A cat showed up in someone's garage and was taken in by volunteers. Shortly after, she had kittens in their building.
Lillian the catCindy Miller and Tina Brink
About two months ago, a resident was stunned to find a stray cat in their garage, seeking shelter and food. The cat appeared to be friendly and pregnant.
The finder reached out to the rescue community for help. Volunteers of The Meow Mission, a TNR group, leapt into action. They were able to bring the cat to safety and took her into their building.
When they later returned to the facility, they walked into quite the surprise.
She was found in someone's garage as a strayThe Meow Mission
The cat, named Lillian, went into labor on Memorial Day and eventually gave birth to a litter of four.
"She was a perfect mom during birth. Her instinct kicked in, and she shifted into mama bear mode," The Meow Mission shared. "We stayed nearby to keep an eye on her. She definitely appreciated the company."
Shortly after Lillian arrived at The Meow Mission building, she went into laborThe Meow Mission
A partner rescue, Pet Refuge, took the family of five into their adoption program. Once the kittens were of the appropriate age and weight, they would be spayed and neutered (so would their mom).
Foster volunteers, Cindy Miller and Tina Brink, welcomed them into their home with open arms. Lillian adjusted well to her new space as if she was back in her element.
She gave birth to a litter of four and was a great mom from the startThe Meow Mission
"On the first day, she checked the room over, looked in all the corners and deemed it a safe place to raise her babies. She seemed to trust us right from the beginning, which was a huge relief," Cindy shared with Love Meow.
Lillian provided undivided attention and watched over her babies every step of the way. The kittens grew by leaps and bounds and never lacked an ounce of love.
The Meow Mission
She taught them feline skills and made sure that they stayed out of trouble.
One day, Lillian decided to demonstrate to her kittens the proper litter box etiquette. She stepped in a small box and called to her four to come watch and learn.
Cindy Miller and Tina Brink
"She gently dug in the litter and then stepped out. One kitten got in and actually peed." Lillian always checked the litter box after they were done to make sure everything was covered neatly.
She liked to hover over her kittens and even hop on the cat tree to tend to their whims.
She liked to hover over her kittensCindy Miller and Tina Brink
"The slightest peep or cry would send her running to check on them no matter how much she was enjoying our attention."
Even after the kittens were weaned, they still nestled up to their mom for comfort-nursing.
Cindy Miller and Tina Brink
The kittens blossomed into happy, boisterous young cats and started spending more time on their own.
While they zoomed around the house, creating mayhem, Lillian enjoyed peace and quiet and the company of her people, being the center of their attention.
Cindy Miller and Tina Brink
"Lillian's kittens are fortunate, but most kittens born outdoors are not. There is a real overpopulation crisis across the US coupled with overcrowded shelters everywhere," The Meow Mission shared.
The four tabby kittens are thriving and ready to find their forever home.
Cindy Miller and Tina Brink
Today, Lillian is graduating from foster care and being adopted to her new home. She will never have to wander the streets or raise another litter.
She can enjoy just being a cat, playing to her heart's content, basking in the sun by the window and getting all the attention from her people.
Cindy Miller and Tina Brink
Share this story with your friends. More on The Meow Mission and Pet Refuge on Facebook.
Related story: Stray Cat Adopts a Litter of Kittens and Raises Them Alongside Her Own