They never gave up searching for the rest of the stray cat family after finding one of the kittens. It all began when a tiny newborn kitten was found alone, shivering and helpless. The people who discovered him waited for the mother cat to return, but she never did. This heartbreaking moment set off a determined rescue mission led by Meagan, president of PuppyKittyNYCity, who refused to stop until the entire feline family was safe.
Sophia | Photo Credit: Alyssa
When Meagan first met the little kitten, named Deco, he was freezing and barely clinging to life. She rushed him to the rescue for emergency care, but despite everyone’s best efforts, Deco didn’t survive. His loss deeply affected Meagan, who made it her mission to find the rest of his family so they could have the life he never got to enjoy. That promise became the beginning of an emotional and inspiring rescue journey.
They found the kittens in an outdoor shelter | Photo Credit: Meagan
Each day, before and after work, Meagan loaded up her car with food, blankets, and traps, heading to the site where the kittens had been seen. On the first day, she managed to rescue several cats from the colony but couldn’t locate the mother cat. Undeterred, she returned the next day and brought two more kittens to safety. Still, the mama cat remained out of reach. “We will not give up,” she vowed, and her determination kept her going through long, exhausting hours.
They rescued the mom and her kittens and brought them to their foster home | Photo Credit: Meagan
Finally, on the third day, Meagan and her team spotted the mother cat inside a small outdoor shelter. Using a humane trap, they safely secured her and found three tiny kittens that looked just like Deco. In total, they rescued ten cats and kittens from that one yard—a massive effort that took patience, coordination, and love. The feline family’s story was far from over; they still needed a safe place to heal and grow.
Photo Credit: Alyssa
Volunteer Alyssa stepped in to foster the timid mom, now named Isabella, and her babies. She prepared a peaceful space where Isabella could relax and nurse her kittens. Within a few days, the kittens opened their eyes and began exploring. Though Isabella stayed shy, her babies—Sophia, Oz, and Victor—were curious and playful. Sophia, the tiny tabby, quickly became the leader, always the first to meow, explore, and seek attention.
Photo Credit: Alyssa
The kittens soon learned to walk, play, and respond to human voices. They began exploring their foster room, climbing over one another, and chasing invisible prey. Oz, the tuxedo kitten, and Victor, the brown-and-white tabby, followed Sophia’s lead everywhere. With every belly rub and cuddle, they became more trusting and affectionate. The once-scared little family was slowly transforming into a group of joyful, confident kittens ready for love.
Photo Credit: Alyssa
As days passed, the kittens began eating solid food, drinking water, and learning to use the litter box. Oz, curious as ever, was the first to take a sip of water, followed quickly by his sister Sophia. Their confidence grew with every new experience. They adored human company, climbing into Alyssa’s lap for naps and purring loudly the moment she entered the room. Their personalities began to shine—brave, playful, and full of energy.
Photo Credit: Alyssa
One weekend, the trio attended a rescue event, where they met a calico kitten named Butterball who needed friends. The three kittens instantly accepted her into their group, playing and sharing toys. Though she was slightly older, Butterball matched their energy and became part of their tiny family. Watching them grow together brought joy to their foster mom, who had poured her heart into their recovery.
Oz took his first sip of water | Photo Credit: Alyssa
Now that the kittens are weaned and independent, Isabella finally has time to rest and care for herself. The kittens love to perch on their foster mom’s shoulders and nap in her lap after hours of playful adventures. Their favorite pastime is chasing feather toys, wrestling, and cuddling in a warm pile of fur and purrs. Oz, with his unique polka-dot markings, is especially charming, capturing hearts wherever he goes.
Butterball joined the feline crew | Photo Credit: Alyssa
Thanks to the kindness and perseverance of rescuers like Meagan and Alyssa, this once-lost feline family now thrives in warmth and love. They will spend their first holiday season in comfort, far from the hardships of the streets. The bond they share—and the humans who refused to give up on them—show that compassion can turn even the saddest beginnings into beautiful new chapters.
Sophia and Oz | Photo Credit: Alyssa
Sophia, Oz, and Victor | Photo Credit: Alyssa
Follow their heartwarming journey and see more adorable updates on Alyssa’s fosters on Instagram and PuppyKittyNYCity.
