Heidi, the self-described “cat wrangler,” helped save two adorable ginger kittens, Topsy and Turvy, in Brooklyn, NY. But at first, it was only Topsy by his lonesome. It took a full week to rescue his brother and complete the adorable set. Thanks to their efforts, the two cuties will have a happy life together.
Heidi is one to watch if you want to know how to TNR (trap, neuter, release) stray and feral cats. She makes it look easy, like when she recently caught two cats, Spring and Bud, with separate traps –at once from her car! For this rescue, she deployed a box and drop trap simultaneously.
To catch the “friendly-ish” kitten Topsy, she was able to use a “set over transfer cage.” That means a crate with a removable bottom. That way, when Topsy came to eat from a plate of food, Heidi carefully lowered it over him, then slid the bottom into place. It takes patience and timing, but it worked to catch Topsy.
Once inside, the rescuers secured the bottom and covered the crate with a sheet to keep the skittish kitten calm. Then, it was time to enjoy the “VIP Life” at Heidi’s foster care (Chez Heidi).
Images, media via Instagram/heidiwranglescats
Bath Time with Adorable Foster Kittens
Here’s Topsy getting a bath, and the cuteness is off the charts. He really relaxes and enjoys the attention by the end, just like a day at the spa, but with biscuit making.
“Bath time with Topsy ”
Giving a Flea Bath
She uses Dawn dish soap and warm (not hot) water for a flea bath. Only healthy kittens are bathed, and one has to be careful to keep them warm.
For example, here’s Marshal the kitten getting a flea bath. (Too cute!)
“Marshal came to me with a mild/moderate case of fleas. Which meant he needed a flea bath! Fleas can be dangerous for kittens of any age, but especially young kittens, as it can make them anemic in more severe cases. Which is why treating for fleas is extremely important.”
Topsy and Turvy Together at Last
Finally, Topsy and Turvy were together enjoying the VIP Life together. This time, the person feeding the Brooklyn cat colony managed to grab him by hand. Although people often suggest hand grabbing, experienced rescuers know this is very risky.
“Hand grabbing feral kittens is extremely risky and can easily go wrong, and if you don’t know what you’re doing, it can be a recipe for disaster!’ Heidi shared.
If kittens are feral and have never been touched, they could run and fight with surprising ferocity for their size.
“Remember – feral kittens have likely never been touched by a human before, so they’re gonna be freaked out by it, and if they can run, they will! Which is why I almost never hand grab kittens older than 6/7 weeks, unless they’ve previously been handled by humans. And when you do hand grab, always grab by the scruff; it’s the safest way to handle a feisty kitten that doesn’t want to be touched by you,” she says.
Thankfully, Turvy is reunited with his brother, and the two will hopefully always be together.
“Whelp, welcome to the club Turvy!” Heidi shared. “Bonus points to anyone who can tell who is who! They both came to us with coccidia and ringworm, joy. But will be available for adoption in a couple weeks.”
But little Turvy wasn’t the only rescue. The rescuers helped 9 cats and another kitten.
“So far at their colony, we’ve trapped 9 adults, 7 that were feral for TNR, 2 of those that needed dental surgeries, 2 that were friendly and are going into foster care, and a 3rd kitten you haven’t met yet! It’s been a busy couple weeks
,” she said.
Topsy and Turvy Look for a Home
After growing up in foster care, Topsy and Turvy were ready to find a home together. They would be adopted as a pair when the right family came along.
“Turvy makes little unique/silly noises when he wants attention. He is very playful, loves pets, and enjoys short spells of cuddling. Turvy sleeps in a windowsill next to my head at night,” shared his foster mom.
Meanwhile, smaller Topsy is a cuddler.
“He is a bit smaller than his brother. Topsy loooooves cuddling, and sleeps on my chest/face at night. He is a very good eater (acts like any meal could be his last) and tries to steal his brother’s food,” she said.
Someone in the Brooklyn area will be very lucky indeed to have such cute companions. Thanks to Heidi and her fellow “cat wranglers,” these kitten’s lives are just beginning.
To see more and to support Heidi’s TNR efforts, you can follow on Instagram and TikTok.
The post Brooklyn Rescuers Save Cute Kittens Topsy and Turvy a Week Apart appeared first on Cole & Marmalade.
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