A cat became a ray of sunshine when someone opened their home, so her four little kittens could thrive.
Raea@tinybutmightykittenrescue
Mellissa, founder of Tiny but Mighty Kitten Rescue, was contacted about a pregnant cat that was in desperate need of a foster home.
She was one of the 11 cats that had been rescued and needed placement. Ferdinand and Friends Animal Rescue Network swung into action to get these kitties into caring foster homes. They reached out to Mellissa, and she didn't hesitate to help.
"I immediately fell in love with the tuxedo cat (whom I named Raea), because she looked nearly identical to my first foster baby and now resident cat, Leia," Mellissa shared with Love Meow.
Raea was a bit shy when she first arrived@tinybutmightykittenrescue
Raea was a bit shy upon arrival and stayed in the carrier until she worked up the courage to come out and explore. "She was obviously confused and unsure of her new surroundings."
"She's been through so much and was transferred three times. Now, she finally gets to settle in."
She warmed up to her foster mom and started to trust@tinybutmightykittenrescue
Raea inspected the entire kitten room, used her litter box, and discovered her favorite spot to hang out - the window sill. "I let her settle in and then slowly worked on gaining her trust. She started warming up to me and the new environment."
After four days, Raea found her bearings and began to truly enjoy her new space. As soon as she felt at home, she went into labor and didn't leave any time to spare.
Raea gave birth to four kittens, two girls and two boys@tinybutmightykittenrescue
She birthed four healthy kittens in a safe, warm, comfy room with lots of support from her foster mom. Raea wolfed down an entire bowl of food in minutes while her littles nursed away ravenously.
From the start, Raea was extremely attentive to her tiny bundles of fur. She wouldn't leave their side for a minute, so Mellissa brought breakfast to her bed.
Mellissa brought food to Raea so she wouldn't forget to eat@tinybutmightykittenrescue
"She's such an incredible mom and really cares for her babies. If they make any sort of noise she is sure to immediately check on them," Mellissa told Love Meow.
Raea allowed her foster mom to weight her kittens and move them when she changed their bedding. "She fully trusts me with them which is so sweet."
@tinybutmightykittenrescue
When the kittens were soundly asleep, Raea would get some me-time and knead away on her blankets. She'd also seek attention from Mellissa and purr up a storm.
"Raea is slowly figuring out cat toys and is learning how to play. So far, she enjoys scratching her cardboard scratcher, the tower of tracks toy and loose catnips."
Raea started to show interest in toys@tinybutmightykittenrescue
When the kittens' eyes were wide open, ears unfolded, and feet pepped up, they were upgraded into a spacious nursery with plenty of room for the kittens to hone their skills and exercise their prowess.
Raea keeps a watchful eye on her four, making sure that they stay out of trouble.
@tinybutmightykittenrescue
It took the cat mama a little while to bond with people. When she let Mellissa pick her up for the first time, it was magical. She turned into mush and melted into her arms.
"It also made me realize just how tiny she really is under that fur."
She became her foster mom's a little "rae" of sunshine@tinybutmightykittenrescue
Once the kittens are old enough for adoption, Raea and her four will be spayed and neutered and look for their dream homes.
As for now, the kittens have a lot of growing to do and things to learn.
The kittens are starting to practice their walk@tinybutmightykittenrescue
After everything Raea has gone through, she is simply happy to never have to worry about food and safe shelter, and is starting to play like a kitten again.
@tinybutmightykittenrescue
Share this story with your friends. More on the cat family and Mellissa's fosters on Instagram @tinybutmightykittenrescue and Facebook.
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