'Baseball Team' Striker, Diamond, Shortstop And Rookie: Huntington Pets Of The Week

HUNTINGTON, NY — "Hit a home run for love: adopt one of these adorable baseball-themed kittens!"

For those looking to add a little bit of all-star energy to their life, try meeting these four furry MVPs who are stealing hearts faster than a base runner in the ninth inning.

These playful kittens..Striker, Shortstop, Diamond and Rookie, are ready to "slide into your home and make it their forever field of dreams," said Debbi Larkin, president of the shelter.

These four kittens and their mom were rescued at Fairfield Properties Ballpark, home of the Long Island Ducks, on a cool overcast day, only hours before the opening pitch of a Ducks game.

"It appears that mom actually gave birth to them in a cardboard box under the bleachers," Larkin said. "What a way to make an entrance into this world!"

Raised together in a loving foster home, these 8-week-old kittens are "full of personality, purrs, and enough spunk to turn any living room into a major league cuddlefest," according to Larkin.

"Each one brings a unique spirit to the team."

Striker, a dark grey tiger is the team captain, according to Larkin.

"Fearless and curious, Striker is the first to explore a new room, chase a toy, or climb to the top of the cat tree," she said.

He loves to have his head and neck scratched — in-between innings — and he loves mealtime. He’s got "superstar charisma and a heart of gold."

Diamond, a dark swirl tabby with white, is "graceful and intelligent," Larkin said.

"She is sleek, thoughtful, and always up for a strategic sneak attack on the feather wand. She’s has a quiet confidence and loves lap time just as much as play time. But you have to watch her because she is a very good escape artist."

Rookie, another dark tabby with white, is the "big softie" of the bunch. Rookie is on the shy side but also loves to play. He is definitely all about the snuggles and cuddles, Larkin said.

"With a louder-than-life purr, this gentle boy hits home runs in the affection department."

Shortstop, a grey and cream tabby with a light-colored face, is "quick, clever, and endlessly entertaining."

"He brings a touch of mischief and magic to every moment," Larkin said. "He’s got moves, he’s got charm, and he’ll keep you laughing from the first inning to the last."

These kittens have all tested negative for FELV and FIV, have been checked for parasites, had their ears and heart checked, have received their first set of vaccines, are litter box-trained and ready to go pro in the art of companionship.

"They’d love to be adopted in pairs, or all together if you’ve got room for the whole team!" Larkin said. "They should be entering the shelter mid-July."

If you are interested in meeting any of the "Baseball Kittens," you may call the shelter at 631-757-4517, email cats@laphuntington.org, visit the Facebook page or visit at the Grateful Paw Cat Shelter.

The rescue is at 3 Verleye Ave., East Northport, and visiting hours are Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

The shelter is also open from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday nights only for those who cannot make it during the daytime hours.

"Whether you’re a lifelong baseball fan or just in search of a purr-fect companion, this lineup is guaranteed to bring joy, love, and a whole lot of heart to your home," Larkin said. "Let’s give them the home run ending they deserve!"