A kind-hearted person returned to the shelter for a cat and her kittens, giving them a chance at a better life.
Marigold and her kittensLoriWhite
Lori White of ARPO (Alliance for Responsible Pet Ownership) was at a local animal shelter transporting a group of kittens and several dogs when she came across a mother cat and her newborn kittens.
Lori was instantly smitten with the cat named Marigold and her "squishy face." "I always have a soft spot for moms and babies in the shelter," Lori shared with Love Meow.
Already having a full house of fosters, Lori promised Marigold, "When I had space at my house, I'd come back for her."
Marigold and her kittens at the shelterLoriWhite
A month later, Lori returned to the shelter to find the feline family still waiting for a rescue. "Her babies were walking by this time, but the three walls and cage bars in the shelter was all they knew."
Marigold rose from her bed and walked up to Lori for attention as if ready to go. That day, they left the shelter, en route to their foster home.
She was very pleased with her new room and all the amenitiesLoriWhite
After living in a kennel for the first month of their lives, the kittens (Buzz Buzz, Bumble Bee, Shasta Daisy, and Sunflower) were delighted to have more space to move around and play.
Except for big boy Bumble, they weighed about the size of a three-week-old kitten.
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Marigold was overjoyed to have a comfortable room to raise her babies and immediately showed Lori how much she appreciated everything. "She purred nonstop and jumped up in my lap as soon as I sat down."
Having a foster home and a dedicated carer became the turning point for the feline family.
Marigold jumped on Lori's lap for a cuddleLoriWhite
They all struggled with stomach troubles and other health issues and needed treatment for parasites. Lori wasted no time and began giving the kittens supportive care twice daily to keep them hydrated.
"It really helped that Marigold was nursing them as they did not have any interest in wet kitten food at first."
Buzz, Daisy, Bumble, and SunflowerLoriWhite
"After a few weeks of supportive care, they are showing signs of improvement, such as increased activity and weight gains."
Through all of this, Marigold has been a champion mama, keeping her kittens fed and clean, tolerating their constant antics (such as playing with her tail), and catering to their every whim.
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"She has a very unique nursing position that I have never seen with any of the other momma cats I've fostered. She often has her tongue out, which always makes me laugh."
Weighing only five pounds, Marigold has a lot of filling out to do.
Marigold is a wonderful mother to her kittensLoriWhite
Lori and her team are working on getting her to a healthier weight and providing dental care so she can enjoy her meals without discomfort.
"Her sweet and fun personality will make a wonderful addition to someone's family once she's ready for adoption."
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Daisy, whose weight loss worried Lori, has since made excellent gains. She's getting more active and curious, scaling things with her siblings and keeping their mom on her toes.
Daisy is getting more playful and curious each dayLoriWhite
With a foster home, these kitties have gained a new lease on life. Marigold continues being the best mom, raising her last litter while filling the room with soothing purrs.
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Share this story with your friends. More on Marigold, her kittens, and Lori's fosters on Instagram and ARPO on Instagram.
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