'Backstreet Kittens' Promote Adoptions At SPCA Tampa Bay

Editor's note: A previous version of this story incorrectly said SPCA Tampa Bay was associated with a fire department's pet calendar; the SPCA is not selling calendars. The group has a Backstreet Kittens promotional photo aimed at spurring animal adoption. We've updated the story to reflect those changes. Patch regrets the error.

TAMPA BAY, FL — The imminent return of the Backstreet Boys to Tampa for the 93.3 FLZ Jingle Ball inspired the SPCA Tampa Bay in Largo to promote the story of "The Backstreet Kittens."

The furry photo shot features five adoptable rescue kittens named after the members of the Backstreet Boys, one of the most popular boy bands that ruled the pop music scene in the 1980s and '90s — and has close ties to Tampa Bay.

About a month ago, a construction worker brought a litter of five kittens to the SPCA Tampa Bay Veterinary Center for help. The construction worker said he and his crew had just driven a large piece of construction equipment from Sarasota to St. Petersburg. As they pulled up to the construction site in St. Petersburg and turned off the engine, they heard tiny mewls coming from inside the piece of equipment, according to Eric Keaton, public information officer for the SPCA Tampa Bay.

The construction worker said the crew was shocked when they looked inside and found the tiny kittens huddled together, no worse for wear after the lengthy trip from Sarasota to St. Petersburg.

The kittens were evaluated by the veterinary team and given a clean bill of health.

"After spending the last month with their foster family, the kittens' individual personalities have started to shine," Keaton said. "Nick is the instigator of the litter, always trying to get his brothers and sister to play. Brian is the silly one; he loves to frolic and investigate. AJ holds her own as the only female in the litter. She is curious and adventurous. Howie is very sweet. He likes to lounge in your lap and cuddle. And Kevin is a bit on the reserved side. He loves to climb and snuggle up with his siblings."

Catch the Backstreet Kittens in person on Dec. 10 at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The kittens will be on site at CMA from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Rescue Days, hosted by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to celebrate all rescues.

Band member Nick Carter grew up in Tampa, Ruskin and Carrollwood after his family moved from New York to operate the Garden Villa retirement home in Tampa when Carter was 4 years old, according to a 2013 Patch interview. His equally famous brother, Aaron, who was seven years younger, was born in Tampa.

Aaron Carter, a rapper, hip-hop artist and actor, was found dead in his California home on Nov. 5 at the age of 34. The cause of death has not been released.

Now about 8 weeks old, the kittens will be ready for adoption around Dec. 16, which happens to be the same day the 93.3 FLZ Jingle Ball featuring the Backstreet Boys is scheduled to take place at 7 p.m. at Amalie Arena.

The group will headline Jingle Ball after releasing their 10th studio album and first Christmas album, "A Very Backstreet Christmas."

Also performing will be the Black Eyed Peas, Big Time Rush, Cheat Codes, Tate McRade, Ava Max, Jax and Nicky Youre.

The SPCA Tampa Bay posted a message to the Backstreet Boys, inviting them to drop by the shelter while they're in Tampa and meet their feline namesakes.

For more on the Backstreet Kittens, click here or contact Kristen Davis at 727-586-3591, ext. 122.