They took in two kittens and a cat thought to be their mother, only to discover the gentle protector was a male. BestFriendsFelinesLast month, a concerned member of the public reached out to their local rescue, Best Friends Felines, after finding three struggling cats in their yard.Two of them were around two months old, clinging to a much larger orange-and-white cat. Although the rescue was already at full capacity, they couldn't turn the trio away and stepped in to help. The team quickly secured the two starving kittens along with the adult cat they had been told was their mom.It didn't take long for the team to realize that the "mother cat" was, in fact, a male. BestFriendsFelinesRescuers carefully combed the area to ensure no other cats or kittens had been left behind. After an extensive search, none were found. "Due to the state of the kittens, we suspect their mother cat has moved on," the rescue shared.The kittens, named Dobby and Gremlin, were underweight, dirty, and terrified of people, but they were finally safe. BestFriendsFelinesThe orange-and-white cat, named Linkle, was estimated to be around 18 months old. Gentle and sweet-natured, he didn't mind the kittens clinging to him or hiding behind him for comfort. "Even though life hasn't started off well for him, he has a huge heart and has shown great courage."From day one, Linkle stepped into the role of big brother, "snuggling up to the kittens, keeping them warm, and offering quiet comfort like a true little guardian." BestFriendsFelinesLinkle arrived with visible battle scars across his face, clear signs of a difficult life on the streets. Despite everything he'd been through, he made it his mission to protect the little ones. He was incredibly tolerant, allowing them to use him as a shield as they adjusted to their new world."Not long after coming into care, Linkle was seen giving one of the kittens a protective cuddle while they were all curled up sleeping. It just melted our hearts." LinkleBestFriendsFelinesLinkle surprised his foster family when he began playing "a game of cat footsies" not long after arriving. Though he was nervous, he showed just how much love he still had in him and how deeply he wanted to trust.The kittens are warming up to their people and learning that they always bring food. "Dobby is obsessed with bunny-kicking toys that are much bigger than he is and loves napping on a pair of dumbbells." DobbyBestFriendsFelinesGremlin, the smaller of the two, is a fluffy bundle with the most charming wispy ear tufts. He may be tiny, but what he lacks in size, he more than makes up for in personality. He loves tube treats and will race across the room to tackle his brother.Linkle is growing more confident by the day, settling into indoor life and warming up to the idea that humans can be trusted. He's discovered his reflection in the mirrors and developed a love for treats, but whenever his little brothers demand attention, he's right there, ready to shower them with affection. GremlinBestFriendsFelinesThanks to the timely rescue, Linkle and the kittens no longer have to worry about where their next meal will come from. Every night, they nestle together in a warm bed and fall asleep to the soothing sound of their purrs.Linkle remains a devoted big brother with so much love to give. "With patience, love, and a safe home, we know Linkle's true colors are going to shine. Whoever gets to call him theirs will be very lucky indeed." BestFriendsFelinesShare this story with your friends. More on Linkle, Gremlin, Dobby, and Best Friends Felines on Instagram @bestfriendsfelines and Facebook.Related story: Couple Went to Shelter Just to 'Look at' a Cat with Enormous Cheeks, It Turned Out to Be So Much More