Staff Find Young Cat and 3 Kittens with a Note Outside, Within Minutes, Their Lives Transformed Forever

via Staff Find Young Cat and 3 Kittens with a Note Outside, Within Minutes, Their Lives Transformed Forever

Adoption center staff discovered a young cat and three kittens outside with a note. Within minutes, their lives changed forever.

Ellen Richter

It was closing time at Homeward Bound Cat Adoptions when a staff member noticed two pet carriers stacked outside the nearby veterinary clinic.

It was Labor Day, and the clinic was closed. Concerned, they went to investigate. Inside the bottom carrier was a young mother cat, and in the top one were her three kittens, all panting heavily in the relentless heat.

Resting on top was a torn scrap of lined paper with just a few words: "I'm sorry. Good kitty girl. No $. Please help!"

Homeward Bound Cat Adoptions

The staff sprang into action, bringing the carriers inside to cool the cats and offer fresh water.

Foster volunteer Ellen Richter quickly stepped in, ensuring the little family had a safe, comfortable place to land. "If you or someone you know is in crisis and feels like there's no other option, please reach out. There are solutions, and we are here to help," Homeward Bound Cat Adoptions shared.

Homeward Bound Cat Adoptions

"Their journey is only beginning, but now they have a bright future ahead."

After two quiet days of decompressing in a cozy foster room, the young mother, named Italia Ristretto, came out of her shell and began to seek affection. "She's very sweet, friendly, and loving. It was clear she was done with the whole mom thing," Ellen said.

ItaliaEllen Richter

Still a kitten, Italia seemed relieved to pass the parenting duties along. She climbed into Ellen's lap, soaking up every bit of affection and showing how much she enjoyed being the center of attention.

While Italia rediscovered her playful side, her kittens began exploring their new surroundings with wide-eyed wonder.

Ellen Richter

The smallest, Pecan Caramel Purrmacchiato, looks nearly identical to her brother, Mocha Toffee Meowcha, both with sandy, ticked tabby coats that shimmer in the light. Their sister, Cinnamon Swirl Catpuccino, is a stunning striped tabby. "Two of them have extra thumbs."

Though shy at first, the kittens grew bolder each day, venturing farther from their comfort zone and letting their personalities shine.

Pecan and MochaEllen Richter

Once they realized people weren't so scary, the kittens turned their foster mom into their personal jungle gym.

One by one, they scrambled up her shoulders, perching like tiny supervisors surveying the room. With newfound confidence, they explored every corner, wrestled with toys, and practiced their kitten acrobatics.

CinnamonEllen Richter

While the kittens hone their feline skills, Italia is preparing for the good life she deserves.

She has been nothing but a love bug since her rescue—gentle, trusting, and eager to please. She'll never have to raise another litter or be left outside in the heat again. Now, she follows people around like a shadow, the perfect companion.

Ellen Richter

At around seven weeks old, the tabbies have entered the whirlwind stage of kittenhood. Their days are filled with wild zoomies, wrestling matches, and fearless exploration.

When they finally tire themselves out, they curl up in the sun on a soft blanket, sometimes with their paws tucked neatly under them like perfect loaves of bread.

Ellen Richter

Thanks to the swift response and compassion of the staff, the young mother and her kittens were saved from the heat and given a second chance.

Now, they spend their days leaping after toys, climbing furniture, and bringing boundless joy to their foster home.

Ellen Richter

Share this story with your friends. More on Ellen's fosters on Instagram@foster_kitten_tails and Homeward Bound Cat Adoptions @homewardboundcats.

Related story: Kitten Jumps Out of the Woods and Runs Straight to People, in a Few Days Her Life Takes an Exciting Turn

Read More

They Find Four Kittens Born Between Fences and Give the Smallest Cat the Extra Help She Needs

via They Find Four Kittens Born Between Fences and Give the Smallest Cat the Extra Help She Needs

They found four kittens born between two fences and gave the smallest cat the extra help she needed.

Whiskers-a-GoGo

About three months ago, Leanne, a volunteer with Whiskers-a-GoGo (a cat rescue organization), received a message about a litter of kittens living in a precarious spot.

The kittens had been born in a narrow gap between a chain-link fence and a wooden fence. With the homeowner's permission, Leanne carefully cut away part of the wooden fence so she could reach in and safely remove the kittens.

All four were tiny, but one was noticeably small. Leanne knew instantly that this little runt would need extra attention.

They were born between a chain-link fence and a wooden fenceWhiskers-a-GoGo

Knowing the importance of keeping newborn kittens with their mom, Leanne set a humane trap to rescue the mother cat as well. That day, the whole family was brought to safety and into foster care.

No longer wedged between fences, the kittens could now grow up in a safe and loving environment.

The kittens and their momWhiskers-a-GoGo

Once settled in, the mom sadly rejected the fragile little runt and removed her from the nest. In the wild, mother cats often prioritize the strongest kittens to give the litter its best chance of survival.

"Hamster (the little runt) was an impossibly small calico with a megaphone for a voice and a will to live," Whiskers-a-GoGo shared.

Hamster was the smallest kitten and needed extra helpWhiskers-a-GoGo

Against all odds, Hamster refused to give up. At one week old, she weighed only 85 grams—smaller than a typical newborn kitten. When she was offered a bottle, she latched on with fierce determination. Within two days, she gained eight grams.

She was still incredibly small, but it was a hopeful start on her journey to catch up with her siblings.

Whiskers-a-GoGo

"She has started to purr and 'make biscuits' and has a set of lungs that could wake up the folks in her old neighborhood when she wants to eat," Leanne shared.

Every feeding was followed by a warm cuddle session, ensuring Hamster never felt alone. Day by day, she grew stronger, more playful, and more curious, and finally began to feel like a real kitten.

Whiskers-a-GoGo

As the kittens were weaned, their mom happily retired from motherhood. Hamster was thrilled to be back with her siblings. The once-delicate runt was now brimming with energy and a bold attitude.

"She tackles her siblings like a linebacker. She is also very excited about food. Her face is perpetually dirty because she doesn't so much eat from her plate but rather occupies it."

Whiskers-a-GoGo

Pipsqueak, who shares a striking resemblance to Hamster, loves to wrestle and is always game for a playful scuffle.

Cupcake, the fluffy black-and-white kitten, is the biggest of the litter and melts into a puddle whenever he's held. Macaroni, the white kitten with an orange cap, quietly seeks affection like a polite little gentleman.

Left: Pipsqueak; Right: Hamster (in the back) curled up in a cuddle puddle with her siblingsWhiskers-a-GoGo

Hamster, once the tiniest of them all, has now outgrown two of her siblings.

She's known for her boundless energy, fearless spirit, and voracious appetite. One moment, she's sweet and cuddly; the next, she's launching an ambush on her siblings when they least expect it. The little trouble-maker is constantly plotting her next antic.

Hamster and CupcakeWhiskers-a-GoGo

Hamster not only survived but thrived. Now, she and her siblings are ready to look for their forever homes. "These little kittens went from being stuck between fences at one week old to a life of safety and love."

Whiskers-a-GoGo

Share this story with your friends. More on the kittens (in NYC) and Whiskers-a-GoGo on Instagram@whiskers_agogo and Facebook.

Related story: Cat Leads Kind Person to a Tub of Kittens She's Looked After, She's So Happy to Finally Have Help

Read More

Family Adopted Kittens Then Came Back for Their Mother Cat, Leading to the Sweetest Reunion

via Family Adopted Kittens Then Came Back for Their Mother Cat, Leading to the Sweetest Reunion

A family adopted two kittens then came back for their mother cat, leading to the sweetest reunion.

Buttercup and her kittens, Inigo and Westley@buttercupandherboys

It all began when Heidi Shoemaker, founder of Foster Kitten Mama (a volunteer-run rescue), took in a cat and her four kittens from a shelter several states away.

The mother, named Buttercup, was painfully thin, having poured all her energy into nursing her hungry babies. Upon arrival, the curious little quartet began exploring their new space and even tried scaling the sides of their playpen.

Buttercup quickly settled in, enjoying the extra room, soft blankets, and the all-you-can-eat buffet.

FosterKittenMama

"Buttercup is one of the thinnest cats I've ever had. She is so gentle and sweet despite all she's been through," Heidi shared. "I'm so glad she and her babies are here with me. Only the best for her now."

With two tabbies, a gray kitten, and a "house panther," the room was constantly alive with the pitter-patter of tiny paws.

FosterKittenMama

Inigo, one of the tabbies, was clearly a mama's boy. While his brothers (Fezzik, Max, and Westley) zoomed around, chasing toys and each other, he stayed close to Buttercup, always within paw's reach. Even during play, he never strayed far from her side.

Knowing how often mother cats are overlooked, Heidi started looking for a home for Buttercup early, hoping the right family would come along soon.

Buttercup and Inigo, a mama's boyFosterKittenMama

When the kittens were old enough for adoption, Fezzik and Max were the first to find a home together. Soon after, a family searching for a companion for their cat, Gracie, adopted Inigo and Westley when they realized two kittens were better than one.

To keep Buttercup from feeling lonely, Heidi's daughter invited her to stay in her bedroom for extra snuggles.

Inigo, Westley, Fezzik, and MaxFosterKittenMama

During the day, Buttercup would wander downstairs to spend time with the whole household, curling up in their laps and quietly hoping that her turn for a forever family would come soon.

"She came from a hard life, but gave everything she had to her babies. Now, she needs someone to baby and care for her."

Buttercup spent a lot of time with her foster family after all her kittens had been adoptedFosterKittenMama

Then came the best news Heidi could have hoped for: the family who had adopted Inigo and Westley reached out. They couldn't stop thinking about Buttercup and decided to bring her home, too.

"Buttercup was reunited with her boys, and Inigo couldn't get enough of his mom."

The family who had adopted Inigo and Westley, returned for Buttercup. It was the sweetest reunion@buttercupandherboys

Inigo (the mama's boy) followed Buttercup everywhere, his tail quivering with excitement. He even stood on is hind legs, reaching up to wrap his paws around her in a hug.

Soon, both kittens were snuggling against their mom as she groomed them one by one, just like old times.

@buttercupandherboys

"We heard Buttercup was upset and crying (after the last two kittens left)," the adopter shared. "I knew we had to go back for her. They were only apart for a few days. Now, we're a family of eight."

"Buttercup reminds me so much of our old cat, Deuce. He was a loving part of our family through our kids' earliest days."

@buttercupandherboys

Buttercup not only shares Deuce's coloring but also his gentle, affectionate nature. "It feels meant to be."

The trio has already met their new feline sister, Gracie, and they're getting along beautifully. Inigo still clings to his mom like a shadow, playing with her tail, copying her every move, and wrapping his paws around her whenever he wants attention.

Inigo still follows Buttercup everywhere@buttercupandherboys

Now, Buttercup is right where she belongs, surrounded by her kittens, adored by her humans, and finally living the happy life she always deserved.

@buttercupandherboys

Share this story with your friends. More cats and kittens at Foster Kitten Mama on Instagram@fosterkittenmama and more on Buttercup and her kittens @buttercupandherboys.

Related story: Cat with a Bent Ear Comes Up to People for Help, They Get Her Indoors Just in Time for Her Kittens to Arrive

Read More

They Take in Two Barn Kittens, Though Not from the Same Litter, The Cats Are Meant to Be Together

via They Take in Two Barn Kittens, Though Not from the Same Litter, The Cats Are Meant to Be Together

They took in two barn kittens in desperate need of help. Though not from the same litter, the cats were destined to be together.

Jelly and BeanSaltyAnimalRescue

About two months ago, Karly from Salty Animal Rescue welcomed two kittens who urgently needed a safe place to land.

They were rescued along with 10 other kittens from a farm in a joint effort between Salty Animal Rescue and Bark at the Moon. "I believe these two girls are from different litters," Karly shared. "The smokey one was especially tiny, weighing just 215 grams at around three weeks old."

Within two days in foster care, the smaller kitten perked up and began to gain weight.

They were rescued from a barnSaltyAnimalRescue

The two were affectionately named Jelly (a tiny house panther) and Bean (a smokey fluffball). They took to bottle-feeding like pros, and after just a week of round-the-clock care, they plumped up, especially Jelly.

"I wasn't sure Bean would make it when we first got her. She was so tiny and underweight for her age."

SaltyAnimalRescue

Bean was treated for a case of the sniffles and poured every bit of strength into eating. As she grew stronger, fluffier, and more alert, she started to resemble a tiny Ewok with her round face and wispy fur.

Before long, both kittens were sporting healthy, round bellies, and they flaunted them after every meal. "They are finally eating on their own and starting to bounce around, play, and enjoy all the fun kitten things."

As Bean grew bigger, her smokey coat became fluffierSaltyAnimalRescue

With their newfound strength came their voices and purrs, filling the room with constant squeaks and rumbling. "They are slowly starting to learn that they don't need to swim in their food, and they've mastered the litter box."

Bean surprised everyone by pulling through that first critical week. Now, she storms around the room like a tiny tornado.

SaltyAnimalRescue

With plenty of space to zoom around, toys to chase, and cat trees to climb, the kittens are thriving. "They may not be from the same litter, but they've been inseparable since their rescue."

Each day, their bond grows stronger, showing how much they're meant to stay together.

SaltyAnimalRescue

"Jelly is easygoing, always bouncing around and playing. She may be shy at first, but she adores snuggles. She also has these tiny white hairs over one eye that make her extra cute."

Jelly finds comfort in Bean, her "sister from another mister," as they explore the world together.

SaltyAnimalRescue

Bean's funny faces and expressive personality always put a smile on people's faces. She's a little diva—big on drama but even bigger on love.

With her plush silver coat and signature ear tufts, Bean has grown into a striking little cat. She's also a total lap kitten, happiest when curled up beside Jelly or in a warm set of arms. She looks magical next to her sleek, panther-like sister.

SaltyAnimalRescue

Though not from the same litter, their bond is undeniable. If one hops up onto a cat tree, the other is right behind her. If they lose sight of one another, they'll immediately seek each other out.

To date, many rescuers have come together to help more than 30 cats and kittens from that farm, including the inseparable Jelly and Bean.

Though not from the same litter, they are completely inseparableSaltyAnimalRescue

Thanks to the compassion and tireless work of the rescuers, Jelly and Bean—and many others—got a second chance they deserved.

They've grown stronger, braver, and more affectionate with each passing day. Now, they're ready for the next chapter: a forever home where they'll never have to be apart.

SaltyAnimalRescue

Share this story with your friends. More on Jelly and Bean and Salty Animal Rescue (in Ontario) on Instagram@saltyanimalrescue.

Related story: Two Kittens Seek Help Together, One of Them Appears Blind But Days Later They Discover He Can See

Read More

While Woman Fosters Two Tiny Kittens, This Cat Offers to Help in Unexpectedly Adorable Way

via While Woman Fosters Two Tiny Kittens, This Cat Offers to Help in Unexpectedly Adorable Way

While a woman fostered two tiny kittens, this cat offered to help in an unexpectedly adorable way.

Molly@nyfosterkittens

When Molly learned that two orphaned kittens at the SPCA of Tompkins County needed a temporary fosterer, she didn't hesitate to take them in.

"I was excited to have bottle babies for the first time in a long time," Molly shared. A few hours after she brought them home, the shelter called about a mother cat who had arrived without kittens and whose past was unknown.

When Delilah, the young mom, was rescued, she was scrawny and still just a kitten herself.

Molly@nyfosterkittens

Since Delilah was producing milk, the shelter asked Molly if she could introduce her to the kittens to see if she would accept them. "I drove back to the shelter and picked her up."

Though a bit confused by the new surroundings, Delilah was friendly and absolutely ravenous. She didn't pay attention to the kittens and instead made a beeline for the food, devouring an entire can in one go. Within two hours, she happily polished off two tube treats and two more cans.

DelilahMolly@nyfosterkittens

The kittens slept soundly while Delilah busied herself filling her belly. When she finally noticed them, it was clear that nurturing kittens wasn't on her agenda. Molly gave her more time, hoping her motherly instincts would eventually kick in, but they never did.

"She shows no interest in mothering them, and that's okay."

Molly@nyfosterkittens

While Molly bottle-fed the kittens around the clock, Delilah stayed close. She spent some time gazing out the window, but she never strayed far from her foster mom. In a manner Molly never anticipated, Delilah found her own way to be helpful.

"I decided to sleep in the foster room so as not to wake up my husband every time my alarm goes off to feed the kittens."

Molly@nyfosterkittens

"Look who hopped right into bed with me." Delilah nestled into Molly's arms as if she'd been waiting for this all day.

Soon, she drifted off to sleep, feeling perfectly content. "I had to carefully extricate myself from the bed to feed the kittens while Delilah got some well-deserved sleep. Even when the kittens mewed, Delilah didn't open an eye."

Molly@nyfosterkittens

"I bottle-fed the kittens, and whenever I wasn't busy with them, I gave Delilah all the attention she deserved. As soon as I crawled into bed, she flopped herself down in the crook of my neck and cuddled up to me. She slept beside me all night."

The next day, Delilah continued her cuddling streak, leaping straight into Molly's arms as soon as the kittens were fed.

Molly@nyfosterkittens

Though she didn't take on the role of mothering the kittens, she supported her foster mom with cuddles and purrs. As Molly tried to rest for a couple of hours before the next feeding, Delilah curled up next to her, purring the sweetest lullaby.

"She would be a perfect work-from-home companion as she just wants to spend as much time with her humans as possible."

Molly@nyfosterkittens

After everything Delilah had been through before entering foster care, she could finally focus on herself, growing stronger and healthier each day.

Though Delilah's time with Molly was brief, she filled those days with immeasurable joy, making those sleepless nights much easier. When the time came for her adoption, a loving family had been counting down the days to bring her home.

Molly@nyfosterkittens

Within an hour, she was adopted from the shelter and on her way to her dream home. Meanwhile, the two kittens, Dante and Tristan, continued to flourish in foster care, growing by leaps and bounds.

Delilah didn't end up nursing the orphaned kittens, but she found the sweetest way to help by showering her foster mom with endless affection.

Molly@nyfosterkittens

Share this story with your friends. More on Molly's fosters on Instagram@nyfosterkittens. More on the SPCA of Tompkins County @spcaoftompkinscounty.

Related story: Stray Cat Steps into a Home for the First Time After Being Outside for Years, His World Completely Changes

Read More