A group stepped in to help a cat and ended up saving all her kittens days later.
JuniperBestFriendsFelines
When Juniper the cat arrived at Best Friends Felines (a cat rescue group), she wasn't alone. Her mom and sister came along, but this time, she was the one that was pregnant.
She joined the rescue's Last Litter Program, which aims to break the cycle of unwanted litters through spaying. This program gives cats like Juniper a chance at a healthier, happier life and ensures their kittens find loving homes.
As Juniper settled into her foster home, everything went smoothly until a few days later.
She adores people and enjoys snuggling in their armsBestFriendsFelines
The expectant mom was affectionate from the start, chirping to her foster carer, Jen, and snuggling into her arms. "She's a chatty, vocal girl with plenty to say, and her purring could rival a motorboat," Best Friends Felines shared.
"She adores snuggles and already has everyone swooning over her stunning, multi-colored coat."
BestFriendsFelines
A few days into foster care, she went into labor and gave birth to two little ginger kittens before noon. Exhausted, she needed assistance cleaning the second baby. "But then, everything stopped."
A few hours later, the feline family was rushed to the vet as Juniper had trouble delivering the remaining kittens.
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That afternoon, they decided an emergency C-section was necessary to save the lives of both the kittens and their mom. "The good news is we were welcomed with two more little babies, and Juniper roused quickly from the surgery."
Despite concerted efforts, the two newcomers couldn't latch, but with swift supplementary feedings, they perked up.
After an emergency C-section, Juniper and her four kittens were safe and homeBestFriendsFelines
When they were returned to Juniper, all four kittens were nursing happily, side by side. By the next day, the feline family was recovering wonderfully.
The kittens—two gingers (boys), one void (boy), and one dark calico (girl)—started gaining weight and energy. "They are named after types of junipers: Skyrocket, Blue Arrow, Spartan, and Taylor."
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At 11 days old, the kittens have doubled in size and developed plump bellies. The two ginger kittens (Skyrocket and Blue Arrow) are nearly identical, with equal weight and matching markings.
"They are both very placid boys, with Blue Arrow being the first to open his little eyes on day eight."
Juniper is very loving and attentive to her kittensBestFriendsFelines
"The other two are the life of the party. Spartan (void) loves screaming the song of his people anytime he is taken over for weighing—he lives for drama. Taylor also likes being a little dramatic, but that comes with being a calico."
Juniper has begun taking short breaks from her kittens, soaking up affection from her foster carer before returning to her brood.
She takes short breaks from her kittens and seeks affection from her peopleBestFriendsFelines
"Despite being a little clueless about motherhood at the start, she is a wonderfully devoted momma."
The kittens are blossoming into beautiful bundles of joy, moving around the nest and strengthening their legs. Soon, with their eyes open, they will be exploring and keeping their mom on her toes.
All four kittens will soon open their eyesBestFriendsFelines
Thanks to the program, Juniper, her mom, sister, and kittens won't have to go through the cycle of endless litters and can enjoy their lives as cherished and pampered cats.
Juniper loves getting chin scritches, feeling happy and lovedBestFriendsFelines
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