Mama Miel And Her Kittens Seek Homes: Huntington Adoptable Pet Of The Week

HUNTINGTON, NY — Mama Miel and her four kittens, Henri, Sylvia, Maurice and Flossie, are this week’s Huntington adoptable pets of the week.

Grateful Paw Cat Shelter said their story is one with a happy ending “because someone chose to care.”

Miel was just 14 months old — still barely more than a kitten herself — when she appeared at a Brentwood cat colony, heavily pregnant and trying to survive outdoors, according to the shelter.

“She should have been discovering the joys of life — playing, exploring, and being cared for,” the shelter said. “Instead, she was facing the harsh reality of life outdoors, trying to survive while carrying five precious babies who depended on her.”

A compassionate feeder immediately realized Miel was vulnerable and could not be left outside to give birth and raise her kittens, the shelter said. The feeder brought Miel to safety so she could deliver her babies in a protected place.

When the kittens were 2 weeks old, Grateful Paw received a call from the Good Samaritan who had rescued Miel. The woman was overwhelmed, having already opened her home to many cats, and could no longer provide the care the growing family needed.

Grateful Paw stepped in, making sure Miel and her babies received veterinary care and support.

“From that moment on, their lives began to transform,” the shelter said.

Miel and her kittens moved into a foster home, where the young mother could finally relax, nurture her babies and experience the safety and affection she deserved, according to Grateful Paw.

The foster family was caring for cats for the first time, but embraced the experience fully, the shelter said. They showered Miel and the kittens with love and were heartbroken when it was time to say goodbye.

“Mama Miel is truly something special,” the shelter said.

Miel loves being petted, having her face rubbed and being brushed. She is gentle, affectionate and chatty, and she enjoys playing with toys alongside her kittens, often letting “her own inner kitten shine through,” the shelter said.

Miel is also polydactyl, with 22 toes.

“And if you happen to have a bag of delectable treats, you’ll have a best friend for life,” the shelter said.

Miel gets along well with other cats and has peacefully coexisted with dogs, according to Grateful Paw. Most importantly, volunteers say, she is finally safe after surviving outdoors.

“We hope she never has to wonder where her next meal will come from or where she’ll sleep ever again,” the shelter said.

One of Miel’s kittens has already found a forever home, but four siblings are still waiting.

Henri, a tabby kitten with white socks and a white stripe on his nose, is described as an all-around wonderful kitten.

Henri was the first of the litter to start eating regular food and quickly proved to be affectionate, the shelter said. He loves being petted, “absolutely melts for belly rubs,” and is often found lounging on his back.

When he is not relaxing, Henri is usually zooming around or checking in on his sister Sylvia.

Sylvia, a light tabby, inherited Miel’s extra toes and much of her personality.

She was the first kitten to discover toys and especially loves chasing a laser pointer. She became so focused on playing that she nearly missed dinner several times and had to be gently carried to her food dish, the shelter said.

While Sylvia is a bit more independent and enjoys exploring, she is also affectionate. She often curled up on her foster mom’s chest and drifted off to sleep.

Maurice, the dark tabby of the family, was the first kitten to truly enjoy being petted, according to Grateful Paw.

He is the most vocal of the litter and “a total ham,” the shelter said.

“We swear he knows exactly what a camera is because he’ll happily walk right up and strike a pose for pictures,” the shelter said.

Maurice is a lap cat who loves belly rubs and sleeping on his back. He is also the biggest foodie of the group — always the first at the dinner plate and the last to leave.

Flossie, a tortie kitten, is full of personality.

She was the first to purr and has always been the most outgoing and adventurous of the litter, the shelter said. She figured out how to escape the kitten enclosure long before her siblings tried.

Flossie loves paper bags, toys and attention. While she is not much of a belly-rub kitten, she loves head, chin and back scratches.

“Her adorable little face always looks slightly worried — but don’t let that fool you,” the shelter said. “She’s a confident, playful, and happy girl.”

Mama Miel and the four kittens are now at Grateful Paw Cat Shelter waiting to meet their forever families.

All have tested negative for FeLV, FIV and parasites. They have had their hearts, ears and eyes checked, are litter box trained, up to date on vaccinations, spayed or neutered and microchipped.

Because the kittens are only 3 months old and closely bonded after growing up together with their mother, the shelter would love to see them adopted in pairs. A single kitten adoption may be considered if there is already a young, friendly cat in the home.

“Miel’s babies have never known the hardships their mama endured, and we’d love to keep it that way,” the shelter said.

Those interested in meeting Mama Miel or any of her kittens can call Grateful Paw Cat Shelter at 631-757-4517, email cats@laphuntington.org, follow their progress on the shelter’s Facebook page, or stop by the shelter.

The shelter is open Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., with Thursday evening visits available from 7 to 9 p.m. by appointment.

“This is an incredibly warm, loving, playful family that will fill your home with laughter, affection, and endless entertainment,” the shelter said. “The best way to appreciate their unique personalities is to come meet them for yourself.”