Inside a quiet trailer park, a group of residents stopped suddenly when they heard the faint but determined cries of kittens. Their search led them to a mailbox where a cardboard box lay tucked against it. Inside were two fragile, meowing kittens, desperate for comfort and survival. These tiny souls, only about a week old, were rushed to the SPCA of Tompkins County for immediate care. That’s where Molly, a kind-hearted foster volunteer, stepped in. Despite their size, the kittens were loud, demanding, and full of spirit. Molly lovingly named them Siouxsie and Budgie, inspired by the bold energy of the rock band “Siouxsie and the Banshees.” For Molly, these names reflected the courage and strength that the kittens displayed from the very beginning. Their journey, however, would be one of both loss and resilience.
Survival Against the Odds
At such a tender age, the kittens were vulnerable and fragile, requiring around-the-clock care. Molly fed them, kept them warm, and watched their every breath. Sadly, Budgie lost his battle with calicivirus, a common but dangerous virus among kittens. His tiny body couldn’t overcome the illness. This left Siouxsie, the smaller of the two, as the lone survivor. Determined and fierce, Siouxsie clung to life, demanding her bottle with every ounce of strength she had. After each feeding, she purred with satisfaction, proving she was not going to give up. Her spirit was stronger than her size, and Molly was determined to give her the best chance possible.
A Bond Between Foster and Kitten
As Siouxsie grew, she developed the playful energy typical of young kittens. However, having lost her sibling, she missed the companionship of wrestling and learning through play with another kitten. To comfort her, Molly introduced her to a plush mama cat with a heartbeat, giving Siouxsie a sense of warmth and security. Yet nothing compared to human touch. Siouxsie was happiest nestled in Molly’s lap or curled in her hands, even as she grew bigger. She often climbed onto Molly’s shoulders, treating her like a jungle gym, or settled into her chest after a long play session. Her antics were lively, but her affection showed her gratitude. Siouxsie became known not just for her playfulness but for her tender kisses and gentle cuddles.
Milestones and Growth
By the time she was seven weeks old, Siouxsie had crossed a major milestone—she weighed over two pounds and was healthy enough for her spay surgery. This was a moment of triumph, especially considering where her journey began: abandoned in a box by a mailbox, fighting off illness, and growing without her sibling. Against all odds, she had blossomed into a playful, affectionate, and thriving kitten. Siouxsie was now ready for the next chapter of her life, and fate had something wonderful waiting for her. Molly’s care had prepared her for a forever home filled with love and companionship, ensuring she would never be lonely again.
Finding Her Forever Home
Siouxsie’s adoption story came quicker than expected. She didn’t even make it to the shelter’s adoption floor. Someone who had seen Molly’s updates fell in love with her instantly and decided to adopt her the very same day. Now, Siouxsie has the family she always deserved. She lives with another kitten, an older cat, and even a dog, giving her plenty of friends to wrestle and grow with. No longer a singleton, she’s thriving in a loving environment. Thanks to the compassion of strangers, the dedication of the SPCA, and Molly’s unwavering love, Siouxsie transformed from a fragile kitten in a box into the lap cat she was always meant to be—happy, playful, and cherished.
Follow more foster journeys like Siouxsie’s on Instagram @nyfosterkittens and learn more about the incredible work at SPCA of Tompkins County.
