A cat immediately perked up and shone again when she took in new kittens after losing her own.
Peaches and her new kittensFriendsofRescue
Peaches, 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 story—she 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 homeFriendsofRescue
The 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 load—and 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 kittensFriendsofRescue
As 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.
FriendsofRescue
Thanks 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.
FriendsofRescue
Share 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.
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