Behind the scenes with 3 special kittens

You can’t help but notice them. Cubby, Monkey, and Otter — three curious kittens — have turned heads by bringing their youthful exuberance to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary’s Quincy House.

“The last kitten-aged cat who came (to Quincy House) was three years ago,” says Best Friends caregiver Catey Patrolia. “It’s a rare and special thing to see kittens here, especially three at once.”

Quincy House is the home-between-homes for cats at the Sanctuary who need a little more support due to medical issues or who are just getting up there in age. Best Friends supports shelters in reaching no-kill by taking in pets who may need extra care before going to homes — including these three special kittens.

Cubby, Monkey, and Otter each require specialized care. Cubby is paralyzed in his back legs and cannot go to the bathroom on his own from a condition he was born with. Monkey walks a little wobbly because of how his back legs are formed and is incontinent. Otter also has mobility challenges after an injury left him paralyzed in his back legs and incontinent.

[Kitten who’s paralyzed purrs through life]

But these challenges haven’t put a damper on their frisky kitten selves. “They’re a bright light in the Quincy House lobby,” Catey says of the special kind of joy the three kittens bring. Their days are a whirlwind of curiosity, fun, and gentle chaos. They can almost always be found playing and wreaking just a little bit of havoc. Though they love to romp around, nap time brings out their softer side. And when it’s time for a snooze? Their favorite spot to snuggle is right on top of Uncle Licorice, a black cat who is quadriplegic. The kittens snuggle close around him, curling up in a display of affection that’s impossible to resist.

These three can’t stay still long though. When Licorice’s tail flits around, they can’t resist their favorite toy. They swat and paw and nibble in good-natured kitten fun. Licorice takes it in stride, content to be surrounded by the warmth and energy of his young companions.

Monkey earned his name from his daredevil tendencies. He loves to zoom, never letting his mobility challenges slow him down. He hops and bounds as though gravity does not apply to him. He’s a master at hide-and-seek and will pop out of the most unexpected places to practice his pouncing. But his signature move is what makes caregivers call him fearless. Monkey will climb up an unsuspecting volunteer and launch himself like a tiny stuntman.

Otter’s curiosity knows no bounds. From the moment a visitor enters Quincy House, he’ll pop out to greet them and quickly roll over to paw at their fingers or ask to be petted. Otter’s determination and spirit allow him to keep up with Monkey’s antics, matching his friend with his own brand of fearless exploration.

[Paralyzed cat has sweet spirit that can’t be stopped]

Cubby’s personality has bloomed since he arrived at the Sanctuary as a shy kitten. After spending time in a foster home where he grew stronger and more confident, he returned to Quincy House like a king to his throne, rejoining his best pal Licorice and making new friends with Otter and Monkey. Calm yet playful, he balances the daredevil antics of his friends with a thoughtful and curious approach to his surroundings.

In the usually quiet lobby of Quincy House, these kittens have made quite the impression. Volunteers, caregivers, and visitors alike are drawn to their antics, laughter following them wherever they go. The kittens’ energy and warmth are impossible to resist.

As the days pass, Cubby, Monkey, and Otter continue to explore every nook and cranny of Quincy House, their tiny paws leaving big impressions on everyone they meet. Whether they’re tumbling over each other in a playful pile or curling up for a sunbeam nap, these kittens embody the joy and resilience that make life at the Sanctuary so special. They provide a reminder that even in tough times, there’s always room for light, love, and a little kitten mischief.

Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets. 

Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.