Every rescue story has a turning point—that moment when a scared little animal realizes they’re finally safe. For a tiny orange kitten named Mango, that moment came when he discovered the perfect napping spot: sprawled out like a starfish on his Labrador sister, Melons.
From Car Engine to Forever Home
En July, Hawaii resident Tessa Carroll received a surprising call from a friend. Her friend’s car had been sitting unused for a week after breaking down, but when she opened the hood, she heard faint meows. Inside the engine bay was a malnourished, flea-ridden kitten covered in motor oil.
“At first, he just looked up and surrendered,” Carroll recalled. “It felt like he was ready to be rescued.”
The kitten, later named Mango, was estimated to be only 5 weeks old. Though Carroll wasn’t sure about adoption yet, she agreed to foster him—wanting to make sure he could get along with her 6-year-old Labrador, Melons.
Meeting Melons
That first night, Mango was understandably skittish. But to Carroll’s surprise, he didn’t shy away from Melons—just cautiously observed. Melons, being gentle and submissive, rolled over as if to say, “It’s okay, you can trust me.”
Within just a few days, Mango’s confidence blossomed. Carroll noticed that Melons’ maternal nature helped the kitten feel secure. Soon, Mango wasn’t just tolerating the dog—he was cuddling with her, sleeping in her bed, and even sprawling out across her like a little orange starfish.
“We kept him,” Carroll said. “Now his bold orange cat personality is coming out, and he and Melons are inseparable.”
TikTok Can’t Get Enough
Carroll shared a video of Mango’s nap on TikTok (@tess.carroll1), showing him stretched across Melons’ side, paws wide, belly exposed—a clear sign of comfort. The video quickly went viral, gaining 1.5 million views and over 364,000 likes.
Comments poured in:
- “Oh he’s feeling super safe showing his belly like that.”
- “Ma’am, that’s a starfish.”
- “Clearly he hit the jackpot with the human distribution system!”
Why Cats and Dogs Can Bond So Well
Though cats and dogs are often stereotyped as enemies, experts note that many form deep friendships. With safe introductions and nurturing environments, interspecies bonds can reduce loneliness and even boost confidence for both pets.
Mango and Melons are living proof: what began as a fragile rescue story has turned into a heartwarming tale of love, safety, and companionship.
Takeaway for Pet Parents
If you’re introducing a rescue kitten to a resident dog, patience and gentle supervision are key. Choose calm, well-mannered dogs like Melons as role models, and always allow the kitten to approach at their own pace. With time, bonds like Mango and Melons’ can blossom beautifully.
PREGUNTAS FRECUENTES
Q: Why do kittens show their bellies when they sleep?
Exposing the belly is a sign of trust. When a kitten sleeps on their back, it means they feel completely safe and relaxed in their environment.
Q: Can a rescue kitten bond with a dog quickly?
Yes—especially if the dog is calm, gentle, and non-threatening. With careful introductions, many kittens quickly learn to trust and even cuddle with dogs.
Q: Is it safe to adopt a kitten found in a car engine?
It can be, but immediate veterinary care is essential. Kittens in such conditions are often malnourished, flea-ridden, or exposed to toxins like motor oil. Always schedule a vet visit first.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to lifo@snugglesouls.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
EN
DE
ES
PT