh shared.
Flourishing in Foster Care
In just days, Lavender has grown stronger, fluffier, and more affectionate. She accompanies Waugh to work to maintain her strict feeding schedule and has developed a curious, confident personality.
“She’s so interested in everything around her and always keeps an eye on me,” Waugh said. With her striking grey fur and tufted ears, Lavender is expected to grow into a beautiful, fluffy cat.
For now, she’s enjoying being doted on—purring herself to sleep and demanding constant attention, a far cry from her lonely start under the blazing sun.
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