After Saving Their 7 Kittens, Calico Cats Are Hoping For A Family: Huntington Adoptable Pet Of The Week

HUNTINGTON, NY — Josie and Margo arrived at the shelter quietly on a cold November day after surviving nearly a year outdoors while caring for seven kittens between them, according to Debbi Larkin, president of the Grateful Paw Cat Shelter.

“They arrived at the shelter quietly, almost unnoticed by the world, on a cold November day — two beautiful calico moms who had already lived more life than any cat should before ever knowing safety,” Larkin said. “Josie, the pastel calico, and Margo, her darker-hued companion, came with a gift and a burden: seven tiny lives they had somehow kept safe while living outside for nearly a year.”

Larkin said the cats are estimated to be about a year old.

“They were barely more than babies themselves, yet they became mothers in a world that offered little protection,” she said.

Josie’s kittens were born behind a neighbor’s shed.

“It should have been a place of refuge, but danger found her there,” Larkin said. “A neighbor’s dog decided the kittens didn’t belong, and one by one, they were threatened.”

A nearby resident intervened.

“Just in time, a kind-hearted Samaritan from the neighborhood stepped in, bringing Josie and her three babies into her home — warmth, safety, and compassion wrapped in one brave act of kindness,” Larkin said.

Margo’s kittens were discovered beneath the same Samaritan’s deck.

“She had four baby girls tucked away there, but Margo was less confident, less protective,” Larkin said. “Recognizing the risk, the kittens were brought inside immediately, ensuring they would be safe and cared for from the very start.”

Both mothers were spayed and brought to the shelter, while their kittens were placed in foster care. One by one, all seven kittens found their forever homes.

“Each adoption was a celebration with a happy ending," Larkin said. “But now the shelter is quieter, because Josie and Margo remain."

Larkin said Josie has grown into a confident, affectionate cat.

“Josie has blossomed into a cat who believes in people,” she said. “She greets visitors without hesitation, leaning into gentle hands, her purr starting the instant she’s touched.”

Josie enjoys toys and especially wand toys. Larkin says she is playful, affectionate, and eager to connect.

“She’s the kind of cat who reminds you how powerful kindness can be," she said.

Margo’s personality is different.

“Margo is different but no less deserving,” Larkin said. “She approaches life carefully, watching from a distance, trusting slowly. She’ll come out to eat, and if you’re quiet and gentle, she may step closer for a moment of affection. But her comfort lies in knowing she can retreat to a cubby or under a bench, where she can observe the world safely.”

“Margo isn’t broken,” she added. “She is just thoughtful. She just needs patience and a calm home to show her it’s okay to relax.”

Both cats are healthy and fully vetted. They have both tested negative for FELV and FIV, are parasite-free, spayed, chipped, wormed, litter box trained, and have had their eyes, ears, and hearts checked.

“Medically, they’re cleared. Emotionally, they’re waiting.”

While it’s unclear if the two are related, Larkin said their shared history suggests a close bond.

“We believe Josie and Margo may be sisters — their similar calico markings suggest it — but we can’t be sure,” she said. “What we do know is that before they came to us, they lived outside together peacefully.”

Because of their background, the cats would do best in a quiet home without other pets, especially dogs.

“These moms gave everything they had to their babies,” Larkin said. “They endured cold nights, hunger, and fear so their kittens wouldn’t have to.”

Josie and Margo are available for adoption at the Grateful Paw Cat Shelter, located at 3 Verleye Avenue in East Northport. Visiting hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 12–4 p.m., with Thursday evening hours from 7–9 p.m. by appointment. Those interested can call 631-757-4517, email cats@laphuntington.org, or visit the shelter’s Facebook page.

“Cats can live long lives, sometimes up to 20 years or more,” Larkin said. “That’s decades of warmth, safety, soft beds, full bowls, and love still ahead of them — if someone opens their heart and home.”

“It’s the holiday season,” she added. “Let’s give Josie and Margo the best Christmas present of all: a home with their own special family.”