A cat left her kittens on a family's doorstep. The feline siblings got help just in time and their lives were changed forever.
A family from Canada found three kittens on their doorstep without a mother in sight. They waited for the cat to come back for her babies, but there was no sign of her.
One of the kittens sadly didn't survive the harsh outdoors. The family brought the remaining two kittens inside and tried to bottle feed them the best they could.
When they realized that they were in over their heads, they reached out to Chatons Orphelins Montréal, a rescue group in Montreal, Canada, and asked for their assistance.
The kittens were around five weeks old at the time, and just skin and bones. They had trouble eating and keeping food in their tiny bodies. Once the rescue agreed to take them in, the family drove over an hour to Montreal and brought the kittens to safe hands.
"The brother and sister pair arrived in our care, and they were in rough shape. We named them Maui (ginger) and Athena (gray) and started them on treatment and a round-the-clock feeding schedule," Celine Crom of Chatons Orphelins Montréal shared with Love Meow.
The kittens were just half the size for their age and barely had enough strength to hold their heads up. Despite being very frail and skinny, they never left each other's side and were hanging in with all their might.
The two siblings were inseparable, cheering each other on constantly. They would cry and seek out one another if they weren't within eyesight.
"It is amazing that they made it this far. They were so malnourished but continued to fight to live."
The kittens latched onto their bottles like champs and gobbled down the food as if there was no tomorrow. Despite still battling some stomach issues, they let nothing stop them from eating to their heart's content.
"The kittens spent a lot of time sleeping to allow their bodies to heal and regain strength. The brother and sister stuck to each other like glue, and were on top of each other when they napped," Celine added.
"Their foster mom fed them every 2-3 hours tirelessly, and after about a week, they started to put on weight."
Maui the little brother had more challenges and needed more care and time for his recovery. Athena kept him company and was his biggest cheerleader and support.
After two weeks of intensive care, the two made a complete 180. They were bigger, stronger and more active than ever.
"The kittens have grown attached to their foster mom. Every time she comes in with a bottle, they will climb up her arm for attention and cry until food is served."
Maui and Athena have completely transformed since they came to the rescue. "They wouldn't have made it without the tremendous efforts from their foster mom," Celine shared with Love Meow.
The brother and sister have overcome every hurdle with the help of their loving foster family, and are on their way to a bright future.
They have turned out to be the sweetest cuddle-bugs, and their personalities are beaming through.
"Maui who was underdeveloped, is finally catching up in size. He is still smaller but has a full belly and a lot of energy," Celine said.
The ginger boy enjoys being held like a baby and is always on the lookout for more cuddles.
"Athena, the bigger of the two, is also the braver one. She is not afraid of anything and is friendly and very adventurous."
They are thriving in foster care without a worry in the world.
The two best friends are learning to eat big kitty food and getting more playful and rambunctious each day.
Maui and Athena are loving their VIP life as spoiled indoor cats. In a few weeks, they will be ready to find a family that will love and cherish them forever.
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