A cat held on tightly to her foster mom after she left the shelter. Days later, she had four kittens by her side.
PatchworkBritt@brittscrittercrew
Earlier this year, Britt, a foster volunteer with Murphy’s Law Animal Rescue, took in a heavily pregnant calico from a shelter. The cat, Patchwork, quickly showed her affectionate nature.
As soon as she stepped out of the carrier, she started “making biscuits” and filling the room with soothing purrs. Britt prepared a cozy area with several nesting spots, boundless food, fresh water, and an assortment of toys for her enjoyment.
After exploring her new space, she walked up to her foster mom and flopped onto her side, ready for affection.
Britt@brittscrittercrew
Within a day, Patchwork settled in beautifully, rolling on the floor and eagerly seeking belly rubs and head scratches. “She’s kind of obsessed with them. She’s been opening up and cuddling and playing. She’s just a really sweet girl,” Britt shared.
After leaving the shelter, Patchwork truly blossomed, especially now that she had a caring family showering her with love.
Britt@brittscrittercrew
Britt spent a few nights lying on the floor with Patchwork, gently petting her belly while she baked a generous batch of biscuits. “We’ve learned lots about her—she loves being talked to. She is serious about her pets.”
When they couldn’t be in the room, they watched her closely through a camera, waiting for the kittens’ arrival.
Britt@brittscrittercrew
When Britt woke up one morning, Patchwork led her to her favorite box as if to say the day had come. One after another, she gave birth to four precious babies, with her foster mom by her side.
“She did such an amazing job. I was honored to be there with her, to help her, and to witness new life coming into the world.”
Britt@brittscrittercrew
The patchwork quilt of kittens (Batton, Stitch, Spool, and Needle) had strong appetites and grew by leaps and bounds. Within days, they developed round bellies and found their strength. “Patchwork is the best mom; her kittens have been making all the appropriate gains.”
“Once they are weaned, Mama Patchwork will be spayed, and she’ll get to live her life as a baby.”
Britt@brittscrittercrew
Though Stitch, the cream kitten, hadn’t completely opened her eyes, her fierce spirit was already evident. She would hiss at any unfamiliar scent, a natural defense instinct, guarding her littermates with her bold attitude as they drifted off to sleep.
“The will to live when you’re that small is really amazing.”
Britt@brittscrittercrew
“Patchwork is working hard to feed her babies, and we are working hard to feed her.”
Whenever she took a break from her litter of four, she’d seek out her foster parents for some much-needed cuddles. But as soon as her kittens cried out for her, she’d rush back to them, catering to their every need.
Britt@brittscrittercrew
At three weeks old, the kittens started honing their gait, eager to explore and play. They curiously observed the world beyond their nest, strengthening their legs and readying themselves to venture out and play.
Batton and Stitch took their first steps outside the box, waddling side by side.
Batton and StitchBritt@brittscrittercrew
At a month old today, they’ve blossomed into fluffy bundles of energy, running, jumping, and climbing on anything they can reach. “I’m so proud and happy with how they have been growing and making gains.”
“They’re walking and playing and learning every day. Weaning is the next step for them.”
Stitch, Needle, Spool, and BattonBritt@brittscrittercrew
Patchwork, the queen biscuit maker, is grateful to have a safe place for her little family, with kind humans who constantly reassure her that she’s loved.
“She will be up for adoption when she is ready and done being a momma. She’s super affectionate and loves cuddles.”
Britt@brittscrittercrew
Share this story with your friends. More on Patchwork and her kittens at Murphy’s Law Animal Rescue (in NC) on Instagram @kellyfosterkittens and Britt’s fosters @brittscrittercrew.
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