Opal And Olive, 'Lost And Abandoned': Huntington Pets Of The Week

HUNTINGTON, NY — Opal and Olive, two lost and abandoned kittens from separate areas, are the Grateful Paw Cat Shelter's Huntington Pets of the Week.

They are now littermates until they come into the shelter in mid-December, said Debbi Larkin, president of the shelter.

Opal, approximately 8 weeks old, was found alone in a box by BJ’s outlet. She was only about 3 weeks old and needed to be bottle fed because there was no mother in the area, according to Larkin. One of the shelter's experienced rescuers took care of her.

"It was touch and go for awhile but she pulled through and gained her strength so she could be placed with another abandoned baby after being checked by our vet," Larkin said.

Opal is a stunning tiger cat with amazing markings and big beautiful eyes, according to Larkin.

"There are times when she appears to be a tad cross-eyed but our in-house vet said he sees no issues with her sight," Larkin said. "She is bright and energetic and keeps her foster sibling on her toes with her spirited playfulness. When playtime is over, Opal enjoys a good petting before
falling asleep."

Olive, approximately 6 weeks old and all black, was found in a neighbor's backyard.

"The mother was totally feral and kept moving Olive and her siblings to avoid being caught," Larkin said. "Unfortunately, in all of the commotion, mom was not able to get back to Olive in time and the trapper scooped her up. She was brought to us very tiny and very weak, and even after she was checked by our vet, it was very difficult. She crashed three days after going into a
foster home and had to be rushed to the emergency hospital. She was severely dehydrated and had coccidia and other parasites. Thankfully she has recovered and enjoying life in her foster home."

Olive, a tiny fur baby, has the "biggest" personality, Larkin said.

"She is so sweet and agreeable, even when she is getting all types of medicine to help get rid of the parasites," she said. "She loves playing with Opal and some of the other older fosters and loves exploring every corner of the 'kitten room' that was made exclusively for babies like her. And of course, there are ample breaks for snuggle time. Her super soft raven coat and large inquisitive eyes will melt your heart."

Both Opal and Olive have been checked by the shelter's veterinarian, received some of their vaccines, tested negative for FELV and FIV and are litter box trained. They will both be ready for spaying in mid-December and then they will be joining the rest of the crew in the room.

"Cannot wait to see how they interact with the other crazy kittens," Larkin said.

If you are interested in meeting Opal and Olive, you may call the shelter at 631-757-4517, email cats@laphuntington.org, visit the Facebook page or visit at the Grateful Paw Cat Shelter.

The rescue is at 3 Verleye Ave., East Northport, and visiting hours are Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

The shelter is also open from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday nights only for those who cannot make it during the daytime hours.

"These two kittens have come such a long way since their beginning, let’s give them a home where they can show us humans what it takes to overcome such big obstacles," Larkin said.