Tiger And Mittens, Bonded Tabby Twins, Seek Home: Huntington Adoptable Pet Of The Week

HUNTINGTON, NY — Tiger and Mittens, a bonded brother-and-sister pair of tabby kittens found in Babylon, are this week’s Huntington adoptable pets of the week.

“Sometimes, the smallest lives have the biggest stories,” Grateful Paw Cat Shelter said.

Tiger and Mittens were about 3 months old when they came into the shelter’s care in August. The kittens were found wandering inside and outside a home and yard in Babylon, where several other cats were also living, according to Grateful Paw.

“They had been growing up in an uncertain environment, never knowing what each day would bring,” the shelter said.

That changed when the kittens were given the chance to leave outdoor life behind and experience safety, comfort and care, volunteers said.

“And once they felt safe, these two little kittens began to blossom,” the shelter said.

Tiger and Mittens are dark-colored tabbies with white markings on the bridge of their noses, chests and feet. They look almost like twins, but each has a personality of their own, according to Grateful Paw.

Like many tabbies, the kittens are curious, friendly, inquisitive and interested in the world around them, the shelter said. They enjoy exploring, interacting with people and finding new ways to play.

Tiger, the darker of the two siblings, is full of energy.

“He is active, playful, and always ready for his next adventure,” the shelter said.

Tiger enjoys toys of all kinds, but balls are his favorite. He loves running, chasing, exploring, climbing and playing, according to Grateful Paw. Once his kitten energy is finally spent, he looks for a cozy place to curl up and sleep.

Mittens, meanwhile, has her own way of asking for attention.

“She simply turns on her purr motor,” the shelter said. “The only problem? There is no volume control.”

Grateful Paw said Mittens’ purr is “always set to high volume,” and once she gets into someone’s arms, she is happy to snuggle. Being held and loved are among her favorite things.

When it comes to toys, Mittens especially enjoys the tunnel and the ball in the track. She is playful, curious and always ready for fun, volunteers said.

Together, Tiger and Mittens spend their days doing what kittens are meant to do. They climb, scratch their condo, stretch, chase toys, explore and wear themselves out, the shelter said.

Then, they climb to the top of their condo, curl up together and drift off into a kitten nap.

Grateful Paw said the pair also has hearty appetites to fuel all that playtime.

When Tiger and Mittens first arrived, they were understandably shy while waiting to be checked, the shelter said. They had been through a major change and needed time to understand they were safe.

But after only two days in their foster home, volunteers said, the kittens relaxed, began to trust and started showing their true personalities.

Today, Tiger and Mittens are thriving in foster care, surrounded by attention from their foster family.

“They are learning that people can be kind, that meals arrive regularly, that cozy beds are wonderful, and that there is nothing better than being loved,” the shelter said.

Grateful Paw said one thing is clear: the kittens do not miss the danger and uncertainty of outdoor life.

“They have discovered how wonderful indoor life can be, and now they are ready for the next chapter of their story,” the shelter said.

Tiger and Mittens have both tested negative for FeLV, FIV and parasites. They are up to date on vaccines and have had their eyes, ears and hearts checked. They are scheduled to be spayed and neutered and microchipped this week, and are expected to arrive at the shelter sometime after Sept. 10.

The shelter said the most important thing to know about Tiger and Mittens is that they are very bonded.

“They have been together through everything — their uncertain beginnings, their journey to safety, their adjustment to foster care, and all the wonderful discoveries they have made along the way,” Grateful Paw said.

They play together, explore together and nap together, and the shelter hopes they can be adopted together.

“Tiger and Mittens have already had to leave one life behind,” the shelter said. “We don’t want them to have to leave each other behind, too.”

Volunteers hope someone will imagine bringing the two tabby siblings home and watching their personalities continue to bloom — Tiger racing after his favorite balls, Mittens following with her loud purr, and both kittens climbing, playing, snuggling and curling up together for naps.

“They don’t need a perfect home,” the shelter said. “They just need their home.”

Tiger and Mittens need a safe place to grow up together, with toys, playtime, warm beds and people ready for kitten cuddles, Grateful Paw said.

Most of all, volunteers said, they need someone who will promise them they will never again have to wonder where they belong.

Those interested in meeting Tiger and Mittens can contact Grateful Paw Cat Shelter at 631-757-4517, email cats@laphuntington.org, follow the shelter on Facebook or visit them when they arrive.

Grateful Paw Cat Shelter is located at 3 Verleye Ave. in East Northport. Shelter hours are Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., with Thursday evening visits from 7 to 9 p.m. by appointment.

“Tiger and Mittens started life without knowing what their future would hold,” the shelter said. “Now they know what it feels like to be safe, loved, and cared for. All that’s missing is a forever family.”

The shelter hopes the siblings can spend the rest of their lives together — playing, exploring, purring, snuggling, napping and giving and receiving love.

“Tiger and Mittens found each other,” Grateful Paw said. “They found safety. Now they just need to find you.”