A stray cat walked herself into a home in search of help, and it turned out she had kittens on the way.
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About a month ago, Heidi Shoemaker, founder of Foster Kitten Mama, received a message about a pregnant cat in need of a foster home.
While searching for shelter, the cat "invited herself" into a resident's home and began looking for somewhere to nest. With a roof over her head, she seemed quite content with the choice she'd made.
"She walked herself right into someone's home, and thankfully, they contacted the right people for help," Heidi shared.
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Volunteers quickly stepped in to coordinate transport so the expectant mama could safely reach the rescue. They knew she was due soon, but they didn't realize just how close she was to giving birth.
The day before her scheduled arrival, the mama cat, named Bria, welcomed five precious kittens into the world.
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Bria settled into foster care almost immediately and never stopped tending to her newborns. The five kittens sprawled across her belly, constantly wriggling over one another as they competed for the best spot to nurse.
Within 24 hours, the kittens had already started gaining weight. "Weighing helps make sure the kittens are getting enough nutrients while allowing us to catch any problems early."
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Two days later, it became clear that the kittens needed extra support due to stomach issues. Heidi stepped in with supportive care, tube-feeding the kittens who were struggling the most. With close monitoring and supplemental feeding, the little ones began to turn a corner.
Before long, they were gaining steadily and growing into the plump, fluffy kittens they were meant to be.
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Bria seemed relieved to have help caring for her babies. Whenever Heidi checked on her, she leaned into her hand for pets. But the moment one of her kittens made a peep, her attention snapped right back to them.
"I'm so thankful that after she's finished raising her babies, she will be spayed and can live the rest of her life as a spoiled house kitty."
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Keeping five hungry kittens fed is no small task. Bria has poured herself into motherhood, making sure their bellies are full and their coats are clean. "Bria means strength and vigor. I think it's perfect for her."
Whenever Heidi walks in, Bria greets her with her little meow, always happy for affection and a snack or two.
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The kittens, four girls and one boy, are growing by leaps and bounds. Declan, the only boy in the litter, is the chunkiest of the bunch and the most vocal, having already earned a reputation as the "biggest complainer." His house panther sister, Ashling, does her best to keep up with him.
Finley, the little Siamese mix, looks almost identical to her sister Kayleigh, though she's noticeably smaller. And then there's MacKenna, the dilute tortie, whose perfectly split mask and round face make her impossible to resist.
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After those first few weeks, the kittens were finally thriving. Their tiny squeaks and the way they made their biscuits while nursing melted Heidi's heart. "I'm so thankful they are here, healthy and happy."
With their eyes wide open, the kittens toddled around, keeping their mom busier than ever.
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This week, the kittens turned four weeks old and officially outgrew their nest. They wasted no time exploring their new playpen, sniffing at their mom's food and water, stumbling toward toys, and testing out their little legs.
Bria seems incredibly proud as she watches her kittens reach one milestone after another.
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