Pets Who Instantly Fell in Love with Their New Siblings

5.The Face Says It All

For its temporary residents—especially for the long-term occupants who see younger animals come and go—life in an animal shelter has special challenges. In this poignant story, we meet a senior cat that has grown to be very regular at the shelter and has seen many kittens pass via on their journey to permanent homes. Though her circumstances are emotionally complicated, this older cat has unintentionally taken on a mother role for the younger cats. Her apparently austere demeanour contrasts with the adoring stares she gets from the kittens creates a touching interplay that shelter personnel often notes. She interacts with the lively kittens gently even if she may show outward symptoms of minor irritation at their continual attention. Following her throughout the shelter with unflinching respect, the kittens— ignorant to her long-term resident status—see her as their cherished mentor and role model. Although this is a mixed bag, it emphasises the inherent hierarchies and ties that develop even in temporary living quarters and shows how older animals may surprise younger ones as unexpected comfort and direction source.