Back in July, The Newtown Bee introduced readers to a small but mighty cat named Benny Brightwater who was being cared for by Kitten Associates, a nonprofit rescue based in Sandy Hook.

In the article, “Lucky St Patrick’s Day Kitten Thriving After ‘Swimmer Syndrome’ Diagnosis,” Kitten Associates President/Founder Robin A.F. Olson shared Benny’s harrowing story of medical adversities.

Benny was born on St Patrick’s Day and within days it was very apparent that he had not developed the same as his siblings. Robin received a call and, despite the COVID-19 pandemic causing a challenging time for the foster-run organization, she came to Benny’s aid to give him the medical attention he needed.

It was determined that he had Swimmer’s Syndrome, meaning the muscles in his back legs were not developed correctly. It was later discovered that he also had a hole in his heart, which would make surgeries risky.

Fortunately, Kitten Associates has experience with special needs cats and knew the perfect foster parent for Benny, his siblings, and his mother: Rachael DeMaida. She had recently adopted Flapjack Shortstack, who also has dealt with Swimmer’s Syndrome, from Kitten Associates and knew the physical therapy necessary for Benny to thrive.

During Benny’ months being fostered, DeMaida and specialists were able to greatly improve his mobility.

“We were able to get him neutered at VCA Maple Ridge Animal Hospital… because of Benny’s heart we took every single precaution that we could think of,” Olson said.

Thankfully, Benny had no complications from surgery and continued to be his happy-go-lucky self. Benny and his family were then all eligible for adoption.

However, no applications came in for Benny and his brother Ellington Cuddlysmythe. The two would need to be adopted together, because they were extremely bonded.

“We decided that they just have to be together. I knew this would be particularly difficult and a lengthy time period before they’d find their forever home because any potential mobility issues in the future and his heart — it’s a lot to ask,” Olson said.

Contributing to the unique situation was also the COVID-19 pandemic that resulted in Kitten Associates temporarily closing out-of-state adoptions.

Then, in October, Olson received an e-mail from Claudia and Jeff Morris inquiring about Ellington. The retired couple’s current cat, a 13-year-old lynx point Siamese named Ramen Noodle, is a polydactyl like Ellington, which caught their attention. The only hitch was they lived out of state.

Olson was blown away by the politeness of their message as well as that they understood Ellington and Benny were a package deal.

“They respected our wishes and that went a long way with me… They know Benny has to have a follow up echocardiogram in January. They are willing to do that and take on the expense, the time, the effort. They are happy to follow our feeding guidelines for a fresh diet. They changed their cat Ramen’s diet to a fresh diet. They are marvelous,” Olson said.

Olson and DeMaida did a home visit with the potential adopters over Zoom, and they both were in agreement the couple was a great fit.

Olson also had a separate conversation with DeMaida before the decision was official to make sure she would be okay saying goodbye to the two cats she had been caring for months.

“You can’t not bond when you do something like that,” Olson said.

DeMaida made the selfless choice to say goodbye, knowing that doing so would allow her to be able to foster in the future and help more cats in need.

“It takes a brave heart to do something like that. She put so much love into those cats. She never shied away from it, and because of her now the cats are the most marvelous, mellow, happy, cuddly, friendly cats,” Olson said.

The official adoption took place on Halloween, and it was a happy day for everyone involved.

“The look on Claudia’s face told me everything,” Olson said. “She was just gobsmacked. Their smiles lit up their faces. You can really feel it in your heart when it’s the right adoption.”

Since then, Olson has received updates from the Morris family about Benny and Ellington, who are now called Bento Noodle and Udon Noodle, respectively, to fit with the noodle themed names.

“They are falling hard for him… they are in love with both cats. She actually used the word ‘besotted,’” Olson said. “I know they are going to have a lovely life with these people. I couldn’t have asked for more, honestly.”

More Happy Tails

The good news is that not only were Benny and Ellington recently adopted out, but so was their sibling, Cornelius Crumbpickle.

Deb Weisman, DVM, MS, Diplomate American College of Veterinary Surgeons of Newtown Veterinary Specialists, and her husband, Scott Schifilliti, adopted Cornelius (who now is named Pickle).

Olson shared, “They say, ‘He’s the best cat ever!’”

Now the only member of the family awaiting her forever home is the kittens’ mom, Luna, who is being fostered by Jessica Moynihan.

Olson explained, “Luna is about 14 months old. She has huge front paws with extra toes [polydactyl], luminous green eyes, and weighs only 6 pounds. She’s very tiny! She’s a mellow, affectionate, lap cat who is also quite playful — still lots of kitten-tude.

“She gets along great with other cats and the foster family’s dog. She tends to be submissive and on the quiet side. One of our sweetest, most easy-going foster cats we’ve ever had. Would do best in a mellow home with a cat buddy, where she can get lots of love. She’s in great health [with] no known issues,” she continued.”

Those interested in adopting Luna or another cat from Kitten Associates can visit the group’s Facebook page, facebook.com/kittenassociates, or Petfinder page, petfinder.com/pet-search?shelter_id=ct431.

Kitten Associates is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that depends on donations to continue to help cats in need. A tax-deductible gift can be made through Venmo @kittenassociates or by mailing a check to Kitten Associates, PO Box 354, Newtown CT 06470-0354.

For more information about Kitten Associates or to make a donation, visit kittenassociates.org.

Reporter Alissa Silber can be reached at alissa@thebee.com.