In the midst of freezing temperatures in Newfoundland, Canada, a stray tabby cat and her kittens were found braving the cold. Luckily, local animal rescuers from ExploitsValley SPCA were called to help and they were able to get the mom and her two kittens to safety.
Despite the tough conditions, the dedicated mom kept her kittens warm and alive until rescue arrived. The little family was fortunate to be rescued and taken into foster care, but there was still work to be done to help the kittens adjust to life with humans.
The two long-haired kittens, Lillian and Gillian, had never interacted with a person until they were rescued and brought into foster care at ExploitsValley SPCA. They were about two months old and desperately needed socialization.
Volunteers of ExploitsValley SPCA got right to work. To help the kittens build confidence, they brought them treats and showed them that they meant good. Meanwhile, Billie, the mom, was already reveling in her new life as an indoor cat, with a full belly and warm beds.
Billie quickly settled in and explored around her new space with her happy tippy taps. She walked up to volunteers for attention and even reached for nose boops and head scratches. Lillian and Gillian, on the other hand, were so timid that they huddled against each other, took refuge behind their litter box or whatever they could find, trying to be out of sight, out of mind.
After they took the time to decompress, their foster mom came in and reached out her hand to pet them. She was immediately met with hisses, but the two sisters didn’t run from her hand. They caved as soon as the petting started to set in, melting away their worries, one stroke at a time.
Volunteers wrapped them in a blanket to provide purrito-styled cuddle therapy, so the kittens could get used to human touch, being held in a calming manner. After a few cuddle sessions coupled with their favorite treats, their walls began to fall, and the kittens started to come out of their shells. They would slow blink at their people, sit up more confidently, or even roll around on their back, instead of crouching down in fear.
Mama Billie is teaching her babies new feline skills such as drinking from a water bowl, using a litter box, and napping in the comfort of a clean, warm bed. She’s showing her kittens that people aren’t so bad by asking for attention and pets, leading by example. Billie and her precious kittens will never have to worry about food or shelter, and their future is looking bright.
After surviving the harsh weather, the family of three are ready to find their happily-ever-after. Mama Billie continues being the sweetest, social cat, charming everyone with her adorable, kneady paws. She’s so happy that her kittens are safe, and she’s ready to find a place of her own.
The story of Billie Jean and her kittens is a heartwarming reminder of the resilience and bravery of animals. It’s also a testament to the importance of animal rescue and fostering. Without the help of volunteers at ExploitsValley SPCA, the little family may not have had a chance at survival.
Through their dedication and hard work, the kittens were able to adjust to their new lives, and Billie was able to experience the joys of being an indoor cat. If you’re interested in helping animals in need, consider volunteering or fostering at your local animal shelter or rescue organization. You could make a huge difference in the lives of animals like Lillian, Gillian, and Billie.
