A rescuer had gone to the shelter to pick up a few kittens, but instead witnessed a touching scene—a mother cat walked in carrying her seven babies. Faced with their desperate situation, she knew she couldn’t leave them behind. The calico cat, later named Snow White, had suffered a severely ruptured eye and required emergency medical attention. Her condition highlighted the struggles many stray animals endure before rescue groups intervene.
Snow White and her seven kittens – Photo Credit: Lori White
Lori White and her team from ARPO (The Alliance for Responsible Pet Ownership) had visited the shelter that weekend to assist with the overwhelming number of kittens. Just as they were preparing to leave, Snow White and her seven babies arrived. With quick thinking, Lori organized help, finding a veterinarian willing to operate that very night. Despite the late hours and challenges, the mama cat underwent surgery to save her life and was able to return to her babies in the safety of a foster home.
Photo Credit: Lori White
After her surgery, Snow White settled into foster care with Lori. Even at 2 a.m., when she was picked up and carried to her new safe haven, she remained gentle and grateful. Lori admitted that deciding which animals to save at crowded shelters is never easy, but she knew this family had to be given a chance. Snow White soon proved to be a loving, affectionate cat, rubbing against her foster mom and purring, as though she understood she had been rescued.
Photo Credit: Lori White
Lori named the brave calico Snow White and gave her kittens names inspired by the Seven Dwarfs. At her follow-up vet visit, she remained calm and sweet, easily winning over the staff. In her foster home, she embraced motherhood wholeheartedly, patiently feeding and cleaning her babies. Thanks to dedicated care, the kittens began to thrive, their once fragile bodies filling out with healthy round bellies. As they grew stronger, they became more adventurous—waddling around, climbing over one another, and exploring their nursery with curiosity.
Photo Credit: Lori White
The kittens, though still a bit clumsy, amused their foster family with their playful antics. They toddled around “like drunken sailors,” eager to climb playpens, chase shadows, and leap onto furniture. Their mom watched closely, always protective and ready to reel them back if they strayed too far. Snow White herself had a huge appetite, finishing every meal quickly to keep up with the demands of nursing seven growing kittens. Her little ones, curious about everything she did, even began sampling her food.
Photo Credit: Lori White
As the kittens grew bolder, their personalities shone through. Some were adventurous climbers, while others were cuddlers. Their foster mom shared that this stage was her favorite—watching them bounce around the room with endless energy. The cozy nursery, combined with Snow White’s devotion, ensured the kittens blossomed into strong, playful, and affectionate little cats. Every day brought new milestones, from exploring new corners of the room to chasing after toys, keeping their mother on her toes.
Photo Credit: Lori White
Today, Snow White and her seven kittens are thriving, thanks to the love and care provided by their foster home. Snow White greets Lori warmly every time she enters, following her around the room and soaking up affection. With her eye healed and her babies safe, she has fully embraced her new life. This heartwarming story shows how teamwork, compassion, and rescue efforts can change lives—for both animals and the people who step in to help them.
Photo Credit: Lori White
Follow more updates on Snow White, her kittens, and other rescues by Lori through Instagram@dreaming_of_foster_kittens and ARPO @arporescue.
