Rescued Shelter Cat Finds New Confidence in Foster Home

 

Rescued Shelter Cat Finds New Confidence in Foster Home

For weeks, a mother cat named Colette and her six kittens remained in a shelter while they recovered from colds. The stressful environment took a toll on Colette, who often hid in a corner, overwhelmed by her surroundings.

A New Beginning

Heidi Shoemaker, founder of Foster Kitten Mama, stepped in to offer the feline family a better chance at life. Once the kittens were healthy enough to travel, Heidi took them into her care, hoping to provide them with the comfort and stability they desperately needed.

During the journey to their foster home, Colette remained still inside the carrier, her wary eyes reflecting her uncertainty. She was noticeably underweight, and some of her kittens were also critically small for their age.

Upon arrival, Colette cautiously entered her new environment, seeking a place to hide. While her kittens eagerly explored, she retreated to a corner, unsure of her new surroundings. Despite having comfortable beds available, she chose to huddle in the litter box, a sign of her anxiety. Some of her kittens stayed by her side, while others began playing with toys and climbing on cat posts, enjoying the newfound space.

Gradual Progress and Small Victories

“The babies have been in a tiny space at the shelter for most of their lives. They are very excited to have toys and quickly figured out what to do with them,” Heidi shared. While the kittens adjusted quickly, Colette took longer to come out of her shell.

To help ease her fears, Heidi introduced soft treats, hoping to build trust. Initially hesitant, Colette couldn't resist the enticing smell and cautiously approached Heidi for a taste. This small but significant moment marked the beginning of her transformation.

Heidi continued to spend time with Colette daily, providing gentle encouragement and care. With each passing day, the timid mother cat began showing signs of trust, venturing out of her hiding spot and responding positively to her foster mom’s presence.

Nurturing and Growth

Meanwhile, Heidi closely monitored the kittens’ health, ensuring they received proper nutrition and medical attention. One of the kittens, a tiny gray tabby named Yukon, was particularly underweight, requiring extra care. At five weeks old, he should have weighed over a pound but was only eight ounces.

With Heidi’s dedicated care, Colette started gaining strength and confidence. Her once-frequent “airplane ears” (a sign of fear) relaxed, and she even allowed brief petting sessions. “I’m thankful she’s had stability, warmth, calm, and all the food she desires. She’s going to be a wonderful cat when she finally knows she’s safe forever,” Heidi said.

Yukon, despite his small size, displayed a deep attachment to his mother. He often fell asleep pressed against Colette, finding comfort in her presence.

A Brighter Future

In less than two weeks, Colette made remarkable progress. She grew more confident each day, while her kittens thrived in their safe and nurturing environment. Their once-shy mother now had a chance at a bright future, thanks to patience, kindness, and the power of a loving home.

As her kittens turned their space into a lively playground, Colette watched over them with a newfound sense of security. Her journey from a scared shelter cat to a flourishing feline is a testament to the importance of fostering and the difference a compassionate heart can make.

For more updates on Colette and her kittens, visit Foster Kitten Mama on Instagram and Facebook.

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