A cat found help just in time so her kittens could be saved. The runt of the litter was determined to stand out.
Eight weeks ago, a rescued cat was brought to an emergency veterinary hospital when she was having difficulty birthing her litter.
After many hours of being in labor, only one kitten, Fozzie, made it out of the womb. The cat mom, Mango, wasn't able to deliver the rest. Through an emergency c-section, three other kittens were saved and reunited with their mom and sibling.
The 2-year-old cat Mango and her litter of four were later transferred to Sparkle Cat Rescue, an all-volunteer rescue in Burlington, North Carolina, for a chance at a better life.
Mango was very stressed after a rough childbirth, but things began to change when she arrived in her foster home and nestled in a quiet room with her babies.
"I stayed in the room with her when I got them home and made sure she accepted all the kittens. Once she settled in at home and away from hospital, she was wonderful," Stephanie Grantham, Co-Founder of Sparkle Cat Rescue, told Love Meow.
The sweet mama was so content with her tiny bundles nursing away on her belly. As the kittens grew bigger and started to waddle about, they noticed that one of them had the cutest snout.
Honey Bear, the runt of the litter, was very quiet for the first couple of weeks. She spent most of her time eating and sleeping by her mom, trying her hardest to catch up in size with her siblings.
As soon as she figured out her legs and started to play, she began to demand attention and affection whenever she got a chance.
"She was the quietest for a long time and was last to be very active. Even as a tiny neonate, she would nuzzle her head against your face," Stephanie shared with Love Meow.
The little tabby girl was born with a nose shaped like a tiny butterfly. They didn't notice any difference until she was bigger and her nose became more pronounced.
Over the next few weeks, the tiny kitty really blossomed and her personality started to shine.
She's a full-fledged love-bug and never shy of asking for cuddles from her humans.
Watch Honey Bear and her family in this cute video:
"She's always been extremely affectionate. Every time you go in the room, she's the first one at your feet for attention and to be picked up and swaddled like a baby," Stephanie added.
"Honey Bear is super loving and adores being held and talked sweetly to and does great air biscuits."
The sweet kitty holds her own and keeps up with her bigger siblings (Fozzie, Sugar Bear and Lulu) when they play together.
Honey Bear enjoys being the center of attention and doesn't mind the camera in front of her. She's a people-cat and relishes every minute she spends with her humans.
Her nose may be shaped differently, but it doesn't slow her down in any way.
"We haven't confirmed she has a cleft lip. We will have a vet visit for the whole litter soon as they just turned eight weeks old and ready for first vaccines," Stephanie told Love Meow.
In a few weeks, the little family of five will be ready for their next chapter in life -- their forever homes.
The kittens have been honing their climbing skills and scampering around the room like they own it. They still comfort-nurse on their mom even though they can eat from a dish on their own.
"Mango has been such a nurturing mother. She's been wonderful to her babies since rescue. She will never endure birthing again, and is looking for a home of her own once her babies are old enough to be on their own."
Honey Bear continues to steal hearts with her adorable personality and irresistible little face.
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