Bonded Calico Sisters Elsa & Anna Looking For A Home: Huntington Adoptable Pet Of The Week

HUNTINGTON, NY — Elsa and Anna, two 8-month-old calico sisters, are this week’s adoptable pets of the week at Grateful Paw Cat Shelter — and volunteers say their story is one of resilience.

“Two absolutely gorgeous calico sisters with a story that proves just how resilient little hearts can be,” the shelter said.

The sisters were born in a shed in Babylon to a feral mother who has since TNR’d, or trap-neuter-returned.

They were part of a litter of four. One sibling went to a family member, another to a close friend shortly after being spayed, and Elsa and Anna remained behind with their mother — the only home they had ever known.

“For over a year, their mother had taken up residence in a kind Good Samaritan’s shed,” the shelter said. “With easy access in and out, and no spay at the time, the family grew — but thankfully, they grew in safety.”

Volunteers say the sisters were fortunate.

“They were incredibly lucky to have been born in that shed — especially with the harsh weather this year,” the shelter said. “They were protected and gently socialized.”

The Good Samaritan worked patiently with the kittens, helping them become more comfortable around people.

“That early kindness made all the difference,” the shelter said.

Now at the shelter, Elsa and Anna are continuing to grow into their personalities.

“Anna, the pastel calico, and Elsa, the darker calico, were a bit shy at first,” the shelter said. “But now, sharing a room with other kittens their age, we’re seeing them take over the room and blossom into the ‘ones in charge.’”

Each day, volunteers say, they are becoming more confident.

“They’re interacting more, exploring more, and showing those classic calico personalities,” the shelter said.

Calicos, the shelter notes, are often described as “bold, independent, intelligent, vocal — and a little sassy and stubborn,” but also deeply loyal.

And playtime is a big part of their day.

“Stuffed mice, springs, balls, and especially wand toys are instant favorites,” the shelter said. “If you sit and talk with them or play music, they’ll allow chin and back scratches and even climb onto your lap.”

“They’ve gone from entertaining themselves in a shed to enjoying all the toys and attention they can get.”

The sisters also have strong personalities in their room.

“They are the official taste testers of any food that enters,” the shelter said. “And the unofficial security team — rushing to the door to investigate anyone who walks in.”

When they’re not playing, they can often be found together.

“They snuggle in a cozy bed or perch on a condo, watching cars and people pass by,” the shelter said. “Safe, warm, and together.”

They’ve also formed bonds with other cats in the room, though their bond with each other remains strongest.

Elsa and Anna are fully vetted. They have tested negative for FeLV and FIV, are parasite-free, have had their ears, eyes and heart checked, and are up to date on vaccinations. Both are spayed, microchipped, and litter box trained.

“They are lucky to be alive. Lucky to have been protected. Lucky to have found their way to us,” the shelter said.

Now, volunteers say, they just need one more piece of luck — a home.

The sisters are ideally adopted together, though the shelter may consider separate adoptions if there is another cat already in the home.

“They deserve a forever home — not a shed,” the shelter said.

Elsa and Anna are currently available at Grateful Paw Cat Shelter and will also be featured at an adoption event on May 31 at the shelter.

Those interested can call 631-757-4517, email cats@laphuntington.org, visit the shelter’s Facebook page, or stop by 3 Verleye Ave. in East Northport. The shelter is open Tuesday through Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m., with Thursday evening hours from 7 to 9 p.m. by appointment.

“Their forever home isn’t in a shed,” the shelter said. “It’s with you.”