As if perfectly timed, a rescued cat welcomed her kittens right on New Year's Day, just days after being taken in.
Ivory and her kittensFosterKittenMama
A cat named Ivory had spent her life in a hoarding situation before she was rescued. She'd never had a clean room to herself, but that was about to change.
When Heidi Shoemaker, founder of Foster Kitten Mama, learned about Ivory's plight and that she was heavily pregnant, she immediately offered to help. She prepared a cozy space for the soon-to-be mom and stocked up on food to ensure she was well-fed.
"She's about a year old and has had at least one other litter. Thankfully, this will be her last."
She was rescued from a hoarding situationFosterKittenMama
Ivory quickly settled into her new room, enjoying the clean space she'd never known. Though she spent much of her time lounging, she showed interest in her new toys, filling the room with contented purrs.
Every time Heidi walked in, her face lit up, and she was eager for affection.
Ivory quickly settled into her new spaceFosterKittenMama
As soon as Heidi set down the birthing box, Ivory hopped right in. She nestled against the sides, gazing up at her foster mom with doe-like eyes while Heidi spoke softly to her.
She would curl up in Heidi's lap, letting her gently rub her belly and feel the tiny kicks of her kittens. Heidi thought Ivory would give birth any day, but the sweet girl had other plans in mind.
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She'd "hold hands" with Heidi whenever she was there. "I put my finger on her paw, and she lightly curls her paw around it. Every night, I go to bed expecting to be woken up. I don't want to miss being right here to help her."
For days, Ivory busily rearranged her blankets in her nest, keeping her foster mom on edge with anticipation. "We made it through Christmas with no baby appearance."
She likes to "hold hands" with her foster momFosterKittenMama
Heidi set up a camera above the box, allowing her to monitor Ivory from a distance. A few days later, just after the New Year was rung in, Ivory went into labor. In the early hours, she delivered her first kitten.
Before long, she had five little ones—three tabbies and two tuxedos—nuzzling at her belly.
Ivory gave birth on New Year's DayFosterKittenMama
Fresh bedding was prepared for the mama and her newborns, along with breakfast in bed to keep her well-nourished. The kittens had made their debut in the early hours of New Year's Day as if Ivory had timed it.
"She and the babies are happy, warm, full, and so comfy."
She brought five little kittens into the worldFosterKittenMama
Ivory showers her little ones with unconditional love. She keeps them clean from head to tail and tends to their every whim. She often drifts off to sleep with a kitten nestled in her arms while the others snuggle cozily by her side.
The room comes alive with the endless symphony of purrs and squeaks.
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The kittens have grown plump with round bellies and gained strength in just a few days.
Soon, their eyes will open, and their ears will unfold as they begin to find their footing. Mama Ivory is perfectly content with her loving foster mom supporting her every step of the way.
FosterKittenMama
Ivory and her New Year kittens are thriving in their foster home with a bright future full of adventures ahead.
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