A cat given a second chance with her kittens finally saw her wish come true, just in time for the holidays.
Snowpea the cat and her five kittensAlley Cat Rescue
When volunteers at Alley Cat Rescue learned that a mother cat and her five kittens desperately needed a safe place, they stepped in without hesitation.
Though exhausted and underweight, the cat, named Snowpea (aka Marian), gave everything she had to her kittens. She kept them safe, warm, and fed, even when she was starving and had nothing left to give.
Snowpea needed saving just as much as her kittens did.
Alley Cat Rescue
As the kittens grew stronger, they began waddling around the nest, eager to explore their surroundings. At the slightest squeak, Snowpea rushed to their side, showering them with affection.
The kittens kept their mom on her toes, and Snowpea rarely allowed herself a moment of rest.
She was very attentive to her kittensAlley Cat Rescue
Soon, the foster family noticed that Snowpea was suffering from mastitis, a painful condition that made nursing extremely difficult. Still, she pushed through the discomfort and continued caring for her kittens as best she could.
"Many cats who give birth outdoors end up in this condition, especially when they have litter after litter, and most do," Alley Cat Rescue shared.
Alley Cat Rescue
To give Snowpea a chance to heal, the team began bottle-feeding the kittens while she received medical care. "She was painfully thin. We took over with bottle feeding, and she recovered with antibiotics and high-calorie food."
Even during her recovery, Snowpea insisted on mothering her kittens, lovingly grooming each one after every feeding.
Alley Cat Rescue
The smaller kittens received extra meals to help them catch up. Soon, they grew plump and active, toddling beyond the nest with growing confidence. Snowpea seemed relieved by the support and was able to rest and rebuild her strength.
"With this many kittens, mama needs lots of human help."
Alley Cat Rescue
Once the kittens were fully weaned, Snowpea could finally focus on herself and enjoy some well-earned me-time. Raising five kittens is no small task for a cat with a tiny frame.
"Luckily, she won't need to worry about feeding anyone except herself for the rest of her life. She's got a great appetite, and her coat is already improved and shiny."
Alley Cat Rescue
The kittens' baby blues started to change color, and their coats grew thicker and fluffier. Safe from the dangers of the streets, they would never again have to wonder where their next meal would come from.
"That is why we work so hard together to keep them safe through rescue and foster, and to prevent suffering through spaying and neutering."
Alley Cat Rescue
Snowpea has filled out beautifully and is no longer the weary, skinny mama she once was. "She turned out to be even more gorgeous than we'd expected."
After months in foster care, she has found her forever home and is enjoying life as the center of attention she always wanted. "She is going to grace her happy new home with her beautiful fluff and precious squeak of a meow."
Snowpea has blossomed into a fluffy and stunning catAlley Cat Rescue
Thanks to the compassion and dedication of these volunteers, Snowpea and her kittens are thriving, surrounded by warmth, comfort, and love this holiday season.
Alley Cat Rescue
Share this story with your friends. More cats and kittens at Alley Cat Rescue on Instagram and Facebook.
Related story: Kitten Found Under Car Became Very Close to Two Cats Waiting for Home, They Just Got Their Wish Together