A rescued cat was so happy when her only surviving kitten was given a chance to thrive.
A Good Samaritan spotted a pregnant cat wandering in a neighborhood of Montreal, Canada. They contacted Stefany, a local animal rescuer, for help.
Stefany was able to get the expectant cat mom to safety and transfer her to Chatons Orphelins Montréal. "We named the cat Kiara. She was fearful after having survived the outdoor life," Celine Crom of Chatons Orphelins Montréal told Love Meow. "Even though she was worried about people, she let us take her to the vet and help her."
An ultrasound showed that she was pregnant with two kittens. They thought they had another two weeks before delivery, but things progressed much faster than they had anticipated.
On November 1st, Mama Kiara gave birth to two very tiny and fragile kittens. Despite their best efforts to save them, only the calico survived - she clung to her mother, fighting to live.
The little singleton latched onto Kiara the whole time during her first 24 hours, but she was not gaining weight. They soon realized that the mother was not producing milk.
"Kim, a bottle-baby foster volunteer, offered to help. She started to syringe-feed the kitten every 2-3 hours," Celine said.
The tiny calico began to put on weight, and her belly was finally full. She was very small for her age, weighing 74 grams after the first day of her life.
Mama Kiara was a bit apprehensive at first when her baby, named Luciole, was taken away to be fed, but quickly realized they were trying to help.
"Now, she will meow when she wants her foster mom to come in to tend to her kitten."
Kim feeds the kitten around the clock while mama Kiara is in charge of cleaning and caring for the baby. They work as a team to help little Luciole thrive.
Watch Mama Kiara and Baby Luciole in this cute video:
The sweet calico is eating like a champ and turning into an adorable, healthy, plump kitty.
"Her cat mom keeps her clean and warm after every feeding, and takes great care of her," Celine told Love Meow.
Mama Kiara entrusted Kim to help rear her little precious gem, and is so grateful that she's blossoming.
"Kiara is a good mom. When the kitten is hungry, she calls for her foster mom to come feed her baby. She understands that we are here to help her."
At two weeks old, little Luciole is tipping the scales at 230 grams.
The baby calico is now pocket-sized, has opened her eyes and ready to explore.
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