A kitten found courage after moving indoors and decided to take on the world with his endearing personality.
Butterball the kittenJennifer @newkittensontheblock
Late last year, an orange tabby found himself at a shelter in Indianapolis, Indiana, needing a foster home. He was shy, hissy and uncertain about his surroundings.
IndyHumane was informed about the kitten and took him into their rescue with open arms. Jennifer, a foster volunteer, stepped up to help and provided the little guy, named Butterball, with a warm abode and plenty of soft things to snuggle.
The kitten who was covered in flea dirt, received a much-needed bath. “He was so clean and fluffy afterwards, and I’m sure he felt much better,” Jennifer shared.
He was a bit shy and hissy at firstJennifer @newkittensontheblock
After spending some time under a blanket, he emerged from hiding as he realized being petted made his heart smile. Before Jennifer knew it, Butterball wriggled his way into her arms. He came out of his shell and fully embraced the indoor life.
Jennifer discovered Butterball’s propensity for chatting and that he wouldn’t take no for an answer. The persistent boy didn’t hesitate to “yell” at his foster mom for her immediate attention as she walked into the room. He screamed at the top of his lungs until he was picked up and babied.
He quickly came out of his shellJennifer @newkittensontheblock
Despite being so small, Butterball was loud and extremely persuasive. Once he settled comfortably on Jennifer’s lap, he turned into a purr machine and continued intermittent conversations with his people. “He is a super happy, playful, and opinionated little guy.”
While Butterball tried to hone his feline skills, Jennifer worked on improving his appetite. When he was big enough to move into his upgraded suite, the tabby wasted no time to explore his new digs and ended up scampering around with pure exhilaration.
Jennifer @newkittensontheblock
Over the next couple of weeks, he befriended other foster kittens and immediately took the role as the alpha of the clowder. He egged on his feline friends to wrestle and play during his waking hours, and cuddled up to his foster mom when it was time to recharge.
“He liked to make biscuits and nurse on my shirt (at nap time),” Jennifer shared.
Jennifer @newkittensontheblock
Butterball learned to be brave and how to interact with other kitties through his foster journey. When he was ready to embark on a new chapter, it didn’t take long for the perfect family to come his way.
Watch the tabby boy and his journey in this cute video:
Butterball the kittenwww.youtube.com
A wonderful couple (Mom and Dad) fell head over heels for the little orange tabby.
They watched him on Instagram as his endearing personality developed, and knew he would be a great addition to their family with three cats.
Jennifer @newkittensontheblock
Mom was convinced that someone would snatch him up before they would have a chance to meet him.
Unbeknownst to her, Dad had taken the afternoon off, and “snuck” a carrier out of the house as he left for work. He arrived just minutes after IndyHumane opened, where Butterball was awaiting his arrival.
Jennifer @newkittensontheblock
Butterball moved into his forever home, and quickly made his way onto the couple’s laps. He met the rest of the feline crew and was excited to be a part of it.
Jennifer @newkittensontheblock
Over the next several months, Butterball blossomed into a handsome young cat with a larger-than-life personality.
He’s discovered that snuggling with Dad is one of his favorite pastimes. Whenever Dad gets home, Butterball comes running to give him the warmest welcome.
Butterball all grown up@butterball_n_family
Butterball still enjoys making biscuits and comfort-nursing on his human’s shirt while being cuddled. Some things never change.
@butterball_n_family
Share this story with your friends. Follow Butterball on Instagram @butterball_n_family. Follow Jennifer’s fosters on Instagram @newkittensontheblock.
Related story: Orange Kitten Found in a Box Helps Other Cats Like Him and Finds Best Friend Along the Way