INDIANAPOLIS — When a litter of five two-week-old kittens arrived at IndyHumane without their mother, volunteers immediately mobilized to care for them—while never giving up the search for their mom.
The kittens, all male, required round-the-clock feeding and care, but their best chance at survival lay in being reunited with their mother. Days later, the rescue’s persistence paid off: the mother cat, later named Birdie, was safely brought in and instantly recognized her babies.
A Happy Reunion
The moment Birdie was reintroduced to her kittens, she embraced her maternal role, nursing and grooming them as they nestled contentedly against her.
“She is super sweet and very attentive to her little ones,” said Jennifer, an IndyHumane volunteer. “She already seems much more relaxed, often purring while nursing.”
Birdie proved to be a devoted mother, rarely leaving her kittens’ side. Even during brief breaks, she stayed nearby, waking them for feedings and keeping them impeccably clean with frequent baths.
Milestones and Growth
As the kittens grew, they began exploring their surroundings, mastering the litter box, and even nibbling on solid food—though they still preferred Birdie’s milk. Named Sparrow, Starling, Wren, Lark, and Finch, the playful siblings thrived under their mother’s watchful eye.
“She’s been so patient with her boys,” Jennifer added. “She made my job easy.”
A Bright Future for All
Once the kittens were weaned and independent, Birdie—estimated to be three years old and likely having raised multiple litters—was finally ready for her own forever home.
“She found her forever family just a few days ago,” Jennifer shared. “Now, she gets to be someone’s baby.”
Meanwhile, the kittens were adopted in pairs, with only Starling still awaiting his perfect match. Thanks to the dedication of IndyHumane’s team, Birdie and her five boys have all been given a second chance—and a happy ending.
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