A cat instantly took to five kittens saved from a broken-down motorhome, making their world much brighter.
During a cleanup of a homeless encampment, county workers discovered five tiny kittens huddled beneath a broken-down RV in a pile of trash. The mother cat was nowhere in sight.
“They were not expecting to find animals and had very little time before a construction crew was scheduled to start work there,” Alley Cat Rescue (LA region) shared with Love Meow.
Unable to find the mom, they scooped up the kittens “hours before it was razed to the ground” and sought help for them.
Volunteers for Alley Cat Rescue took the five newborns into their care and started bottle-feeding them. Over the following few days, they provided the litter with round-the-clock attention, keeping them fed, warm, and clean.
“Some of the babies took to drinking from a bottle better than others.”
At such a tender age, kittens are vulnerable without the nurturing of a mother and her milk. Having a good appetite and making steady gains are crucial to their survival.
The little runt of the litter struggled to eat, but their caregivers never stopped fighting for them. When some of the kittens began to open their eyes, the others worked their hardest to catch up in size and development.
“Two of them were much smaller than the rest and slower to reach certain milestones such as opening their eyes. We hoped for the best.”
Just when they were starting to get concerned about the weakest siblings, a feline family of three arrived at the rescue. The timing couldn’t have been better, and it renewed their hope for the orphaned kittens.
“Belle (the mother cat) came to Alley Cat Rescue with two older kittens who had just finished nursing. It was a lucky coincidence.”
The family of three quickly settled into a comfy nursery with an abundance of food and all the amenities. “We introduced Belle to the babies, and she started grooming and nursing them in an instant.”
Much to their delight, Belle took to the newcomers and dove into mommy duties as her instincts kicked in. She bathed them from head to tail, let them nurse, and even cradled them in her arms.
“Nothing beats a real, warm, purring mommy cat, and even the two smaller kittens seem to be thriving.”
All five kittens were lined up comfortably on Belle’s belly, kneading and nursing away in bliss. Basking in her love, the appetites of the smaller kittens were reinvigorated, and they began putting on weight consistently.
“The little grey baby is still so tiny, but we know she couldn’t be in a better position to grow now that she has Belle.”
Belle is attentive and protective of her kittens, doting on each of them and ensuring they are fed and clean. “The kittens are growing and doing well with Belle in their foster home.”
One of her older kittens enjoys spending time with the tiny ones, nursing alongside them, keeping them company, and napping in a purr pile with them.
The five kittens found in the encampment are now flourishing with their new mom, siblings, and kind people who make sure their future is bright and filled with love and pampering.
