They stepped in to help a litter of tiny kittens who desperately needed care — and ended up meeting one determined little cat who truly ran the show.
Prim Photo Credit: Kelsey
A loving mother cat named Paisley arrived at a local shelter with her litter of three-week-old kittens. The tiny babies needed help and round-the-clock attention. When Paisley stopped nursing her kittens, a kind-hearted foster volunteer named Kelsey stepped in to hand-feed them using tiny bottles. Among the litter were two special kittens — Prim, a small tabby, and her sister Pru, a tuxedo cat. Both showed signs of a neurological condition, but their will to live was nothing short of inspiring.
Paisley was soon spayed and happily returned to her forever family, while her kittens began a new chapter in foster care. With cozy blankets and gentle hands caring for them, they quickly adjusted and filled the home with soft meows and kitten energy.
Photo Credit: Kelsey
Despite her wobbly steps and an eye condition, Prim’s determination shone bright. Kelsey and her team began treating the kittens as though they had cerebellar hypoplasia, closely monitoring their progress while ensuring they felt safe and loved. “We monitor their growth and behavior like any other kittens but stay mindful of their neurological symptoms,” Kelsey told Love Meow.
Prim didn’t let her wobbliness stop her from having fun Photo Credit: Kelsey
Within a day, the kittens learned how to bottle-feed like pros. Even Prim and Pru, who were initially unsteady, eagerly latched on. During the weaning stage, one of the ginger kittens, Pedro, fell ill, but with love, patience, and care, he made a full recovery and soon joined his siblings in their playful adventures.
Pedro and Pru Photo Credit: Kelsey
As the kittens transitioned to solid food, their growth was remarkable. Prim and Pru began to steady their footing, and their once-shaky walks became confident steps. Prim remained smaller than her siblings, but her fiery attitude and endless curiosity made her the undeniable leader of the group.
Pedro, Peyton, and Prim Photo Credit: Kelsey
Prim possibly had involuntary eye movements that affected her coordination, but she didn’t let that hold her back. She ran, climbed, and played like every other kitten. Her favorite pastime was climbing onto Kelsey’s shoulder and proudly perching there like a tiny, fearless parrot.
Prim loves perching on Kelsey’s shoulder Photo Credit: Kelsey
As the kittens grew more confident, they started exploring their surroundings with enthusiasm. The family’s resident cat, Mr. Manager, took the kittens under his wing, showing them how to be confident felines. Peyton and Pedro followed him everywhere, while Prim found a special friend in the family dog, Fletcher, who often visited her for gentle play sessions.
Left: Prim and Fletcher; Right: Mr. Manager with Peyton and Pedro Photo Credit: Kelsey
While some of her siblings are now ready for adoption, Prim still needs a bit more time to grow. Her small size and partial vision haven’t dimmed her zest for life. She loves to explore, chase toys, and pounce on anything that moves. Whenever Kelsey enters the room, Prim rushes over, climbs onto her lap, and refuses to leave, demanding more love and attention.
Photo Credit: Kelsey
Prim and her best friend Peyton have become the ultimate mischief-makers, filling their foster home with laughter and joy. Thanks to Kelsey’s care and the warmth of their foster family, these kittens have been given a beautiful second chance at life. Today, Prim is stronger, braver, and more playful than ever — a tiny tabby with the heart of a lion.
Prim and Peyton Photo Credit: Kelsey
Thanks to the love and effort of her rescuers, Prim is now thriving. She’s ready to face the world with her fearless heart and unstoppable determination, proving that even the smallest souls can inspire the biggest smiles.
Photo Credit: Kelsey
Share this story with your friends! You can follow more of these adorable kittens and Kelsey’s fostering journey on Instagram @pennyandthefosters.
