Sara began feeding a black-and-white cat from a house nearby when she noticed the tuxedo had nowhere to go.
Her neighbors were evicted and left their cat behind. As the temperatures dropped into the teens, she built an insulated shelter with a large tub to keep the cat safe and warm.
She had always assumed the cat was male. Imagine her surprise when, one morning, she discovered the cat in active labor.
Stray Cat’s Unexpected Journey
“Once she realized she was not a boy but a laboring mom, she reached out for a rescue’s help,” Laila, an animal rescuer and fosterer, shared with Love Meow.
Laila knew the outdoor shelter would be too cold for the kittens and rushed to pick them up. On the ride home, the cat, Oreo, never left her kittens’ side, shielding them with her body, keeping them warm, and letting them nurse.
Oreo Finds Safety Indoors
“Once we got home, I gently removed the cold frozen towels from her box, took the lid off, and placed a soft blanket inside. Oreo was not 100% sure of my intentions, but she was extremely appreciative of being in a warm room, safe, and cared for.”
Laila brought food to the mom so she wouldn’t have to leave her kittens, hoping to gain her trust.
A Mother’s Love and Care
“Oreo is very sweet and protective with her babies, and only takes a break to eat and use the litter box then back to the babies.”
With each passing day, the momma grew more at ease with her foster family. She trusted Laila to watch over her litter of four while she stretched and replenished herself at the food station.
Growing Strong and Curious
The kittens grew stronger, each with a round belly. They snuggled together whenever their mom stepped away for a brief moment. While the weather was freezing outside, Oreo and her precious four nestled cozily indoors.
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Once the kittens’ eyes opened, they became more alert and curious about the world around them. “Even though they were starting to outgrow the box, Oreo was not moving them to a new spot.”
Moving to a Larger Space
At three weeks old, Laila brought the kittens to a larger space next to the box. After inspecting the new area, Oreo quickly approved.
“She is one of the best mama cats I have had the pleasure of fostering. She is so incredibly sweet.”
Oreo’s New Family
Oreo is grateful to have a roof over her head and boundless food available all day. She always keeps a watchful eye on her kittens, ensuring they don’t wander too far or get into trouble.
The Kittens Start Exploring
At four weeks old, the kittens, Oatmeal Raisin, Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter, and Snickerdoodle, venture beyond their nest, attempting to play. “They are also becoming more curious about food and water.”
While Oatmeal Raisin has perfected the beckoning cat pose, Peanut Butter is figuring out how to eat from a bowl by sitting on his mom’s food.
Thriving Thanks to Love and Care
Thanks to the compassion of their caretaker and foster family, Oreo and her kittens are thriving. Soon, the kittens will be scampering around, making playful mischief, and keeping their mom on her toes.
