A kitten follows her cat mother everywhere, trying to keep up, after their lives have been turned around.
A scrawny tabby cat was rescued from a hoarding situation along with her only kitten. Heidi Shoemaker of Foster Kitten Mama (in CO) was asked if she could help the mother and daughter duo.
“Of course, I said ‘yes’. (Their previous owners) had way too many animals and no means to feed and care for them,” Heidi shared with us.
The first few days were very challenging, as the cat mom, Hatty, showed no interest in being with her baby or caring for her. At one week old, the kitten, Harriet, was constantly seeking her mom.
“Hatty seemed to be going into heat. She wanted nothing to do with Harriet. I put them in the most calm spot, and supplemented Harriet with kitten formula.”
Heidi worked tirelessly around the clock to ensure that the kitten was fed, warm and loved. Slowly but surely, Hatty began to calm down, and her maternal instinct returned.
“I literally cried from relief when I first saw her nursing on the camera that I keep in with them,” Heidi told us.
Hatty joined her baby in the heated nest and gave her a thorough bath. She then lay down on her side to let little Harriet nurse for the first time in foster care.
The next day, Heidi stayed with the cat mom to keep her calm and encouraged. “I had to pet and scratch Hatty under the neck and ears, and she stayed (with her baby). Harriet got a full bath and help from mama to potty.”
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