Kind people went to a property to help one cat but ended up with many more, including one with kittens on the way.
Last month, Marlene and her fellow animal rescuers went to an abandoned property to rescue one cat but discovered many more that needed their help.
Soon after securing the first cat, they noticed three others. Given the poor living conditions, the rescuers set up humane traps, hoping to get all the cats to safety, leaving no one behind.
In the end, seven cats were pulled from the hoarding situation, including one that was heavily pregnant.
“Understandably, they were all a little scared at first, but after a day or two in foster care, we could see they were very sweet,” Marlene shared with Love Meow.
Pickle, the expectant mother cat, was found while Marlene was at the house getting two other cats. “I didn’t know she was there. I was lucky enough to just put her in a carrier. She’s friendly, a little scared, and very hungry.”
One of the young cats, Fisher, was likely Pickle’s firstborn, clinging to her as she prepared for labor. He stayed by her side until she gave birth to her last litter of five.
Fisher snuggled up to Pickle, watching over her while she tended to her newborns. Still a baby himself, Fisher wanted to nurse and seek comfort from his mom. “Pickle was more than happy to feed both Fisher and her new babies.”
With encouragement from his foster mom, Fisher joined Norman, his feline best friend, allowing Mama Pickle to focus on raising her litter and giving the newborns the space they needed to thrive.
“Pickle has been amazing from the start, allowing me to weigh her babies each day and giving me permission to give them lots of human contact.”
In a clean and comfy nursery, the kittens made excellent gains and became more active each day. Once their eyes opened, they were on the move, shuffling around their nest, attempting to venture out.
Pickle kept a watchful eye on her five, preventing them from getting into too much trouble.
When the little pickles found their voices, they weren’t shy about using them to demand attention, constantly keeping their mom on her toes.
As their legs got stronger, they began lining up against the edge of their nest, plotting their escapades into the vast expanse beyond.
Marlene upgraded the little family to a spacious playpen where the kittens could explore and hone their gait.
With Pickle’s unconditional love, the kittens have grown by leaps and bounds. They watch attentively as their mom uses the litter box, eats from a dish, and drinks from a bowl.
Some of them have started imitating Pickle by sampling their first bite of solid food. With new pep under their feet and curiosity on the rise, their personalities are emerging.
Thanks to the compassionate rescuers, 12 cats and kittens have gained a new lease on life.
Fisher and Norman were recently adopted together and are now living their best life in a loving home. Pickle and her babies are flourishing in foster care.
Once the kittens are old enough to be independent, Pickle will retire from motherhood and live out her dream of being the center of attention, a cherished and pampered queen.
