“[They] were terrified and starving.”
Earlier this month, a concerned passerby walked into Ten Lives Club, a New York-based animal rescue, with troubling news. They had spotted a cardboard box moving in the parking lot—and feared there might be animals trapped inside.
Rescue staff wasted no time. They rushed out and found a sealed Amazon box with slight movements coming from within. Opening the flap, they discovered three tiny kittens curled up in fear.
“The kittens were absolutely terrified and clearly starving,” said Kimberly LaRussa, public relations manager at Ten Lives Club. “There was even a small cat bed inside, so we knew right away that someone had deliberately left them there.”
It was a heartbreaking discovery.
“That battered Amazon box?” the organization later wrote on Facebook. “It was filled with frightened, helpless kittens—left alone to fend for themselves.”
Determined to find the rest of the feline family, the rescue team searched the surrounding area—and soon spotted a mother cat hiding nearby, anxiously watching her babies from a distance. Fortunately, they were able to safely bring the mother and her kittens inside.
Once stabilized, the feline family was transported to Ten Lives Club’s main facility in Blasdell, New York, where the veterinary team conducted a full health assessment and outlined a care plan. The mother cat remained at the shelter, where she’ll stay until she’s adopted by a loving family.
As for the kittens—now named Dina, Abby, and Ellie—they’ve found temporary refuge in a cozy setup at Thin Ice, a local store owned by one of the rescue’s foster partners.
“The shop owner regularly fosters for us,” LaRussa explained. “She’s created a warm, sunny space with a large window, so the kittens enjoy natural light and watch people go by. It’s a perfect environment for them to grow and thrive.”
Thanks to the care they’ve received, the kittens are blossoming—and their future looks promising.
“These little ones have such a bright road ahead,” LaRussa said. “Thin Ice is committed to finding them the perfect forever homes. For now, they’re just being playful kittens, enjoying life and love.”