When they opened their home to foster a kitten from a shelter, the young feline had other ideas after meeting her favorite person.
A diluted calico in dire need of a bottle feeder arrived at the county shelter at the age of three weeks.
Before animal control rescued her, she had been discovered by herself in a park. Sparkle Cat Rescue foster volunteer Erin jumped right in to assist. Erin told Love Meow, “When I picked her up, I took one look at her and said, ‘That is Marshmallow.’ I just knew that should be her name.”
“I felt as though she had told me. Since the day I brought her home, she has reacted to her name.”
Marshmallow adapted to the bottle with ease. She became stronger, more active, and more inquisitive about her surroundings every day. Eager to participate in whatever her humans were doing, she embarked on small adventures as soon as she found her footing.
“She’s sweet, sassy, people-oriented, and the kind of kitten who makes every day better just by existing.”
Marshmallow insisted on being cared for even after she graduated from the bottle. She gave her humans lots of affection and enthusiastic grooming sessions in exchange. “She specializes in cat tongue facials and is a certified esthetician.”
She was curled up in affectionate arms and purring happily when she wasn’t sitting on someone’s shoulder overseeing everyday chores.
Marshmallow settled down wherever her people were, following them from room to room. “When she’s not helping with dinner, she’s busy playing patty-cake with the resident cat.” She also took her job as a kitchen assistant very seriously, checking groceries, watching over the pantry, and making sure dinner was always served on time.
Despite her small size, Marshmallow had no fear and was certain she was in charge of the whole household. “Our other cats adored her right away, and she has never been afraid of them. She was immediately accepted by even my sister’s grumpy cat, who doesn’t like kittens.”
Over time, Marshmallow developed a unique relationship with one family member.
“She’s developed a bond with my son (Liam) that has been so sweet to watch,” said Erin of Sparkle Cat Rescue.
Marshmallow waits outside his bedroom door every morning until it’s time to rouse him. She lets out a happy meow as soon as she’s allowed in, then nuzzles his face to wake him. After that, they cuddle for ten minutes while he gradually awakens for the day.
Marshmallow at Sparkle Cat Rescue with Liam Erin, her favorite person
Although Marshmallow adores every member of the family, Liam is unquestionably her favorite. “She plays differently with him and just wants to be with him all the time.”
Liam was particularly affected when the family found out she had a possible adopter. “He was absolutely devastated,” Erin remarked. “This time was different for all of us, but normally he’s pretty relaxed about our foster kittens going to their new homes.”
The prospective adopter was very understanding after Erin explained the circumstances. Ultimately, Marshmallow had already found her happy ending and didn’t need to search far for it.
“Our son’s smile was like the sun when we told him he could keep Marshmallow. You could see the joy emanating from him. We are all overjoyed that she will be a permanent part of our lives.”
