A Tortoise, a Couple, and the Kittens That Captured Their Hearts

Posted in Cat Stories - On: June 30, 2023 - Author:  Jan Travell
Posted in Cat Stories 
Last Updated: February 17, 2025  
Author:  Jan Travell

Six weeks ago, a couple from Las Vegas made a heartwarming discovery in their backyard. They stumbled upon an adorable kitten, seemingly abandoned by its mother.

Unsure of what to do next they called Patricia, a cat rescuer and foster, to help them out.

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But then, a bigger surprise was in store for this kind hearted couple.

Emerging from its winter hibernation, their gentle rescued tortoise brought along another tiny, precious kitten.

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For a while, the homeowners remained oblivious to the fact that a litter of kittens had been born within the burrow.

Their camera footage revealed that the mother cat had last been seen three days prior to the kittens' discovery.

It became evident that the mama cat had sheltered her kittens safely inside, until the day she failed to return.

This was when one kitten managed to find its way out, leaving the homeowners astounded. But their astonishment didn't end there when their pet tortoise proceeded to push out a second kitten!

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Further into the burrow, there was a third kitten, located at the farthest point, beyond the homeowners' reach.

To keep an eye on the kitten's movements, they used a baby monitor, allowing them to swiftly respond when the kitten appeared on the screen.

"Once he moved far enough, we were able to use a pole to reach in and retrieve him," Patricia explained.

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Despite their ongoing surveillance of the burrow, the mother cat, unfortunately, never returned.

So now this adorable trio, affectionately named Marshmallow, Bisquick, and Stormtrooper, found themselves under the caring wing of Patricia, their new life as foster kittens had begun. 

After filling their empty bellies, the kittens showed a significant improvement, even engaging in blissful kneading sessions on their soft blanket.

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With newfound energy, the trio began flexing their legs, rolling around, and playfully wrestling with each other.

"Over the next few days, they adapted effortlessly to their new routine and quickly adjusted to the nourishing formula," Patricia observed.

Their enthusiasm for mealtime was uncontainable, as they eagerly awaited their bottles, making their opinions heard without hesitation.

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These affectionate siblings adored belly rubs and longed for human touch.

Two of them were particularly expressive and relished being doted upon.

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“The kiddos are doing great,” says Patricia. “Two are very vocal and love being babied all the time. Typical mama's boys!” 

Or should that be Tortoise boys? 

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As days turned into weeks, the kittens underwent remarkable growth and development, graduating to a spacious playpen.

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Within this playful haven, they indulged in lively pursuits, zooming around and chasing each other, while honing their pouncing and climbing abilities.

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Whenever Patricia enters the room, a flurry of excitement ensues, with all three kittens rushing toward her, vying for her attention.

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They readily climb onto her shoulder, snuggle up on her lap, or nestle into her arms, reveling in the affection showered upon them.

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"They are incredibly affectionate. People and attention are their absolute favorites. They can't resist a good belly rub," Patricia shared warmly.

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These spirited and curious kittens have transformed into a boisterous trio.

It won't be long before they'll be big enough to be put up for adoption. 

And of course they'll be neutered and vaccinated before they embark on their quest to find forever, loving homes.

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What initially began as a mission to rescue a solitary kitten from a backyard ended up becoming a life-saving intervention for three kittens who had been born in a burrow with a hibernating tortoise by their side.

Check out the video below to see these adorable kittens in action:

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About the author

Jan Travell is a lifelong cat owner and a feline expert. She's been the Cats and Kittens lead editor from the start. She lives in rural France with her two rescue cats, Tigerlily and Mr.Gee. Her senior kitty, Ducati, passed over the rainbow bridge recently at the ripe old age of 22.

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