When four tiny orange kittens unexpectedly tumbled out of a hay bale at Kentucky’s Jeptha Creed Distillery in the spring of 2017, the staff had no idea they were about to gain more than just feline companions. What began as a surprising discovery quickly turned into a heartwarming tale of rescue, recovery, and an unconventional workplace family. Today, these four cats—named Malt, Wheat, Barley, and Rye—are not only beloved mascots but also unofficial employees of the distillery. Their story is a delightful example of how animals can find their way into our lives and hearts, even in the most unexpected places.

The kittens were found while the distillery staff was spreading straw across the property. According to Autumn Nethery, co-owner and vice president of operations at Jeptha Creed, the kittens came tumbling out of one of the bales, clearly in need of help. Their mother was nowhere to be found, and it was evident the kittens had been on their own for some time. “They were tiny,” Nethery told The Dodo. “They were clearly starving.”

The staff didn’t hesitate. They had already been considering bringing a cat onto the property, so taking in four seemed like a natural extension of that plan. Each kitten was named after a distilling ingredient, a fitting tribute to their new home. The team took turns bottle-feeding the kittens, who were so young their eyes had only just opened. This early care was crucial to their survival and helped form a strong bond between the cats and their human caregivers.

Over the years, Malt, Wheat, Barley, and Rye have grown into healthy adult cats who thrive in the distillery environment. They enjoy lounging in their custom-built catio and interacting with both staff and visitors. “During the day, they are typically napping,” Nethery said. “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.”

The cats are more than just charming additions to the property. They also contribute in practical ways. At night, they patrol the grounds, acting as natural pest control and unofficial security guards. This dual role as both entertainers and protectors has made them indispensable members of the Jeptha Creed team.

One particularly endearing detail is that all four cats are female orange tabbies—a rare genetic occurrence. Typically, only about 20 percent of orange cats are female, making this quartet especially unique. Their matching copper coats add to their visual appeal and have helped them become local celebrities in their own right.

Visitors to the distillery often comment on the cats, with one person on TikTok noting, “Love seeing a female-run business.” It’s a light-hearted nod to both the cats’ gender and their apparent sense of ownership over the distillery grounds. I found this detail striking, not only for its humor but also for the way it captures the spirit of the story—unexpected, endearing, and quietly empowering.

The presence of these cats has brought joy to countless people who have visited the distillery over the past eight years. Their story also highlights the importance of animal rescue and the impact that even small acts of kindness can have. The staff didn’t set out to become caretakers of four orphaned kittens, but their willingness to step up changed the lives of those animals—and, in turn, enriched their own workplace.

For those interested in keeping up with Malt, Wheat, Barley, and Rye, Jeptha Creed Distillery shares regular updates on TikTok and Instagram. The cats continue to charm followers with their antics and relaxed demeanor, serving as ongoing reminders of the unexpected joys that can come from opening one’s heart to animals in need.

Whether you’re a fan of distilleries, animal rescue stories, or just enjoy a feel-good tale with a unique twist, the story of these four orange kittens is one that resonates. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best additions to a team aren’t the ones you plan for—they’re the ones who find you when you least expect it.

Read more at thedodo.com