They took in a very timid cat and her four kittens. After many weeks, they all got the happiest ending.
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About two months ago, Heidi Shoemaker, the founder of Foster Kitten Mama, stepped in to rescue a family of five from a shelter.
Rory, a timid tuxedo, huddled in the corner of her kennel with her four kittens. Thanks to the efforts of transport volunteers, she was whisked away from the crowded shelter, starting a new life in foster care.
Heidi set up a quiet, cozy space for Rory and her kittens, but the mother was incredibly anxious when she arrived.
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Wide-eyed and licking her lips, Rory was terrified, desperately seeking refuge. Despite her fear, she didn't have a mean bone in her body. Heidi gave her space to decompress, keeping an eye on the family through a camera.
"She finally jumped in the nest (to be with her kittens) after about five hours," Heidi shared with a sigh of relief.
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Whenever Heidi came to weigh the kittens (Cormic, Teagan, Callum, and Tierney), Rory would slip behind the box, trying to stay out of sight. "She jumps out of the nest and hides when I come over, but that makes it easier to scoop them up in their old blanket to replace with a fresh one, weigh each one, and then put them back."
At two weeks old, their eyes were wide and bright, but they started having stomach troubles.
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Fortunately, they had a devoted foster mom who tended to their every need, ensuring they made a full recovery. Once they were back on track, they began waddling around, steadily strengthening their legs.
Tierney, the little Siamese mix, discovered her powerful pipes and wasn't shy about using them.
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If Rory stepped away for a moment too long, she would scream at the top of her lungs, demanding her immediate return. "Sweet Mama Rory still doesn't want me to touch her, but she will eat with me right outside the pen."
"She likes the treats I leave around for her and will creep a bit closer to eat them."
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After moving into a larger space, the kittens began to explore, and their personalities blossomed. While the other kittens engaged in slow-motion wrestling matches, Cormic, the tabby, turned into a little spitfire, tugging at the feather toy with all his might.
Though Rory still kept her distance from her foster mom, her eyes softened, and she was able to relax.
Cormic (left) and Callum (right)
She even dozed off in front of Heidi while her kittens zoomed around the room like tiny whirlwinds. "We love seeing them transition from little beans into running, leaping, and playing furballs."
Callum charmed everyone with his perpetually worried eyes.
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When the kittens were ready for adoption, they quickly found loving homes in pairs, ensuring they would always have a companion. Heidi worried about Rory, knowing that mother cats—especially the timid ones—are often overlooked.
She hoped a special family would see beyond her shyness and give her the time and patience she needed to shine.
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Then, the most amazing thing happened—Heidi received the perfect application she'd been waiting for.
"I had a wonderful woman contact me about Rory, saying she's an empty nester like Rory will be and has a lot of time to devote to her. She's ready to give her the time and space she needs to flourish."
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Last weekend, Rory graduated from foster care and joined her new mom in her forever home. "Rory has had a hard start to her life, but it's all good things from here on out."
"She is adjusting so well in her new home. I'm so excited for her."
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