California Shelter Receives Teabox With A Heart-Melting Surprise Inside
Every kitten season, shelters across the country fill up with tiny, fragile kittens separated from their mothers. Many of them are just days old and need around-the-clock care, something most shelters simply can’t provide.
That’s where foster families step in. Fostering not only saves lives but also gives kittens the love and warmth they need to grow strong enough for adoption. It’s hard work, but it’s one of the most rewarding acts of kindness an animal lover can offer.
And for one little kitten named Tetley, that kindness changed everything.
A Kitten So Small She Fit In A Teabox
When Tetley arrived at the shelter, she was so tiny that the person who found her had carried her in a small teabox. Shelter worker Hannah couldn’t believe her eyes.
“What do you mean a teabox?” she asked, half in disbelief.
The rescuers explained that it was the only thing small enough to hold her safely. So Hannah decided the little kitten deserved a name to match her entrance into the world, Tetley, just like the tea.
At only two weeks old, Tetley needed constant care, bottle feeding every few hours, gentle cleaning, and even help going to the bathroom. At this age, kittens can’t survive on their own for more than a few hours without help.
Round-The-Clock Care And Teamwork
Raising a newborn kitten means little sleep and a lot of love.
Hannah and her partner Andrew took turns staying awake through the night to feed Tetley. Their friend Katherine helped too, stepping in when they had to work or rest.
Despite her rocky start, Tetley quickly showed her playful, curious personality. Her giant eyes and tiny ears earned her the affectionate nickname “Alien Space Bear.”
She was so small and sweet, as Hannah said:
“Her cuteness is otherworldly!”
Under her foster family’s care, Tetley began to grow stronger, gaining weight and confidence each day.
Learning How To Be A Cat
Once her quarantine period ended, Tetley met Chloe, another foster kitten. The two hit it off immediately.
For young kittens, this kind of socialisation is vital, it teaches them how to play gently, share space, and communicate like proper cats. Tetley learned to groom, pounce, and chase toys, all while cuddling up with her new best friend after playtime.
Soon, she transitioned from bottle-feeding to drinking from a dish and eating soft food. She loved toys, especially anything that made a crinkle or jingle sound, and began showing off her natural hunting instincts during play.
But when the games ended, Tetley’s favourite thing was curling up on her foster parents’ laps for a nap.
Ready For Her Forever Home
After several weeks of love, care, and growth, Tetley was ready for adoption. It’s always bittersweet for foster families, saying goodbye is never easy, but the goal of fostering is to prepare kittens for their forever families.
As Hannah put it,
“It’s not a sad day. It’s a celebration. Goodbye is the goal of fostering, and we’re all celebrating saying goodbye to Tetley, and wishing her a happy journey and a happy life.”
When the big day arrived, Tetley met her new family, a kind woman and her teenage son, who also volunteers at a local animal shelter.
The best part? They already had two cats waiting at home, ready to welcome Tetley into their furry family.
Both families gathered for the special moment. Papers were signed, photos were taken, and a few tears of joy were shed as Tetley set off to start her new life.
A Small Kitten With A Big Message
Tetley’s story is a perfect reminder of how powerful fostering can be. Even just a few weeks of care can mean the difference between life and loss for kittens who need a chance to grow.
If you’ve ever considered fostering, Tetley’s journey shows just how much of a difference one person, or one family, can make.
You can watch Tetley’s full rescue story on here:
