Upon arriving at her foster home from the shelter, mom cat Smokey, along with her six adorable kittens, was warmly welcomed by Asa, a dedicated volunteer from the Animal Welfare League of Arlington.
Asa thoughtfully prepared a serene and cozy space for the seven-member family, allowing Smokey some well-deserved downtime.
Evidently more relaxed in this homey environment, Smokey comfortably embraced her maternal responsibilities.
In the midst of her kittens nursing, the sight of Smokey’s tongue peeking out was a testament to her contentment.
With six little ones to feed, she consumed a hearty amount of food daily, ensuring each of her kittens was well-fed and immaculately groomed.
“Mama Smokey gobbles up at least 6 cans of food every day to keep up with her 6 growing babies,”
Whenever Asa stepped into the room, Smokey was more than happy to have a brief respite, taking the opportunity to stretch and rejuvenate.
“As relaxed as she is, Smokey is truly an exceptional mother. She’s so easy-going, even when her kittens are being handled,” Asa fondly remarked.
As weeks went by, the kittens flourished, each showcasing their unique personalities.
Among the litter, five kittens sported a gray hue, named with delightful culinary themes:
There’s Chorizo…
And standing out is Spam!
A charming black and white kitten with a penchant for mischief.
“In a sea of gray, Spam is distinct not only in color but in character too,” Asa observed.
Starting as the most attention-seeking kitten, she matured into an audacious little furball, playing with Smokey’s tail and ensuring she’s the center of attention even during meal times.
Recognizing the challenges of nurturing six kittens, Asa enlisted the help of her dependable sidekick, Kona, a cat-loving dog.
Respectful and maternal, Kona seamlessly integrated into the foster environment, immediately bonding with the kittens.
Smokey, witnessing Kona’s affection for her kittens, radiated contentment.
“Kona once playfully ‘borrowed’ a kitten, and Smokey remained unfazed,” Asa noted with amusement.
“I believe Smokey sees Kona as a trusted babysitter; there’s a look of ‘Oh, I’m so glad you’re here!’ in her eyes.”
Spam, in her signature style, continues to demand attention, endearingly engaging with Kona.
“With the kittens growing more spirited, they eagerly flock to Kona, viewing her as a delightful playmate,” Asa shared.
“Everyone loves auntie Koko,” Asa wrote on Instagram.
With Kona’s support, Smokey manages to get some deserved “me time.”
In due course, once the kittens are old enough, they will venture into new homes.
And their delightful mother will embark on a journey of her own to find a forever family, where she’ll be cherished and pampered endlessly.
Check out the video below:
A big thank you to Asa for sharing Smokey’s story with us.
You can see more of this cat family and Asa’s other fosters on Instagram
