Four kittens moved into a home for the first time. One was half the size she should have been, but she kept pressing on.
RyeTracey
A feral cat gave birth to four kittens and desperately needed a safe place. Volunteers from Cat Tales, an animal rescue, swiftly stepped in to bring the family to safety.
They prepared a quiet space for the feral momma, where she could comfortably care for her young. With ample food and all the amenities, the kittens began to grow, safe from the harsh outdoor elements.
"Around six weeks in, it was noticed that the kittens were rather small," Tracey, an experienced fosterer at Cat Tales, shared with Love Meow.
Pumpernickel, Rye, and CroutonTracey
The rescue entrusted the kittens to Tracey to provide them with supplemental feeding. The feral mom was spayed and officially retired from motherhood.
The tiny clowder of four fit in a bed with extra room to spare. "The kittens were small, with Rye being the runt."
Rye is the runt of the litterTracey
"The first two weeks were touch and go. Rye and her sister, Crouton, needed additional feeding support."
At six weeks old, Rye was no bigger than a two- to three-week-old kitten. Eating and gaining weight was a challenge for the runt, who couldn't afford to lose even a few grams. Her sister, Crouton, was also fighting for her life right beside her.
From top to bottom: Sourdough, Crouton, Pumpernickel, and RyeTracey
Tracey syringe-fed the kittens that needed extra help, providing round-the-clock care to ensure they all made it over the hump.
Her painstaking efforts paid off when Rye and Crouton bounced back, emerging from their bed one day with renewed energy. Despite her tiny stature, Rye had a fierce spirit and was determined to live life to the fullest.
Tracey
Rye cuddled in a soft blanket with her foster mom, soaking up the affection and gentle strokes.
Her tiny body makes her ears appear adorably oversized, like Yoda's. She is a force to be reckoned with. "She is so small and fragile but keeps on trucking along. I anticipate her catching up. She has such a zest for life."
Pumpernickel, the only boy, sports a pair of bat earsTracey
Pumpernickel, the tuxedo, is the only boy in the litter. He lets his sisters wrestle him and nibble on his whiskers without protest. All he seeks is affection from both humans and his feline family.
As soon as he nestles with his foster mom, he melts into a blissful puddle as if nothing else matters. "Pumpernickel is the love bug of the group. He is gentle and sweet."
Rye is tiny but mightyTracey
"Sourdough is the loudest. She lets everyone know she wants to be picked up. Crouton is so strong. She was wasting away, but fought to live. She was syringe-fed until she started feeling better and eating on her own."
"Rye is a little pip. Quiet and small but mighty. She is adorable and doesn't complain at all. Their favorite thing to do is climb on anyone who sits with them and hunker down for love and scritches."
Rye and CroutonTracey
Slowly but surely, Rye is growing into her radar ears. From the couch, she gazes up at her humans, her ears swiveling toward their voices. She listens intently, charming everyone in sight.
Thriving in foster care, they are finally making steady gains and becoming more active each day.
Tracey
Rye and her siblings adore their human companions, always curling up on their laps and ready for the adventures life will bring.
Tracey
Share this story with your friends. More on the kittens and Tracey's fosters on Instagram@sweet_foster_kitties and Cat Tales @cattalesinc.
Related story: Kitten Shows Everyone She's Perfect and Wants to Be Held All Day When She Arrives at an Animal Rescue