Growing up with siblings and furry friends helps kittens develop important social skills early. That’s why when foster mom Laura G introduced two kittens, Goose (orange and white) and Gator (tabby), who had been solo, the reaction was a kitten-size world war. But don’t worry; kittens are also extraordinarily adaptable and learn how to play nice fast.
Below, you can see how the two kittens from Winnipeg, Manitoba reacted when first introduced. Teeth and murder mittens were flying in the plush banana the past July.
Images, media via Instagram/laura_and_her_cats
“When two kittens who have been living alone and have terrible single kitten behaviors meet for the first time. Disclaimer: This is perfectly normal behavior for kittens meeting for the first time. They are getting to know each other and establishing boundaries. They were cuddling and napping together by the end of the day.”
As you can see, these two cuties had so much to learn, and it’s humorously awkward and a little disturbing. However, if Laura G had never introduced the kittens, they might have grown into adults with no social skills and a hostile attitude to others, like a few people we know.
Goose and Gator
Some backstory on these two: Goose was all alone until someone found him in the city. Once in foster care, his first foster mom and Laura G were his only companion until it was safe to introduce him to Gator.
“He’s a little hissy when you first go in for pets, but quickly melts into a puddle of love,” Laura said.
Goose the kitten
Meanwhile, Gator arrived with her sister Roo, who unfortunately didn’t make it after extensive efforts to save her. It was a heartbreaking loss for the experienced rescuer, especially since she had high hopes for Roo. It’s part of being a foster provider to endure many heartbreaks, and heroic that they continue to save countless kittens and cats.
Both 5-week-olds were in very bad shape with eye ulcers due to feline herpes virus, requiring aggressive treatment and round-the-clock care. They started life in a shed, but their mother ran away and was killed by a car. When the family discovered them in the shed, they tried their best, but all but the two made it. Thankfully, a kind volunteer drove long-distance to rescue them after an already at-capacity rescue agreed to make an exception for them.
After Gator spent time in quarantine, her health improved, and she became a playful kitten. Meeting Goose would give her the companion she needed to thrive without her sister. Her social skills would improve, and she would have a much better chance of finding a forever home where other pets would probably be present.
A new friend joins the kittens
A New Playmate and More Social Skills
But these kittens also have a new friend to play with. In late July, a polydactyl kitten arrived named Newt, and you can see this one has amazing toes.
At around five weeks old, someone put the kitten up for sale in the classifieds with a broken foot.
Like Gator and Roo, Newt desperately needed some socializing and couldn’t seem to “understand the assignment.” But soon, he would have some new playmates to teach him the ropes.
“He did NOT understand the assignment, lol. One more day of iso for Newt, and then he will get some furry friends…. Who will likely have much better luck explaining the joys of the jingle ball than I did, haha,” wrote Laura G.
From the looks of it, Newt is now loving life with his new foster pals. And, you can see that Gator’s eyes are looking much improved.
To help support these adorable furbabies, you can follow Laura G on Instagram.
“You know what’s even cuter than a pic of this little trio?”
