Orange Kittens Charm Distillery Staff and Claim It as Home
In the spring of 2017, the staff of Jeptha Creed Distillery in Kentucky received the cutest surprise while spreading straw on their property — four tiny orange kittens tumbled out of a hay bale, changing the course of life at the distillery forever.
A Surprising Discovery
While performing routine work around the grounds, the staff noticed something unusual. As they lifted a bale of hay, four adorable kittens — eyes barely open — emerged from within. Autumn Nethery, co-owner and vice president of operations at Jeptha Creed, shared the unforgettable moment with The Dodo:
“As we were spreading straw and picking up hay bales, they just came tumbling out of one of them.”
Despite an immediate search, the staff couldn’t find the kittens’ mother. It quickly became clear that the kittens had been abandoned and were in desperate need of help. They were frail, undernourished, and clinging to life.
A Furry Addition to the Distillery
Rather than panic, the distillery team stepped up. With a history of contemplating adding a cat to the property, the team saw a sign — and decided to adopt all four.
They named the kittens after key distillery ingredients:
- Malt
- Wheat
- Barley
- Rye
From the moment of discovery, the staff rotated responsibilities to bottle-feed the kittens, each member playing a role in raising them.
Thriving at the Distillery
Years later, the tiny kittens have transformed into confident, healthy cats who love their unique home. Their daily routines include sun-soaked naps in their custom catio and greeting visitors, often making appearances during tours.
“During the day, they are typically napping,” said Nethery. “But when the tours come through, they will wake up. They’ll put on a show — they love to be pet. They love the attention.”
Cats With Personality — and a Purpose
Beyond cuddles and charisma, Malt, Wheat, Barley, and Rye also double as the distillery’s adorable nighttime security guards. When the sun sets, they patrol the grounds with feline precision.
The public can’t get enough of the sisters’ charm. One TikTok viewer commented, “Love seeing a female-run business!”, referencing both the distillery’s leadership and its unusual, entirely female feline team.
Even more unique is their genetic rarity — while only around 20% of orange tabby cats are female, all four of these charming sisters sport beautiful, copper-orange coats that are as distinct as their story.
Beloved Symbols of Jeptha Creed
Now iconic members of the team, the cats have become symbols of warmth, community, and serendipity. Whether they’re napping in their favorite corners or strolling through whiskey barrels, they bring joy to everyone around them.
For Jeptha Creed Distillery, the kittens were more than a discovery — they were a blessing. Their presence is a daily reminder of nature’s surprises and the loving spirit of those who nurture it.
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