Honeybun, a gentle orange cat, has been a devoted mother at Spicy Cats Rescue ever since she was found outside and brought to safety through a TNR (trap-neuter-return) program. Over the years, she has lovingly raised many kittens besides her own, becoming known as one of the calmest and most patient cats at the rescue. “She’s the most even-keeled cat ever. She’s not fazed by anything,” said Caroline, president of Spicy Cats Rescue.
Honeybun the cat and her bobkitten — Photo Credit: Spicy Cats Rescue
Just when everyone thought Honeybun had retired from her mothering duties, an unusual “kitten” arrived needing care. This newcomer was unlike any other she had raised before — a 6-week-old bobcat kitten, rescued as an orphan by the Millstone Wildlife Center. Alone and vulnerable, the bobkitten longed for comfort and companionship, crying constantly in her new surroundings.
Photo Credit: Spicy Cats Rescue
Staff at Millstone Wildlife Center explained that their mission was to raise and rehabilitate the young bobcat so she could one day be released back into the wild. However, caring for such a social animal while avoiding over-habituation to humans is a delicate balance. “That’s tricky when you have a social animal that still needs play time, snuggles, and grooming,” Frannie from the center shared.
Photo Credit: Spicy Cats Rescue
To solve the problem, they reached out to Spicy Cats Rescue in search of a surrogate mother, and Honeybun was the perfect choice. Known for her maternal instincts and years of experience raising kittens, she was more than ready for the challenge.
Honeybun has helped raise many kittens since she was rescued — Photo Credit: Spicy Cats Rescue
When the two finally met, Honeybun calmly sat in her carrier, letting the bobkitten approach at her own pace. To everyone’s surprise, the young bobcat immediately adored her new “mom,” purring loudly and showering Honeybun with nose sniffs, face rubs, and gentle ear nibbles.
It was love at first sight for the bobkitten — Photo Credit: Spicy Cats Rescue
Within minutes, the bobkitten was snuggled up against Honeybun, her tiny paws wrapped around the orange cat as if she had found her safe place. Over the following days, she carefully observed Honeybun, trying to mimic her grooming habits and eating like a grown-up cat.
Photo Credit: Spicy Cats Rescue
Honeybun, patient as ever, tolerated the bobkitten’s playful pounces and roughhousing without complaint. She took on the role of teacher and protector, ensuring her new charge always felt safe and loved.
Photo Credit: Spicy Cats Rescue
“They’ve been together a week now and are doing great,” Caroline shared. “They snuggle, eat, and sleep together. The bobkitten plays with Honey all the time.” With Honeybun’s loving guidance, the bobkitten is thriving, no longer crying from loneliness but instead filling the room with happy purrs and playful energy.
Photo Credit: Spicy Cats Rescue
This unusual pairing shows how compassion can cross species. Thanks to Honeybun, the orphaned bobcat kitten now has the love and care she needs until the day she’s ready to return to the wild — stronger, happier, and well-prepared for life ahead.
