HUNTINGTON, NY — Sunnie and Cher had only each other.
The black-and-white sisters were about 8 weeks old when a Good Samaritan heard crying and meowing coming from an abandoned building one evening, according to Grateful Paw Cat Shelter.
It took time to find them because the kittens were so well hidden.
Their mother was nowhere to be found. Neither were any other siblings.
"These babies had only each other," the shelter said.
Now safe in foster care, Sunnie and Cher are this week's Huntington adoptable pets of the week — and Grateful Paw hopes they can eventually find a home together.
When the kittens were rescued, volunteers described them as scrawny, likely because they had gone without enough food.
Without a mother to guide them, the sisters had apparently been left to fend for themselves.
Their first reaction to humans reflected that uncertainty.
"Lots of hissing and spitting," the shelter said.
But with regular meals, patience and a safe foster home, the sisters have begun settling in and showing their personalities.
Sunnie and Cher have adjusted well to the resident cats after a slow introduction, according to Grateful Paw.
The family dog has been a harder sell.
"He thinks these little girls are his babies and wants to be near them," the shelter said.
The kittens apparently disagree.
Whenever the dog approaches, Sunnie and Cher puff themselves up and hiss.
"He just looks at them as if to say, 'What is your problem? I'm only trying to love you!'" the shelter said.
When they are not keeping an eye on the dog, the sisters have discovered a favorite toy: a small spring.
They bat it around the room, chase it and show off what the shelter calls their surprising athletic ability.
Other toys remain a work in progress.
Wrestling, however, requires no instruction.
The two sisters regularly tumble and grapple with each other.
"Maybe they had to defend themselves when they were alone in that building, or maybe they're just a couple of tomboys who enjoy a good sumo-wrestling match," the shelter said.
They have also mastered the sideways "crab walk" kittens sometimes do when excited or playful.
"Watching these two bounce around sideways is enough to make anyone smile, even on a bad day," Grateful Paw said.
Sunnie and Cher now have strong appetites, but mealtime can still bring out some of the habits they may have developed while trying to survive.
Their foster mother feeds them separately.
Otherwise, both kittens race toward the food and attempt to take charge, sometimes accompanied by growling and vocal protests.
Volunteers suspect the competition may stem from a time when neither kitten knew when another meal would arrive.
"They're learning that they no longer have to worry about that," the shelter said. "But old habits can take time to change."
Grateful Paw expects their eventual introduction to the kitten room's community food plate could be entertaining.
For all their roughhousing, Sunnie and Cher are equally devoted to sleeping together.
The sisters particularly enjoy curling up beside one another inside baskets.
The high sides may help them feel secure after their uncertain beginning, according to the shelter.
"Their bond is truly special," Grateful Paw said. "From the moment they were found, they have had each other to lean on."
The shelter would like that bond to continue in their permanent home.
Both kittens have tested negative for FeLV, FIV and parasites. Their eyes, ears and hearts have been checked, and they have received some of their vaccinations.
They will be spayed and microchipped before adoption.
Grateful Paw hopes they will be ready around Thanksgiving.
Their names were inspired by Sonny and Cher.
The kittens' foster mother has long loved the duo's song "I Got You Babe," and the theme seemed fitting for two kittens who had relied on one another from the beginning.
The foster family originally believed there was one male and one female kitten.
Both turned out to be girls.
The musical theme remained, with a slight change in spelling: Sunnie and Cher.
"They have always had each other, and we want their story to continue that way," the shelter said.
Grateful Paw hopes a family will welcome both sisters and allow them to continue growing up together.
Those interested in Sunnie and Cher can call Grateful Paw Cat Shelter at 631-757-4517, email cats@laphuntington.org or follow their progress through the shelter's Facebook page.
The shelter is at 3 Verleye Ave. in East Northport and is open Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Thursday evening visits are available from 7 to 9 p.m. by appointment.
The kittens began life hungry and frightened inside an abandoned building.
Through it all, volunteers said, they had one constant, each other.
"Two little girls — one special bond —one forever home to share," Grateful Paw said.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Huntington Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.