This Scrawny, Maltreated Kitten Found Love and a Forever Home

You’ve heard the story of the ugly duckling that turned into the swan.

But how about the one about the scrawny kitten that turned into a calico?

This little Australian kitten, originally called Lulu, got a second shot at life thanks to a caring foster family.

Image credit: Best Friends Felines

The foster mom, Kiki, told Bored Panda that Lulu had been surrendered by her owner to be euthanized, but rather than putting the malnourished kitten to sleep, the veterinarian called Best Friends Felines, on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

“Lulu was riddled with fleas, loaded with hookworm, totally emaciated, and mostly bald as the babies were so hungry they ate each other’s fur to try and get some nutrition and sustenance into them.”

It’s a heartbreaking story, but thank goodness for Lulu that she was taken to the right vet who knew just what to do for her.

Image credit: Best Friends Felines

Lulu was the only survivor of her litter.

Image credit: Best Friends Felines

Yes, she was a fighter.

“She was tiny but mighty with such a will to fight to live.”

As she recovered at Kiki’s, she immediately stole the foster mom’s heart–and demanded lots of attention, not just because she was sickly and needed lots of TLC.

Image credit: Best Friends Felines

And what a personality!

“She has the biggest personality, boldly confident and super outgoing. She was never ashamed to yell for your attention and demand cuddles! She adored everyone she met, from humans to other cats and dogs.”

As bad off as she was, little Lulu could have been in even worse shape.

On a proper diet, and with the fleas and worms under control, she grew quickly filling out to the proper size that a kitten ought to be.

Once out of “intensive care” at Kiki’s, Lulu moved in with another foster who had a single kitten in similar condition, called Peach.

Image credit: Best Friends Felines

Lulu and Peach immediately became BFFs, each recognizing a kindred spirit when she saw one.

After so much good care and attention, Lulu was healthy enough for adoption, and she went to her forever home with Reece, who renamed her Ciri.

Image credit: Best Friends Felines

Now Ciri is all grown up, a gorgeous calico cat who you would never guess had such a scary start to life.

Isn’t it wonderful, what modern veterinary medicine and a lot of love can do?

Image credit: Best Friends Felines

What do you think of Ciri’s story? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Thanks cat fam!

The post This Scrawny, Maltreated Kitten Found Love and a Forever Home appeared first on UberFacts.

A Genetically Rare Chimera Kitten Was Rescued in Tennessee

I had a cat who seemed like he had two different personalities when I was growing up.

Sometimes he was sweet and cuddly, and other times he had the devil in him.

But last March a kitten was found in Nashville, Tennessee that really was essentially two different cats fused into one.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @kittenitwithkiki

Her name is Apricot, and though she hasn’t had a DNA test to prove it, her rescuers believe her to be what’s called a “chimera.”

Although “chimera” sounds more like a mythological monster than a sweet, cuddly, kitten, according to My Modern Met, Apricot is half tortoiseshell and half ginger tabby, while her brother is just an ordinary tortoiseshell.

She looks like two cats merged into one, and in fact, that’s exactly what she is. Apricot is a rare chimera cat, which means she was born with two sets of DNA. She’s the result of two embryos fusing together inside her mother’s womb. In other words, Apricot is technically two fraternal twins combined into one individual cat.

How amazing is that?

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @kittenitwithkiki

Apricot was rescued along with her brother, Pretzel, from inside the wall of a newly constructed home.

When the mama cat didn’t return for them, the family contacted the Nashville Cat Rescue, who quickly placed them with Kiki, a cat foster mom who also happened to have two nursing females perfect for Apricot and Pretzel.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @kittenitwithkiki

Kiki fosters lots of cats, but she had never seen one quite like Apricot.

Even so, the kittens were made to feel right at home.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @kittenitwithkiki


The goal of Kiki and her partners at Nashville Cat Rescue is to stop the cycle of feral cats having litter after litter that need more and more homes to take care of them.

She cares for the cats (and some dogs, too!) until homes can be found, ensuring that the adult cats are spayed before they leave foster care.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @kittenitwithkiki


The end goal for Kiki is to find good homes to adopt the kitties, and that’s exactly what she did for Apricot and Pretzel.

They stayed with Kiki and their furry foster family for a little over two months before being adopted out to their forever home at the end of May.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @kittenitwithkiki

And if you’re heart broken that you didn’t get to be the one to adopt them–you can still buy a mug of the unique kitty, with proceeds going to support the continued care of all her feline friends.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @kittenitwithkiki

Have you ever seen anything cuter? Tell us in the comments!

The post A Genetically Rare Chimera Kitten Was Rescued in Tennessee appeared first on UberFacts.

Cat Parents Show the Many Personalities of the Feline

My family had two cats when I was growing up, and while I don’t love cleaning the litter box, I love the way they purr. Life isn’t really suitable for a cat at the moment, but lately, I find myself wishing I had one. They’re so soft, standoffish, and adorable.

Our neighbor’s cat comes to visit us sometimes. He used to do his business in a planter in our garden. When we had to get rid of the planter (aka his toilet), he waited on the front porch for us to come home from work, just so he could give us the evil eye. I want to adopt him.

Cats are incredible.

And here are 12 posts to remind you exactly why people become cat people.

1. Perfect impression of a Halloween cat

My cat did that once, but he was standing on my mother’s head at the time.

It is Earthquake’s birthday today! from aww

2. Halloween cat lying down

The many poses of Halloween cat.

That’s s how he welcomes me every day when I get back from work from aww

3. Here for the snuggles

Reservations required.

I grew up with pets, my boyfriend did not. I wanted a kitten, my boyfriend did not. We compromised and got a kitten. This is them her first night home. from aww

4. Good kitty knows she did good

All the skritches. STAT.

My Cat is a very proud mom. from aww

5. Are Tim and Molly making the same face rn?

Also, poor Tim. Next year put his face on the cat’s cake.

My husband and cat share a birthday week from aww

6. Always look out for your small friends

One day they might be bigger than you.

This cat from my neighborhood always protects his little dog friend and I thought this picture can brighten up someone’s day:) from aww

7. Who doesn’t love a dose of kitty toes?

Literally who? I’ll fight them.

Beans beans they’re good for your ❤ from catpictures

8. Perfect kitty is perfect

I want to take it home with me.

When a cat is more photogenic than all of us… from aww

9. I didn’t even know cats could get that old

Look at his perfect little glass of rosé!

Our boy is getting older, today he’s 23 from aww

10. Now that is a perch fit for the king of the jungle

Look how regally he sits atop his throne!

King of the garden from catpictures

11. When it’s time for cuddles

Cause sometimes you just need a hug.
(LOOK at his little outfit!)

Cat hugs her human in middle of her work. from aww

12. Cat celebrities!

That’s what I’m talking about.
They know who’s in charge.

Hiski and Sämpy. They are cat celebrities of sorts in Finland from aww

I love them all so much. Cats have such personality and attitude. Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

The post Cat Parents Show the Many Personalities of the Feline appeared first on UberFacts.

A Group of Kittens Is Called a ‘Kindle’ and Other Curious Facts About Cats

Few animals have captivated our curiosity and adoration so much as cats.

Our feeds are flooded with videos of their hilarious antics and adorable faces. We’ll happily buy them the best toys, treats and food that money can offer. But how much do you really know about cats?

Perhaps you’ll learn something new after reading these 13 curious facts about cats. 

1. Cats spend between 30 to 50% of their day grooming themselves:

Image Credit: Pexels

Cats clean themselves frequently for many reasons.

It helps to protect them from predators, by removing odor-causing agents.

Grooming also distributes natural oils in a way that prevents dampness and seals in heat.

Similarly, cats rely on saliva evaporating from their fur to regulate their body temperature.

2. Purring doesn’t always mean a cat is happy:

Image Credit: Pexels

Purring can be a self-soothing technique for cats who are injured, stressed, or giving birth.

It can also be a tactic to solicit food or attention!

3. It’s possible that purring helps bone density:

Image Credit: Unsplash

Some people theorize cats also purr to heal themselves.

Studies show that sounds frequencies between 25 and 150 Hertz, which is within the range that cats purr, can improve bone density and promote healing.

4. A cat’s nose has catnip receptors:

Image Credit: Unsplash

When cats encounter catnip, chemical compounds enters the cat’s nasal cavity and attach themselves to certain receptors.

One of these compounds, nepetalactone, is responsible for the strange and silly behavior some cats demonstrate after sniffing catnip.

It triggers a response in the amygdala, which is responsible for emotional responses to stimuli, and the hypothalamus, which is responsible for behavioral responses to stimuli.

5. But not all cats respond to catnip:

Image Credit: Unsplash

Whether a cat responds to catnip or not is based on its genetics.

The catnip gene is autosomal dominant, which means at least one parent must pass on the gene for offspring to inherit the response.

20-30% of cats will experience no response at all to catnip.

6. Cats make great private detectives:

Image Credit: Unsplash

In the 1960s, a pair of Siamese cats helped ambassador Henri Helb find 30 tiny microphones hidden behind the walls of his residence in the Dutch Embassy, in Moscow.

Ambassador Helb noticed as his two pet Siamese cats went from sleeping peacefully in the study to arching their backs and clawing at the walls.

He suspected they must be hearing something imperceptible to the human ear, and he was right.

7. The wealthiest cat is named Blackie:

Image Credit: Unsplash

When millionaire antique dealer and recluse Ben Rea died in May 1988, he left his £7-million ($12.5-million) fortune to his cat Blackie.

Blackie was the last surviving of Rea’s 15 cats.

If you think that sounds ludicrous, rest assured the majority of Rae’s wealth was split between three cat charities, with instructions to look after Blackie.

8. A group of kittens is a kindle:

Image Credit: Unsplash

You might be accustom to referring to a group of kittens as a litter, and that is correct, but a litter of kittens all born of the same mother can also be called a kindle.

Makes e-readers sound a lot more cuddly, doesn’t it?

9. Many historical women of note loved cats:

Image Credit: Unsplash

Cats were trending well before the Internet came along, and cat ladies are no new phenomenon.

Notable historical women such as Florence Nightingale, Louisa May Alcott, and the Brontë sisters all owned and adored cats.

10. Abraham Lincoln liked cats too:

Image Credit: Unsplash

Abraham Lincoln, our 16th president, loved cats. When asked if her husband had any hobbies, Mary Todd Lincoln responded, “Cats!”

Reportedly, near the tail of the civil war, Lincoln discovered and rescued three orphaned kittens in a telegraph hut.

He saw to it they all found a home, where they would be loved and well fed.

11. But not all historical figures loved cats:

Image Credit: Unsplash

Napoleon was deathly afraid of cats, Ivan the Terrible killed cats for pleasure, and Hitler was ailurophobe, meaning, he hated cats.

That’s ok. I’m sure they didn’t like him very much either.

12. If you love cats you are an ailurophile:

Image Credit: Unsplash

Are you simply a cat lover, or are you an ailurophile?

This fancy word for someone who loves cats comes from the Greek word for cat, ailouros, and the suffix –phile, meaning “lover.”

13. Disneyland has a lot of feral cats, with an important job:

Image Credit: Unsplash

Around 200 feral cats roam the Disneyland property, doing the important work of controlling the park’s rodent population. (Sorry Micky and Minnie, but real mice are not welcome!)

These cats are spayed, neutered, given medical care when needed, and fed by the Disney corporation.

You might not see them, because they roam the park at night when all the guests are gone and the park goes dark.

There is so much to learn about cats, and if you are a true ailurophile, we know you’ll be curious for more.

What’s your favorite cat fact from above?

Let us know in the comments!

The post A Group of Kittens Is Called a ‘Kindle’ and Other Curious Facts About Cats appeared first on UberFacts.

This Artist Creates Adorable Felt Cats With Big Personalities

We can’t get enough cats, and this Russian artist gives us one more reason to rejoice!

Elizabeth Delektorskaya’s felt kitty creations are the stuff of “aww!” They look like they could come to life at any moment, not as real cats, necessarily, but as their big-eyed, animated counterparts (think Puss and Boots from Shrek.)

The kitties come complete with precious whiskers, little pointed ears, and sparkling eyes that reveal their mischievous and loveable personalities. Delektorskaya has added accessories, including matching scarves and collars, giving each cat a distinct character.

View this post on Instagram

КОТИК ДОМ НАШЁЛ / SOLD☀🌴 ENG⏬ Посвящается всем, кто хотел этим летом на море 😁 Кот выполнен в технике сухое валяние. Высота 9 см, лапы и хвост на проволочной основе, глаза стеклянные. В комплект с котом входит: стакан с соком, шезлонг, пальма (высота пальмы 12 см, ствол на проволочной основе). * * SOLD. The cat is made using the technique of dry felting. The height of the cat is 9 cm, the legs and tail are on a wire basis, the eyes are glass. The kit includes: a cat, a glass of juice, a deck chair, a palm tree (12 cm high, a barrel on a wire base). * * #feltingtoys #cutetoys #kitty #handmade #catlove #cat #miniature #wool #wooltoy #cattoy #felting #валяние #сухоеваляние #рукоделие #игрушкручнойработы #котигрушка #feltingwool #needlework #фелтинг #woolsculpture #войлочныеинрушки #шерсть #коллекционнаяигрушка #авторскаяигрушка #животные #animal #ручнаяработа #кот

A post shared by Игрушки из шерсти. Валяние (@lizasiama) on

Some look like they are ready to play with a massive ball of yarn, while others give the distinct impression they just want to cuddle. Whatever their choice, it’s fine by us.

Delektorskaya, who hails from Severodvinsk, Russia, creates these adorable kittens from 100% natural sheep’s wool and a unique dry felting technique. Depending upon their complexity, and how much of the kitten she’s making (just the face or the whole body), she spends anywhere from 3 hours to 7 days on one piece.

View this post on Instagram

КОТИК ДОМ НАШЁЛ/SOLD Котик выполнен в технике сухое валяние. Высота 17 см, голова и верхние лапки подвижные поворачиваются, глазки стеклянные. * * * SOLD ❤ The cat is made using the technique of dry felting. Height 17 cm, head and upper legs moveable, eyes are glass. 100% handmade. * * * * #feltingtoys #cutetoys #kitty #handmade #catlove #cat #miniature #wool #wooltoy #cattoy #felting #валяние #сухоеваляние #рукоделие #игрушкручнойработы #котигрушка #feltingwool #needlework #фелтинг #woolsculpture #войлочныеинрушки #шерсть #коллекционнаяигрушка #авторскаяигрушка #животные #animal #ручнаяработа #кот

A post shared by Игрушки из шерсти. Валяние (@lizasiama) on

Delektorskaya shows off all her many cat creations on Instagram. There’s no word as to whether you can commission any, but if you have a friend that reads and writes Russian, perhaps they can help you find out.

View this post on Instagram

Брошь "Спящий котёнок" В наличии нет/ Sold * Брошечка выполнена в технике сухое валяние из натуральной овечьей шерсти. Размер 8*8 см, в самом широком месте, где ушки ширина 10 см. * * Sold. This brooch is created using the technique of dry felting from sheep’s wool. 100% handmade. Size: 8 * 8cm. In the widest part, where the ears are 10 cm wide. * * #feltedcat #felting #felt #needlefelting #wool #feltedbrooch #artwool #artdoll #handmadetoy #handmade #catfelting #catlove #broochcat #брошькот #валяние #сухоеваляние #интерьернаяигрушка #брошь #брошьваляная #ручнаяработа #рукоделие #творчество

A post shared by Игрушки из шерсти. Валяние (@lizasiama) on

She wants people to know that, although her felt four-legged friends are cuddly, they are indeed fragile; they are pieces of art and should be handled with extreme care.

While of these cute kitties are your favorites? Let us know in the comments below!

The post This Artist Creates Adorable Felt Cats With Big Personalities appeared first on UberFacts.

The 2020 Social Justice Kittens Calendar Is Pretty Great

This is what you really need to get 2020 started off on the right foot! These kittens are fighting for social justice, and they’re here to remind you every month next year that they’re not going to stand for society’s BS any longer.

Let’s see what these social justice warrior kittens have to say in this calendar from
Sean Tejaratchi.

1. Those pesky “facts.”

Photo Credit: Amazon

2. Forego free speech…

Photo Credit: Amazon

3. Beware.

Photo Credit: Amazon

4. Forget about your opinion.

Photo Credit: Amazon

5. Time to listen.

Photo Credit: Amazon

6. Always does.

Photo Credit: Amazon

7. Doesn’t feel safe.

Photo Credit: Amazon

8. Are you part of the problem?

Photo Credit: Amazon

9. Love rage.

Photo Credit: Amazon

10. So-called allies.

Photo Credit: Amazon

What do you think? Feel like 2020?

The post The 2020 Social Justice Kittens Calendar Is Pretty Great appeared first on UberFacts.