Northport Adoptable Pet Of The Week: Willy & Wonka

NORTHPORT, NY — Willy and Wonka, 11-month-old Russian blue cats who are brothers, are the Northport Cat Rescue Association's Kittens of the Week.

The pair have had a rough start to life, according to Lora Wild, a volunteer with the rescue. The organization rescued the duo from a hoarding situation.

"Willy and Wonka spent the first 6 months of their lives, living in a small room with garbage up to the ceiling, hiding under a mattress," Wild told Patch. "Their litter boxes were filled to the rim. Never cleaned, just another one added. Funny enough, they never went on the floor, always in the litter box, as if they knew how bad their living situation was but did not want to make it any worse."

The cats were fed out of cans, as evident by the many empty cans found throughout the room, Wild said. The felines received no human contact, and there was one small window that was covered by a mound of garbage, so no sunlight came in, and there was complete darkness at night, according to Wild.

"Once we convinced their owner to surrender them, it was a long road of recovery," Wild said. "Not an aggressive bone in their bodies, but frightened and frozen whenever someone tried to pet them. It took months to see any kind of change. Then suddenly, we found the perfect foster family for them. Slowly, trust, playfulness, and companionship have emerged."

Willy was introduced to foster care first. He loved his foster family's other cats and slowly started to enjoy being a part of a family, as well as the freedom to roam and relax in a cozy cat tree. He also enjoyed the routine of feeding time.

Wonka entered the foster home next and was reunited with his brother, Willy.

"At first, they were nervous to see each other," Wild said. "Willy had to show Wonka the ropes. Finally, Wonka started to understand freedom. They are both very playful and love the laser light. They come running when you say, 'Who’s Hungry?' They both love turkey."

Wonky is silly and always dips his foot in his water before drinking it, according to Wild. They will sit and watch the fish in the fish tank in awe, she added.

The only positives from their pasts are each other, Wild said.

"These 2 boys need someone who will accept them as they are and give them time to trust. They are not fans yet of cuddles or even being pet yet but are getting there. They will lay near you and play with you. They are not aggressive; they just tend to freeze when being pet. We are confident, with the right family, they will eventually let down that final wall."

Both cats are neutered, have all their shots, are litter box trained, micro-chipped and FELV/FIV negative.

If you are interested in meeting Willy and Wonka, you can head to the Northport Cat Rescue Association website and fill out an application to let them know you would like to meet her or any of the other kittens and cats. You can also call NCRA at 631-606-2631 or email it at info@northportcatrescue.org.