A 7-year-old cat and her 3-year-old daughter were found pregnant, living in a cat colony in Alabama.
TNR volunteers from Forgotten Felines of Huntsville (in North Alabama) were able to rescue the mother and daughter pair along with 10+ other cats.
Robyn Anderson
Robyn Anderson, an avid foster carer from the rescue group, took in the mother and daughter duo so they could have a safe place to have their babies and someone to care for them.
"They came to me to foster on February 20th. We expected Kristi to have her kittens nearly immediately because she was so big (she looked like she'd swallowed a basketball). We figured we'd have a while to wait for Katia to have her kittens," Robyn told Love Meow.
A few days later, they woke up to quite a surprise.
Robyn Anderson
On February 25th, Robyn walked into the foster room to find that Katia had given birth to four healthy kittens - two black kittens and two black and white tuxedos.
"We were sure that Kristi would have her kittens very soon after, but were amazed that she didn't have them," she told Love Meow.
Robyn Anderson
They waited for another three weeks, and still no babies had arrived. They started getting worried.
"I finally planned to take her to the vet first thing Monday morning just to be sure she was OK, but she must have known my plans because she started having kittens at about 6:30 Monday morning."
Robyn Anderson
Over the next three hours, Kristi didn't want to be anywhere but with her daughter in her nursing pen.
"The entire time Kristi was in labor, Katia was right there with her, grooming her, soothing her, helping to clean the kittens as they were born. It was the most amazing thing I have ever seen." (Scroll down for video)
Robyn Anderson
Mama Kristi had a total of six healthy kittens. Katia was there to help clean the newborn kittens while nursing her own.
"I have heard of cats co-mothering their kittens, but didn't realize it came with midwife services too!"
Robyn Anderson
"I had assumed that Kristi would want to have her kittens in another location and then perhaps merge the two litters when they were a bit older, but she and Katia and their kittens are sharing the same crate, and it's going very well," Robyn told Love Meow.
"At first each litter of kittens gravitated toward their own mothers, but after a day, they all started nursing off both mothers."
Robyn Anderson
Once the kittens are big enough, they will all be spayed and neutered and put for adoption via Forgotten Felines of Huntsville.
As for now, the two mamas are working tirelessly, nursing their babies and keeping them clean and loved.
Robyn Anderson
Kristi and Katia are constantly cuddling, cheering each other on.
Robyn Anderson
Some of the older kittens even have started grooming the tinier ones and teaching them how to play.
"It is a wonderful and amazing experience, and I'm looking forward to watching them grow up together," Robyn told Love Meow.
Robyn Anderson
Follow updates on Kristi, Katia and their babies on Instagram and Facebook.
Watch their story in this video:
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Related story: Mom and Dad Cats Found With Their Kittens Abandoned in a Park - Cuddling and Keeping Their Babies Safe