Two newborn kittens were discovered inside a barn in Gaston, Indiana, their eyes still sealed shut when
Alicia Jones spotted them.
What grabbed her attention instantly was the striking patterning on their coats—markings that looked far more like those of an exotic wild cat than typical domestic kittens. Realizing the urgency of their condition and the unusual appearance, Jones moved quickly to ensure the pair received immediate care and an expert assessment of their background.
Photo: Angela Sexton of Animal Rescue Fund
Jones transported the kittens to the
Animal Rescue Fund (ARF) the same day. According to ARF, a local veterinarian examined the kittens and noted that they appeared to be exotic—possibly from mixed parentage. Because their appearance and needs seemed beyond what an ordinary shelter encounter might involve, the team sought specialized guidance to ensure the babies would have the best chance at survival and appropriate placement.
Photo: Angela Sexton of Animal Rescue Fund
ARF reports that the kittens were kept warm, bottle-feeding was attempted, and veterinary care was provided while a qualified rescue prepared to collect them. They were preemies—extremely delicate—and no mother cat or littermates were found nearby. Despite careful efforts, one kitten sadly did not survive, underscoring how fragile neonatal rescues can be. The remaining kitten was stabilized, placed in an incubator, and continued on round-the-clock bottle feeding to support growth during those critical first days.
Photo: Angela Sexton of Animal Rescue Fund
Specialists are still working to determine the kittens’ background. Based on tail length and size, they ruled out tigers (far too small) and bobcats (these kittens had long tails). Current thinking points toward Bengal or Savannah cats—domestic–wild hybrids known for bold rosettes and distinctive coloration. The
Exotic Feline Rescue in Center Point, Indiana noted that it is unusual for a Bengal or Savannah cat to give birth in a stranger’s barn, making this case especially noteworthy and raising questions about the mother’s origin and circumstances.
Photo: Angela Sexton of Animal Rescue Fund
Organizations such as Minnesota’s Wildcat Sanctuary caution that demand for hybrids can drive breeding practices involving servals and other small exotics, a market they oppose due to the welfare concerns and complex needs of hybrid cats. More broadly, millions of cats enter shelters in the United States each year, and many are waiting for homes. If you’re considering adoption, visit your local shelter or browse
petfinder.com to meet adoptable cats who need a second chance.
Sources: ARF updates, veterinary observations, Exotic Feline Rescue input, and hybrid-cat education from the Wildcat Sanctuary. Shelter statistics via the
ASPCA.
