A lone kitten appeared outside a sports stadium. Within 24 hours of being indoors, she became quite a charmer.ColtBelindaLast month, a tiny tuxedo kitten was brought to IndyHumane (an animal rescue) for a chance at a better life.At about two weeks old, the kitten urgently needed round-the-clock care and bottle feeding. Belinda, a volunteer with IndyHumane, immediately offered to help and brought the kitten home the same day she was rescued."She was found all by herself in the parking lot at the Lucas Oil Stadium," Belinda shared with Love Meow.She was found in a parking lot at a sports stadiumIndyHumaneThe tiny tuxedo was so hungry that she latched onto the bottle, gulping down the formula like a champ. No one knew how she ended up in the parking lot alone, but her foster mom was determined to turn her life around.Within 24 hours, the kitten named Colt (originally thought to be a boy, but the name stuck) gained weight and strength, making her even more eager at mealtime.BelindaAfter finishing a full bottle, she was ready for seconds in just thirty minutes. Despite her tiny size, she had one of the loudest purr engines around."This little girl is so special. She goes to work with me and is adored by everyone who gets a chance to meet her."BelindaTo keep up with Colt's feeding schedule, Belinda brought her along everywhere she went, ensuring the little one never missed a meal. Colt stayed snug in her cozy nest, comforted by a faux mama with a heartbeat.She often nestled underneath the plush toy, drifting off to the soothing sound of the heartbeat.Colt and her faux mamaBelindaAt three weeks old, her tiny teeth started to come in. As her curiosity grew, she began waddling around, eagerly exploring her world. "Since she is single, I have allowed her to run around the living room when supervised.""She runs as fast as her little legs will take her, spins around, and arches her back."She runs as fast as her little legs will take herBelindaThe little furball paraded around the place with her little tail held high, as if she was in charge. She insisted on staying close to her foster mom, always within arm's reach for a quick cuddle.As Colt discovered her playful side, her spirited personality started to shine, bringing joy to everyone around her.BelindaAt five weeks old, Colt is still a bottle baby, slowly learning to nibble on solid food. She adores each staff member at Belinda's office, greeting them with her adorable baby blues and gentle rumbling purrs."This will help socialize her since she does not have any littermates. Colt has a strong will to live and so far a people personality."BelindaWhen Colt met the resident cat, Mia, it was love at first sight. The tabby cat took the tuxedo under her wing, happily sharing her favorite perch. Colt was overjoyed to have a feline companion to snuggle with, purring contentedly by her side.After playing to her heart's content, Colt enjoys lounging on the couch with Mia, always resting a paw on her for that comforting connection.Mia and ColtBelindaDespite a rough start, with the help of a dedicated foster mom, Colt has blossomed into a vibrant, joyful young cat.She'll never have to face another day on the street now that she has a loving foster home, plenty of food, and kind people to lean on whenever she needs a cuddle.BelindaShare this story with your friends. More on Colt and Belinda's fosters on Instagram@littlefostermeows and IndyHumane on Instagram@indyhumane.Related story: Feral Kitten Pushed Everyone Away but Decided to Trust for the First Time After 2 Weeks of Being Indoors

A cat and her kittens were living in a hole between buildings until kind neighbors spotted them and jumped in to help.Bay Ridge Mama and her kittensWhiskers-A-GoGoWhen concerned residents noticed a mother cat and three kittens tucked into a hole between two buildings, they immediately sought help.The den was cold and dirty, near some garbage cans. Leanne, a volunteer with Whiskers-A-GoGo (a cat rescue), received a call about the feline family and rushed to rescue them first thing the next morning."These little gray and white kittens were already starting to climb out of the hole and onto the sidewalk near a busy street. There was no time to waste," Leanne shared.Whiskers-A-GoGo"We were there in less than 24 hours, and with the help of tuna, baked chicken, and a neighbor with a screwdriver to move the garbage bins, we trapped the mom and scooped up the kittens."Since the kittens were so young, they quickly warmed up to people and didn't mind being held, though their mom stayed cautious.Whiskers-A-GoGo"They settled in really well, and the mom (aka Bay Ridge Mama) didn't give me any grief when I weighed them every day. She did stand at the door and stare me down. An occasional hiss just to remind me who's boss."Bay Ridge Mama had a ravenous appetite, polishing off every dish while attentively feeding her hungry trio.Whiskers-A-GoGo"She cleans them, cuddles them. Sometimes, she takes a break on top of the little hiding box while the kittens are resting."Before long, the kittens mastered the litter box, making their foster mom very proud. With their newfound energy and zest for life, they began playing, wrestling, and climbing on top of the box to sneak attack and pounce on each other.Whiskers-A-GoGoA few days after bringing the feline family home, Leanne found four gray kittens strewn in front of a house. It was cold and windy outside, and despite waiting all day, their mother never returned. Leanne stepped in and took them home."I introduced them to Bay Ridge Mama, asking her very politely if she wouldn't mind feeding four more mouths. She took care of them right away."Bay Ridge Mama immediately started caring for the four gray kittens alongside her ownWhiskers-A-GoGoAll through the night, Leanne bottle-fed the newborn kittens while the protective surrogate mom supervised. "She made some growly noises and just sat there, staring me down when I fed them. When I gave them back to her, she cleaned them up.""Even her kittens cuddled with them."Whiskers-A-GoGoBay Ridge Mama has slowly adjusted to indoor life; she no longer hides and feels completely at ease around her foster mom. "She likes to be pet, likes scritches behind the ears, on her back, and the base of her tail. She even leans into it."Leanne and her team never stopped searching for the gray kittens' mom. With patience, they eventually brought her to safety and reunited her with her brood.They found the gray kittens' mom and reunited her with her babiesWhiskers-A-GoGoThe Bay Ridge kittens have grown by leaps and bounds. They've also discovered their voices and aren't shy about using them. Each day, they grow bolder and more adventurous, ready to take on the world with their endless mischief.Soon, they will be scampering around their new playpen like tiny whirlwinds.Whiskers-A-GoGoBay Ridge Mama contentedly watches from the sidelines as her little ones transform their space into their personal amusement park.Whenever Leanne enters the room, Mama walks right up to her, ready for a snack or a fresh plate of food.Whiskers-A-GoGoShe's relieved to know she'll never have to worry about her next meal or the safety of her kittens.Whiskers-A-GoGoShare this story with your friends. More on the feline families at Whiskers-A-GoGo on Instagram@whiskers_agogo and Facebook.Related story: Couple Drove to Shelter for One Cat but Ended Up Being Persuaded by Two More from the Same Room

They took in a cat and two kittens but soon realized the cat had brought along a few unexpected little ones.EvaBestFriendsFelinesAbout two months ago, Best Friends Felines (a volunteer-run rescue) was contacted about a young mother cat and two kittens who were in need of placement.Found at the height of the storm, they were relieved to have a roof over their heads and food in their bellies. The finders brought the feline family to a veterinary clinic, determined to get them the care they needed to thrive."The emergency center reached out for our assistance, knowing we never leave a family member behind," Best Friends Felines shared.Eva, Cocomelon, and PumpkinBestFriendsFelinesWhen the trio arrived at the rescue, they were whisked to their foster home with Becc, a volunteer, who would ensure all their needs were met. "The kittens are well and truly settled into Becc's home. Eva (the mother cat) has been gaining some decent weight despite still occasionally feeding her big babies.""But we had an inkling that something just wasn't right."BestFriendsFelinesA checkup at the vet confirmed what they'd suspected: Eva's growing belly was due to a second pregnancy. (Cats can become pregnant even while they're still nursing kittens. Some mothers can go back into heat just a few weeks after giving birth.)Eva was already pregnant with another litter when she came to the rescue. Thankfully, this would be her last.BestFriendsFelines"She originally came into foster care, her two kittens still clinging to her. She is such a beautiful mom, patient and kind, providing warmth and comfort to her babies, who clearly thought the world of her.""As the days have gone past, Eva's belly has grownwe know she is likely due any day now."Pumpkin kept her mom companyBestFriendsFelinesOne morning, Becc woke up to Eva showering her with extra affection, cuddles, and meows. Sensing that something was on the way, she made sure to have birthing boxes ready in the bedroom and under the work desk, giving Eva comfortable options."Throughout the day, Eva was comforted by her older kittens, Pumpkin and Cocomelon."Cocomelon offered her mom some supportBestFriendsFelinesAs evening approached, she was ready and welcomed her new babies into the world, one by one: a calico, a tuxedo, two tabbies, and a ginger. "She then settled into a restful pose, content and proud."Just when they thought she was finished, they woke up the next morning to an unexpected surprise.BestFriendsFelines"One more beautiful tabby had joined the family overnight, bringing the total to six perfect kittens."The kittens were born in the comfort of a loving home, safe from the harsh elements and uncertainty. Without missing a beat, Eva tended to her litter, ensuring they were well-fed and impeccably clean.BestFriendsFelines"Eva is absolutely glowing. She's bright, loving, and so proud of her little onesdelighting in showing them off to us. We are in awe of her gentle spirit and maternal grace. She truly is a beautiful soul, and now, a beautiful mom."Over the next few weeks, the kittens will reach new milestones with their doting mom watching over them every step of the way.Eva gave birth to six kittensBestFriendsFelinesWhat started as a rescue of three turned into a rescue of nine.Once the kittens are old enough to spread their wings, Eva will happily retire from motherhood and enjoy being pampered and adored by a family of her own.BestFriendsFelinesShare this story with your friends. More on Eva, her family, and Best Friends Felines on Instagram and Facebook.Related story: Cat Just Skin and Bones Walks Up to People Asking for Help, in a Month She Makes Incredible Transformation

They picked up a shelter kitten right before closing. He was so happy that he went straight to "thank" them.MooseMonicaA kitten named Moose was brought to the county animal shelter without his mother or siblings. He felt lonely and scared in his kennel while waiting for someone to rescue him.When Sarah Kelly, the founder of Murphy's Law Animal Rescue, learned about his situation, she was determined to bring him in before the end of the day. Monica, a volunteer, rushed to the shelter."We picked him up at about 4:30 PM (right before closing)," Monica shared with Love Meow.They picked up Moose right before the shelter closedMonica"He was a little timid but never really afraid of being picked up."Monica set up a cozy space for the kitten to decompress. Moments after she stepped out, she turned around to find Moose trotting toward her. "He came up to me and leaned into my foot for pets. I'd never had a kitten do that."He went straight to his foster mom for snuggles as if thanking her for rescuing himMonicaMoose quickly settled into his foster home, grateful and affectionate from the start. He trailed his foster mom like a little shadow, always craving attention. After a much-needed bath, he felt refreshed, and his fur was soft and gleaming."We gave him a bath, and he didn't mind at all."He got a much-needed bath and took it like a champMonicaWithin days, Moose's personality blossomed, and he transformed into a tiny whirlwind."He's bursting with energy, always eager to investigate new corners and turn the ordinary into playtime, yet he shows thoughtful restraint when it comes to interacting with the resident cat. Great combo of enthusiasm and good manners."His personality quickly blossomedMonicaMoose has a hearty appetite and savors every bite of the freshly cooked chicken treats."He is the definition of playfulpouncing on imaginary foes, chasing his own tail, and tumbling over himself in a flurry of excitement. His big, round eyes sparkle with mischief, always on the lookout for his next adventure."MonicaFueled by unbridled energy, Moose zooms around the house, cooking up all sorts of playful antics."He likes to play peekaboo around the corner, play soccer with the little pom pom balls, but does not like the feather wand. He loves to climb the chair, the cat tree, a rolled up 7-foot area rug, and down my leg."MonicaMozzie, the resident cat, loves lounging by the window, basking in the sunlight. Moose, who respects her boundaries, settles on a nearby perch so they can quietly enjoy the view together."He is taking it slow and being respectful to Mozzie and doesn't try to jump on her like some may do. He doesn't want to wear out his welcome, so he's been considerate that it's her turf, and he appreciates her sharing."He likes to play "soccer" and watch Cat TV by the window with the resident cat, MozzieMonicaMoose is overjoyed to have a roof over his head and a loving foster family to tend to his needs. In just a few days, he's brought so much joy into the household. No longer confined to a kennel, his true self has flourished."His fluff, charm, and fun-loving personalityhe's the total package," Sarah shared.MonicaAfter dashing around and playing to his heart's content, Moose snuggles up to his people, as if thanking them for the good life.MonicaShare this story with your friends. More on Moose and Murphy's Law Animal Rescue on Instagram@murphyslawanimalrescue and @kellyfosterkittens. Thanks to Monica @mowonder5.Related story: Kittens Found in Warehouse Together, One of Them Needs Help to Walk, and the Other Never Leaves His Side

They went to search for a community cat but came back with a tabby kitten instead. It was meant to be.ChaosLittleWanderersNYCAbout two weeks ago, rescuers from Little Wanderers NYC were called to help a pregnant community cat. When they arrived, they discovered an entire colony and immediately got to work.They set up a humane trap and waited for the expectant mother to appear, but she eluded them that day. Instead, they saw a seven-month-old kitten emerge from the clutter, lured by the irresistible smell of food."We were trying to rescue the super pregnant tabby and got her instead," Little Wanderers NYC shared.LittleWanderersNYCAs it turned out, the kitten named Chaos needed the rescue more than anyone realized. At the vet, they discovered she was FeLV+ (with the right care, cats with Feline Leukemia can live a good quality of life), and getting her off the streets saved her life.Chaos walked into the trap on that fateful day, unaware that her life was about to get a whole lot better.LittleWanderersNYC"She is a Little Wanderers kitten now. We want to give Chaos a chance to live indoors and experience a life free from neglect, starvation, and suffering."During her two days at the vet, Chaos, true to her name, put up quite a fight whenever she received care, but her nervousness quickly faded when a foster volunteer opened her home and heart to her. "She rolled over for love. Just like that."LittleWanderersNYC"Once thought to be semi-feral, Chaos is thankfully just a bit skittish but happy to be indoors. Female orange tabbies are unusual (about 20% of orange tabbies are female), and Chaos is no exception."She settled into her foster home, claiming every inch she touched and filling the space with her adorable meows and chirps.LittleWanderersNYCHaving grown up on the streets, Chaos surprised everyone with how quickly she adjusted to indoor life. All it took was a quiet, clean place, ample food, and the company of kind humans.She curled up in a perfectly snug box, gazing up at her foster mom with a sparkle in her eyes.LittleWanderersNYCBefore long, Chaos was confidently exploring the entire house, making herself right at home. Within days, she discovered several lounging spots to rotate through, stretching out and basking in her new pampered life.Chaos followed her foster mom to the couch, watching her affectionately until she gathered the courage to hop up. As soon as she nestled beside her, she revved up her purr engine.LittleWanderersNYC"This girl is a true lover. She's constantly purring. She loves to sleep, but she's also getting very brave and has started to explore new areas of the house."The rescuers never gave up on the pregnant cat. The day after they found Chaos, they returned and rescued the mama and her mate just before the kittens were born.LittleWanderersNYCChaos has staked out her favorite napping spot right on her human's bed. She's happier than ever now that she's indoors, safe, and free from hunger."I believe with my whole heart she'll find someone to love her forever, no matter how long that will be."LittleWanderersNYCChaos has come a long way from fending for herself on the streets to living like royalty in foster care. Thanks to the dedication of rescuers and volunteers, she'll enjoy the rest of her life in comfort and love.LittleWanderersNYCShare this story with your friends. More on Chaos and Little Wanderers NYC on Instagram and Facebook. Thanks to Chaos' foster mom @fosters_in_bk.Related story: Kitten Found Under Car Became Very Close to Two Cats Waiting for Home, They Just Got Their Wish Together

A kitten, though mostly fur, has the heart of a lion, from being taken in alone to now ruling the house like a boss.Rani (aka Molly McBeans)Lori WhiteEarlier this year, a tiny kitten arrived at ARPO (Alliance for Responsible Pet Ownership) in need of a bottle feeder.The palm-sized wonder had already grown a fluffy coat and displayed an incredible will to live. Thanks to the round-the-clock care of a devoted foster volunteer, she blossomed, never short on love or attention.She might be small, but she proved to be a mighty force, determined to grow big and strong.ARPOAfter a few weeks of bottle-feeding, the kitten, Rani, grew in size and fluff. With newfound energy and curiosity, her personality started to shine. To ensure the best socialization, she was placed in a new foster home with other kittens to play with."She's 95% floof and right now has more interest in playing and exploring versus wanting to join the cuddle pile," Lori White, a foster volunteer with ARPO, shared.Lori WhiteAt just 22 ounces, she was the tiniest kitten there, but her strength and zest more than made up for it. She was always ready to play and loved hopping onto her foster mom's lap for cuddles.She insisted on eating from the same plate as other kittens and made sure she was always part of the action.Lori WhiteOver time, she developed a glorious coat that resembled a dandelion puff. Her fur seemed to burst in every direction as if held together by static electricity and sheer cattitude.She zipped around the room, leaping onto furniture and inspecting every corner like a true detective.Lori WhiteWhen she followed the other kittens upstairs, she discovered the perfect spot to curl upinside a dog bowl. The bowl belonged to Ben, an eight-month-old Bernese Mountain Dog, who is a gentle giant to his feline friends.Noticing the oversized bowls, she sprang onto the stand and nestled into one, claiming it as her throne.Lori White"She liked it so much she fell asleep in it."Though the dog bowl stood taller than Rani, she was unstoppable in her quest to reach her goals. She snoozed peacefully until another kitten woke her up, eager to try the new "bed."Lori WhiteBen, who has a soft spot for kittens, greeted the new arrivals with the gentlest sniffs. Rani, the tiniest of them all, strutted up to him as if she were in charge, rubbing against Ben before flopping down on him."This little moment between Rani and Ben just melted my heart."Ben and RaniLori WhiteRani wanted to be the boss among her feline friends, but she was especially drawn to the dogs who towered over her. She was constantly on the move, wearing out other kittens with her unbridled energy.When she was finally big enough for adoption, Lori and her team hoped to find her a loving home with a cat-friendly canine companion.Lori WhiteLast week, Rani's dream came true. "I just knew there was a perfect home out there for her that had a dog she could love and would love her back."The kitten, now named Molly McBeans, has bonded with her canine buddy, Ludo. "She's such a joy. They have decided to gang up against us and spread all their toys across the living room anytime we're both not home," the adopter shared.Rani (now Molly) and LudoARPO"I thought it might take her a few days to warm up to a new environment and to our dogit took her one afternoon. She came in and owned the place. She has multiple napping spots but goes to bed next to me every night."In Molly's eyes, whatever belongs to Ludo belongs to her, too. They have grown inseparable, spending every day together, side by side.Lori WhiteShare this story with your friends. More on Lori's fosters on Instagram and ARPO on Instagram.Related story: Kitten Follows Other Cats to a Home for Some Food and Soon His Life Transforms

They took in a very timid cat and her four kittens. After many weeks, they all got the happiest ending.TierneyFosterKittenMamaAbout 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.RoryFosterKittenMamaWide-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.FosterKittenMamaWhenever 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.FosterKittenMamaFortunately, 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.Tierney has a lot to sayFosterKittenMamaIf 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."FosterKittenMamaAfter 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.CallumFosterKittenMamaWhen 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 catsespecially the timid onesare often overlooked.She hoped a special family would see beyond her shyness and give her the time and patience she needed to shine.Rory and TeaganFosterKittenMamaThen, the most amazing thing happenedHeidi 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."FosterKittenMamaLast 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."FosterKittenMamaShare this story with your friends. More cats and kittens like Rory's family on Foster Kitten Mama on Instagram and Facebook.Related story: Cat Shows Joy for the First Time When He Experiences Kindness After Years of Hard Knock Life

A cat immediately perked up and shone again when she took in new kittens after losing her own.Peaches and her new kittensFriendsofRescuePeaches, a beautiful cream-colored cat, arrived at Friends of Rescue (a volunteer-run animal rescue) for a chance at a better life.She had been picked up by Animal Control in mid-April. Heavily pregnant and in urgent need of a safe place, she was relieved to finally be in a loving home. After exploring her new surroundings, she sat beside her foster family, grateful for their affection.Eight days later, Peaches went into labor.PeachesFriendsofRescue"Her labor started sometime Monday night, and the foster found her in distress Tuesday morning. They rushed her to the veterinary ER," Jenn, a Foster Liaison of Friends of Rescue, shared with Love Meow.Despite their best efforts to save Peaches' kittens, sadly, they didn't survive. "Peaches had to have an emergency (life-saving) c-section."Eight days after she arrived in foster care, Peaches went into labor. Sadly, her kittens didn't make itFriendsofRescue"She made it through surgery, but her spirit was crushed. Her eyes told the storyshe was grieving, confused, and alone. But then something beautiful happened."On Thursday, Jenn picked up a mother cat, Honey, and her ten kittens from the shelter at closing time. Honey, who bore a striking resemblance to Peaches, was happy to leave the kennel behind and settle into foster care.Ten kittens and their mom arrived at the shelter in need of a foster homeFriendsofRescueThe moment she nestled into her cozy nest, all ten kittens swarmed around her, jockeying for a spot to nurse. Some were smaller and needed extra attention and feeding time.Though Honey tried her best to care for all the kittens, it quickly became evident she needed help with ten hungry, demanding little mouths.Honey, the mother cat, was happy to leave the kennel behind and quickly settled into foster careFriendsofRescue"Ten kittens is a lot for one mama, so we began looking for a way to share the loadand that's when we thought of Peaches."Although Peaches' milk had come in, she was still alone and grieving in her foster home. "I reached out to her foster, Amanda, and arranged to see if Peaches would accept four of the ten kittens."Honey needed help caring for her ten kittensFriendsofRescueAs they gently introduced the kittens to Peaches, they saw the sweet momma perk up right before their eyes. "It was instant. Her eyes lit up. She curled around them protectively, started grooming, and purring.""For the first time in days, she smiled."Peaches immediately perked up when she met the new kittensFriendsofRescue"She took right to grooming the kittens and was so happy."Overjoyed with her new babies, Peaches smothers them with all the love and attention she can give. She lovingly wraps her arms around them, washing their faces and cuddling them to sleep.She showers them with love and cuddlesFriendsofRescue"Peaches is healing now, emotionally and physically, because of the love she's giving and receiving from these tiny lives."The four kittens adore Peaches and are thrilled to get the extra attention and nursing time. In just a few days, they have gained weight and become stronger and more active.FriendsofRescueThanks to the compassionate volunteers at Friends of Rescue, Peaches' life was saved, and now she's thriving with her new kittens, easing the burden of another mama, Honey.Her heart feels full, and she's beaming again as the little ones waddle around her, steadily finding their footing.FriendsofRescueShare this story with your friends. More on Peaches, Honey, their kittens, and Friends of Rescue on Instagram@friendsofrescue and Facebook. Thanks to Jenn @foster_tails_north_al and Amanda.Related story: As If Perfectly Timed, Cat Welcomes Kittens Right on New Year's Day, Just Days After Being Taken in

A kitten stepped indoors for the first time, and the moment she was held, her walls came tumbling down.HazelSparkleCatRescueWhile assisting with the vetting and neutering of over 30 community cats, a caretaker noticed a tiny gray kitten with pleading eyes.The kitten was brought to a vet clinic and treated for a mild cold. When Stephanie Grantham, co-founder of Sparkle Cat Rescue, came across the little one, she immediately offered to take her in and help find her a loving home."She was all hiss, no bite when I first met her at the clinic," Stephanie shared with Love Meow.SparkleCatRescueThe kitten, Hazel, was a bundle of sass, swatting at any hand that tried to pet her. Despite her attempts to look tough, her swipes were more adorable than intimidating. Once she felt the gentle strokes on her back, she stopped protesting and leaned in for more."She melted as soon as she was held and cuddled."SparkleCatRescue"Her tail, though, is a different storyshe swooshed it so much whether she was happy or uncertain."Hazel was initially wary of people, swishing her tail wildly. But as soon as she realized how comforting the petting was, she relaxed into it, even though her tail still flicked as if to remind everyone she was skeptical.SparkleCatRescueStephanie knew from the start that it was only a matter of time before this sassy kitty would turn into a total love bug.Lori, a foster volunteer with the rescue, welcomed Hazel into her loving home. The kitten was so frightened at first that she spent two days hiding under the bed.SparkleCatRescue"Stephanie suggested placing her in an enclosed playpen, and that has really helped," Lori told Love Meow."She was still very nervous the first few days in the playpen; however, her little personality is starting to emerge. She now comes to greet me when I come to visit, and she loves to be petted and have belly rubs."SparkleCatRescue"Our resident cat, Charlie (a Sparkle Cat alum), likes to go in her playpen and visit her whenever possible.""They sniff each other, and Charlie even washes her head a little bit. I think they are going to be buddies once she feels comfortable enough to come out of the playpen."SparkleCatRescue"I am letting her take it at her own pace as I want her to feel very comfortable and safe when she ventures out."As her confidence grew, Hazel became more curious, lounging at the edge of the playpen and mustering the courage to explore the world beyond.SparkleCatRescueShe has warmed up to her foster family and can't get enough affection. She happily flops onto her side and rolls onto her back, soaking up every gentle belly rub from Lori.After a week in foster care, Hazel decided it was time to take her first steps outside the playpen.SparkleCatRescue"At first, she was a little apprehensive, but by nighttime, she was wide open. There were quite a few zoomies as she ran back and forth in our bonus room."Hazel will never have to fend for herself or scrounge for food again. Surrounded by loving humans and feline friends, she's learning the ropes and blossoming into a happy, playful cat.SparkleCatRescueDespite her early days outdoors, Hazel now wholeheartedly embraces the comfort of indoor life, never looking back."She is a beautiful little girl, and I have no doubt that her forever home is out there waiting for her."SparkleCatRescueShare this story with your friends. More on Hazel, her journey, and Sparkle Cat Rescue on Instagram and Facebook.Related story: Young Cat Roams Neighborhood for Food Until One Day Person Stops to Help

They gave a cat a place to land and eased her load with her five kittens so she could finally shine.BestFriendsFelinesA month ago, Best Friends Felines, a volunteer-run rescue, was contacted about a mother cat and her kittens who desperately needed placement.They couldn't remain in their situation, so an urgent call went out to the volunteers. A foster home for the family of six was quickly secured. Once they arrived in foster care, the kittens started scampering around, filling the room with their squeaky, chirpy meows.The mother cat named Selkie was given time to decompress after quite the journey.Selkie and her kittensBestFriendsFelinesAt around four weeks old, the "mythical" kittens (Alicorn, Aziza, Nixie, Griffin, and Sasquatch) were eager to learn to use the litter box and begin the weaning process."Momma appears to be quite young but is very attentive to her kittens. She is a little underweight, so she is also on kitten food to try and improve her condition."BestFriendsFelinesWith litter box training and weaning underway, Selkie could take more breaks to relax and recharge, quickly settling into her new environment. Being in foster care meant she no longer had to worry about her kittens wandering off.They had vet visits to address some stomach troubles, and the kittens soon made the leap from nursing to eating solid food.BestFriendsFelinesWith the right treatment and nourishing meals, the family was back on track. The kittens grew strong and healthy, and their mom finally began to fill out. "She's a gentle soul with a sweet chirp and a calming, melodic purr that brings peace to any room."As the kittens became more independent, Selkie contentedly watched them from the sidelines as they tore through the space.BestFriendsFelinesWhenever their foster carer enters the room, the kittens dash to the edge of the playpen, eager for attention and cuddles. Socialization has been a joy for these boisterous little ones, who happily nestle into any empty lap.When they're not zipping around or wrestling with each other, they love spending quality time with their humans.BestFriendsFelines"The kittens have gone from somewhat helpless little babies to crazy chaos goblins. Everything for them is something to get into, play with, wrestle, and jump on/in/at. Selkie loves taking these such opportunities to have a peaceful nap on the comfortable bed.""After lovingly raising her five kittens, it's her time to shineand shine she does."BestFriendsFelines"Selkie's coat is soft and sleek, with her snowy white fur gradually brightening as she regains condition and confidence in care. She may carry a few faint marks from her past, but they only add to her unique charm.""She is just starting to realize that toys are fun and life can be about her now, too."BestFriendsFelines"She adores a quick cuddle and simply loves being near her humanswhether that's relaxing at your feet or quietly following you from room to room."Now that she's raised her final litter, Selkie is ready to find a place where she can be endlessly pampered and adored.Her coat is now fluffy and gleaming, and she's blossomed into an affectionate companionBestFriendsFelinesThanks to a dedicated team of volunteers, this lovely family never has to worry about their next meal.The kittens have thrived in size, energy, and fluff while their mom has grown fond of her human friends, soaking up all the affection.BestFriendsFelinesShare this story with your friends. More on Selkie, her kittens, and Best Friends Felines on Instagram and Facebook.Related story: Cat Retires from Fatherhood After Being Saved from Farm and Starts Caring for Other Kittens in Need