About three months ago, Leanne, a volunteer with Whiskers-a-GoGo, received an urgent message about a litter of newborn kittens living in a precarious spot between two fences. With the homeowner’s permission, she carefully cut a small section of the wooden fence to reach the nest and gently lifted out four tiny kittens. All were delicate, but one was noticeably smaller and clearly needed extra support. Leanne knew that if the little runt was to make it, she would need round-the-clock care, warmth, and patient feeding. What began as a risky rescue quickly turned into a full foster mission to give the entire feline family a safe start and the focused help the smallest kitten required.
Photo credit: Whiskers-a-GoGo
The kittens had been born in a narrow gap between a chain-link fence and a wooden fence, a place exposed to the elements and hidden from easy reach. Understanding how critical it is for newborns to remain with their mother, Leanne set a humane trap to safely bring in the mom as well. By day’s end, the whole family was reunited indoors, warm, and out of danger. No longer wedged between fences, the kittens could finally stretch, nurse, and sleep without fear. That immediate change—from a cramped crevice to a calm foster home—set the stage for healthy growth and careful observation of the smallest kitten’s needs.
They were born between a chain-link fence and a wooden fence — Whiskers-a-GoGo
Once settled, however, the mother cat rejected the most fragile kitten and pushed her out of the nest—an instinctive behavior in the wild where moms sometimes prioritize the strongest to protect the litter’s chances. The tiny calico, later named Hamster, was impossibly small but loud, determined, and full of life. Leanne and the rescue team stepped in immediately with bottle-feeding and warmth. Even at a glance, it was clear Hamster would need intensive, scheduled care: frequent feedings, careful weight checks, and lots of comforting cuddles to mimic the closeness she’d lost when her mom turned her away.
The kittens and their mom — Whiskers-a-GoGo
At one week old, Hamster weighed just 85 grams—tinier than a typical newborn. The first time she was offered a bottle, she latched on with fierce determination, as if she understood this was her lifeline. Within two days she gained eight grams, a modest but meaningful step in the right direction. The team celebrated every gram and every steady feeding, because with kittens this small, progress is measured in tiny milestones. Hamster’s will to live was undeniable, and with each feeding she grew steadier, warmer, and a little more energetic, proving that careful, consistent care can make all the difference.
Hamster was the smallest kitten and needed extra help — Whiskers-a-GoGo
Between meals, Hamster snuggled into soft blankets and onto warm chests, purring and “making biscuits” as her confidence bloomed. Leanne described her as tiny in size but mighty in spirit, with a voice that could wake the block when she was hungry. Those bonding moments—gentle burps after feeding, cozy naps, and calm heartbeat sounds—helped her feel safe and regulated. Day by day, Hamster transitioned from a fragile newborn into a curious kitten, staying awake a little longer after meals, batting at toys, and mewing for attention, all encouraging signs that she was catching up.
Photo credit: Whiskers-a-GoGo
As the litter was gradually weaned, their mom happily retired from nursing, and the siblings reunited for full-time play. Hamster, once the most delicate, now zipped around the room with bold energy, pouncing on toys and staging playful ambushes on her brothers and sisters. Her foster described her as a linebacker in kitten form—fearless in zoomies and absolutely enthusiastic about food. She was either cuddly and sweet or plotting her next surprise tackle, often with a perpetually messy face from “occupying” her plate rather than politely eating from it.
Photo credit: Whiskers-a-GoGo
Each sibling developed a charming personality. Pipsqueak, who looks strikingly like Hamster, loves to wrestle and never turns down a tussle. Cupcake, the fluffy black-and-white kitten, is the biggest and melts into a puddle the moment he’s picked up. Macaroni, the white kitten with an orange cap, prefers quiet affection—gentle head bumps and polite requests for pets. Together they make a balanced crew: some bold, some bashful, all endlessly entertaining. The foster room buzzed with play sessions, nap piles, and an ever-growing sense of security.
Photo credit: Whiskers-a-GoGo
In a sweet twist, Hamster has now outgrown two of her siblings. What she lacks in size she makes up for in heart, curiosity, and appetite. She sprints up cat trees, launches sneak attacks during playtime, and then curls into the coziest cuddle piles as if to say, “Who, me?” The once-tiny bottle baby has transformed into a spirited youngster who keeps everyone on their toes and reminds her foster family why second chances matter.
Left: Pipsqueak; Right: Hamster (in back) in a cuddle puddle — Whiskers-a-GoGo
Now, Hamster and her siblings are ready to search for their forever homes. Their journey—from being wedged between fences at just one week old to thriving in safety and love—highlights the power of rescue and foster care. With patience, proper nutrition, and a warm place to grow, even the tiniest kitten can beat the odds. If Hamster’s story inspires you, consider supporting your local rescue, volunteering as a foster, or sharing adoptable kittens so more little lives can get their happy endings.
Hamster and Cupcake — Whiskers-a-GoGo
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Photo credit: Whiskers-a-GoGo
