A tiny "panther" kitten perked up, and her spirits lifted when a cat adopted her after she was found in a yard.
HadleyEllen Richter
Hadley, the kitten, was a few days old when she was found alone in a yard. Her mother had relocated all her siblings but somehow left her behind.
A kind couple who found the lone kitten searched the area, but there was no sign of another cat. "They couldn't find Mom or the kittens anywhere and waited as long as they could before scooping up Hadley and bringing her to safety," Homeward Bound Cat Adoptions shared.
They walked into the adoption center holding the tiny "house panther" and pleaded for someone to help.
She was found in a yard all aloneHomeward Bound Cat Adoptions
"When Hadley arrived, we quickly began supportive care. We made sure she was warm and alert. Without Mom, Hadley (at just five days old) wouldn't have survived."
Ellen Richter, an experienced foster carer for the rescue, stepped up to help the kitten by bottle-feeding and caring for her around the clock.
Hadley took to her bottle right awayHomeward Bound Cat Adoptions
When Ellen was certain Hadley was healthy, she introduced her to a nursing mom to give her the best chance to thrive.
About a month ago, Ellen took in a pregnant tabby who had been abandoned outside the adoption center. The cat, Liberty, quickly warmed up to her foster family with "biscuits" (kneading) and purrs.
Homeward Bound Cat Adoptions
A few days later, she had six beautiful kittens in the comfort of her foster home, away from the elements.
When Hadley's eyes started to open, she met the feline family of seven and was instantly smitten with them. She immediately sought warmth and comfort from the mama and nursed alongside the bigger kittens.
Hadley (the tiny one at the bottom) was instantly smitten with her new mama catEllen Richter
Ellen supplemented Hadley every two hours in addition to the time the kitten spent with her new mom. "I'm very excited she's gained weight."
Hadley melted into Mama as she cleaned her from head to toe. She stretched her tiny legs while basking in the love. With a full belly, she fell fast asleep on her heated bed, feeling warm and loved.
Ellen Richter
"I'm happy she's able to spend time with other kittens, as well as getting some of Mama's milk. It's full of nutrition and will help her be healthy."
With her eyes wide open at around two weeks old, Hadley is becoming more active and curious. She is no longer that lonesome kitten now that she's surrounded by loving humans and a feline family.
She became more curious and active with her eyes openEllen Richter
All the other kittens are fascinated by the tiny "house panther". "They randomly touch her or stare in confusion."
Hadley has the same talent as Mama Liberty in making biscuits. With a voracious appetite, she's getting more strength in her legs while making steady gains. She's starting to move around the nest, trying to hone her gait.
Ellen Richter
As the older kittens have entered the weaning phase, Mama is busy teaching them to eat on their own. Luckily, Ellen is able to take over all the feeding duties for Hadley until Mama can get a break from her demanding six.
Ellen Richter
It's incredible how far Hadley has come in just one week with the help of a foster family and a doting cat.
Hadley shows off her "bear" claws and big doe eyes at mealtime, melting everyone's hearts.
Ellen Richter
Share this story with your friends. More on Hadley and Ellen's fosters on Instagram and Homeward Bound Cat Adoptions on Instagram.
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