Ellie, Emma And Elvis: Huntington Adoptable Pets Of The Week

HUNTINGTON, NY — Ellie, Emma and Elvis, around 8 weeks old, are the Grateful Paw Cat Shelter's Huntington Pets of the Week.

"These cuties were found with their feral mom in a good Samaritan’s backyard in Hicksville," said Debbi Larkin, president of the shelter.

They weren’t sure what to do so they reached out to John Debacker, who arrived to assess the situation and try to trap the cats.

"The mom got nervous and moved the babies a few times and finally settled them underneath a shed in the backyard, but John already had a plan on how to get them all," Larkin said. "The feral mom was able to be trapped and the kittens were lured out from underneath with food ... and John called us to help and we immediately took them into the shelter."

The mother cat was trapped, spayed and release and returned to the same backyard.

"When they first went into foster care they were extremely wary of people but that didn’t stop the foster family…they just pick them up, hold them, carry them around and shower them with kisses …all things most cats hate but they are really starting to enjoy the attention now!" Larkin said.

They have really been interacting with one another, and, of course, the rest of the family, according to Larkin.

Ellie, the smallest one, is still very timid but she is finally starting to relax a little. Emma is the grumpy one; she always has a perturbed look about everything and would prefer not to be held unless she initiates it but the foster family just picks her up, puts her in a kitty sling and walks around with her. Of course, Elvis is the love bug…the males usually are, Larkin said.

They love the various toys in the foster home and carry the stuffed mice around as if they just made the biggest kill of their lives.

"They love the cat cuddle beds, human beds (and they all know how to jump like Olympians) and empty boxes are one of their favorite things!" Larkin said.

They have all been checked by the shelter's in-house veterinarian and have tested negative for FELV and FIV, tested negative for parasites and have received their first set of vaccines.

"They are a bit behind schedule because they had some medical issues when they first came to us but they have all been resolved, Larkin said. "And when the tummy problems started they turned out to be the messiest kittens the foster mom ever had: There was poop all over the room and them. It was if they danced in it and ran around the room playing tag!"

The shelter is estimating the kittens will be ready to be spayed or neutered at the end of June and available shortly thereafter.

If you are interested in meeting Ellie, Emma or Elvis, 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.

"These three babies will bring so much joy to your lives if you give them the opportunity," Larkin said. "They will need some extra TLC so if you are a patient person with a lot of love to give, these babies are for you! We would love to see all of them get forever homes in the month of June, because that is National Adopt a Shelter Cat Month!"