They offered a calico cat a safe home to raise her kittens instead of leaving her at the shelter, giving her the chance to feel secure and blossom under loving care. The transformation was heartwarming as the cat slowly began to trust her surroundings, enjoying the peace of a foster home where she could nurture her little ones without fear or stress.
Regina and her kittensAshley
A calico mother with four newborn kittens was taken to a shelter shortly after giving birth. Recognizing the stressful conditions for such a young family, the staff reached out for assistance. Ashley, director of Liberation Cat House, immediately welcomed them into her home, offering a safe and nurturing space where the mother cat could relax and focus on caring for her little ones.
Ashley
During the journey, the calico was visibly anxious, shielding her kittens from any harm. Ashley explained that stress often leads mama cats to stop nursing, which can quickly put kittens at risk, as their immune systems are fragile in the shelter environment. In a calm, quiet home, the mother soon began to settle in, purring with relief as she discovered she was finally safe.
Ashley
As she explored the cozy room, her tension faded away. She kneaded the blanket and purred gratefully when petted. Her kittens—two calicos named Cady and Gretchen, one ginger called Damien, and one tuxedo named Aaron—thrived under her attentive care. Cady, the largest, often acted as a pillow for her siblings, while Gretchen, the smallest, needed extra feedings to keep up with her littermates.
Cady, Damien, Gretchen, and AaronAshley
With her stress eased, Regina began taking breaks to eat, rest, and stretch. She groomed her kittens with devotion, while Ashley monitored their weights and provided extra nutrition to the weaker ones. Gretchen, though tiny, proved herself to be a fighter with a strong will to grow and thrive.
Regina is very attentive to her kittensAshley
Regina showered her kittens with affection, nuzzling and head-butting them lovingly. She purred as Ashley sat with her, welcoming human companionship. The mother cat even developed endearing habits like drinking from the faucet and lounging in the sink for short breaks away from her litter.
Ashley
Though Gretchen remained small, she was the first to open her eyes and vocalize with surprising energy. Her weight slowly increased thanks to supplemental feedings, proving her resilience. Meanwhile, her siblings continued to flourish, with Cady remaining the strongest of the group.
Cady lets her siblings use her as a pillowAshley
Regina blossomed into a gentle, affectionate cat with a joyful personality. She cared for her kittens tirelessly, always returning at the faintest cry. Thanks to Ashley’s dedication, both the mama and her babies were given the chance to thrive in a loving environment. Once her kittens are ready, Regina too will deserve the comfort of a forever home where she can enjoy life without the responsibility of motherhood.
Regina likes to hang out in the sinkAshley
Gretchen is a little fighterAshley
Ashley
Regina’s journey from a stressed shelter mother to a blossoming, affectionate cat proves the difference a safe foster home can make. Her kittens, too, have thrived, and together they are now on the path to brighter futures in loving families.
Share this story with your friends. More on Regina, her kittens, and Ashley’s fosters on Instagram and Liberation Cat House on Instagram.
