COMMACK, NY — Penny has developed a habit at Petco Commack.
When someone walks past her habitat, the young cat often approaches the front and reaches a paw outward, seemingly hoping the person will stop.
Nearby is Cinnamon, the sister who has been beside her since the day they were born.
Penny and Cinnamon are the last two kittens from their litter still waiting for homes, and Northport Cat Rescue Association hopes someone will finally choose them — together.
"Sometimes, the smallest gestures can break your heart," the rescue said. "It's almost as if she's asking, 'Excuse me, do you see me? Could you please stop for a moment? My sister and I are still here.'"
The bonded sisters were born March 6 and came into NCRA's care the same day, according to the rescue.
They have spent their entire lives together.
In foster care, Penny and Cinnamon grew up surrounded by people, children, other cats, kittens and dogs.
But regardless of how many companions surrounded them, the sisters continually found their way back to one another.
"They played together, explored together, and when it was time to rest, they could almost always be found curled up together, sleeping peacefully in each other's company," NCRA said.
The rescue describes them as more than sisters.
"They were, and still are, each other's best friends."
One by one, the other kittens in their litter were adopted.
Penny and Cinnamon remained.
"And they are still waiting," NCRA said.
Penny Reaches Out
Penny is described as sweet, curious, affectionate and playful.
At Petco Commack, she is often the sister making the first move when potential adopters walk past.
"When visitors approach the habitat at Petco Commack, Penny often comes right up to the door, reaching out with her little paw as though she's trying to make a connection," the rescue said.
It is a simple gesture, volunteers said, but one that has become increasingly difficult to watch as the pair continues waiting.
"We can't help but wonder what Penny would say if she could speak," NCRA said.
Perhaps, the rescue said, she would wonder why the rest of the litter has gone home while she and Cinnamon remain.
Cinnamon Keeps Waiting Beside Her
Cinnamon continues waiting alongside her sister.
Both are affectionate, playful, cuddly and social, according to NCRA.
They get along well with other cats and were fostered in a home with dogs. Because they also grew up around children, the rescue believes they could join a home with existing pets with appropriate introductions.
What they cannot do, NCRA said, is leave without one another.
"For these sisters, adoption isn't simply about finding a home," the rescue said. "It's about finding one family willing to open their hearts to both of them."
Their bond has been the constant in their lives since birth.
Separating them now would mean taking away that companionship, and NCRA is committed to finding an adopter who will keep them together.
"We understand that adopting two kittens may not be possible for everyone," the rescue said. "But for the right family, adopting Penny and Cinnamon means welcoming two beautiful companions who already love and comfort one another."
Volunteers hope someone visiting Petco Commack will look beyond the fact that they are a pair and see the advantage of adopting two cats who already know, trust and love each other.
"Imagine watching them play together in your living room, curl up beside each other on your couch, and continue the special bond that began the very day they were born," NCRA said.
For now, the sisters remain at Petco Commack.
And Penny keeps reaching.
"Perhaps the next time Penny reaches her little paw toward the habitat door, it will be the person who has come to take both sisters home," the rescue said.
Penny and Cinnamon are spayed, up to date on vaccinations, microchipped and litter-box trained. Both have tested negative for FeLV and FIV.
Those interested in meeting them can complete an adoption application through the Northport Cat Rescue Association website and indicate an interest in Penny and Cinnamon. For more information, call 631-606-2631 or email info@northportcatrescue.org.
After watching the rest of their litter leave for homes, volunteers hope the final two will soon get their turn.
"Two little hearts, one unbreakable bond, and hopefully, one forever home."
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Northport Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.