A cat expressed gratitude to a family for bringing her into their home. She gave birth to kittens days later in warmth and comfort.
A pregnant cat was brought to Hamilton Animal Services about a month ago after being discovered wandering the streets. She desperately needed a home in which to raise her kittens.
Co-founder of Salty Animal Rescue, Karly Saltarski, learned of her plight and immediately offered to take her in. Sage was transported safely to Karly’s foster home with the assistance of a volunteer.
Sage was somewhat anxious after the ordeal, but as soon as she entered her home, she began to relax.
Sage explored her new residence, inspecting every nook and cranny. With a roof over her head, food within reach, and soft beds and blankets close at hand, her anxieties quickly dissipated, and she became eager for affection.
She approached her foster family and rubbed against each member as if to express gratitude for taking her in.
She then sat down on a blanket and rolled over to expose her large stomach, the ultimate sign of trust.
It is believed that she is five years old. Who knows how many litters she has had already? I’m so happy that this will be her final litter,” Karly expressed. “Once she is done having kittens and has been vetted/spayed, she will have a better life than if she were not.”
Karly prepared a birthing box with all the necessities for the expectant mother. “She has spent the entire day nesting and grooming. The infants are moving frantically and are eager to escape.”
Sage gave birth to her six offspring approximately 10 days after her arrival. That morning, Karly awoke to the sound of kittens nursing on their mother, surrounded by comfort and warmth.
Sage remained by her demanding six (Saffron, Lavender, Nutmeg, Basil, Herb, and Dill) at all times, ensuring that they were all well cared for.
Sage gorged on eight small cans of food per day to keep up with her chubby children’s voracious appetites. She devoted the majority of her day and night to catering to their whims.
Sage would melt into a puddle of mush and purr loudly whenever Karly entered the home to check on the family, while her kittens cuddled against her. She would stretch her toes with delight as her foster mother scratched her head.
After two weeks of Sage’s undivided attention, the kittens have reached several developmental milestones and are beginning to use their legs to explore the nest.
Mama Sage keeps a close eye on her six roly-polies to ensure they stay out of mischief. “She is the best at her job and has the chubbiest children ever. Basil and Nutmeg vie for the title of heaviest kitten.”
While Dill is the most laid-back of the group, Nutmeg is practicing his wrestling skills by pushing his siblings aside as he moves.
His brother Herb attempts to imitate him by moving around and strengthening his small limbs. Lavender is the smallest, but she is extremely courageous as she learns to walk. Saffron is their sassy sister and a future princess.
With a foster home, these fortunate kittens never have to brave the cold outdoors. As indoor cats, they are thriving and growing by leaps and bounds.
Sage will no longer wander the streets in search of food and shelter; she is one step closer to living the best life possible in her future forever home.
