Brisbane, Australia – A real estate agent made a heartbreaking discovery earlier this month when they found a frightened cat and her newborn kittens left behind in a vacated rental property. The feline family was rescued by Best Friends Felines, a local animal welfare group, and their lives have since transformed with dedicated care.
A Desperate Situation
The cat, named Golda, was initially wary of her rescuers. Though she allowed her kittens to nurse, she showed little understanding of how to care for them. “She had no instinct for grooming or comforting them,” the rescue organization shared.
Tragically, two of the four kittens did not survive. The remaining two, Eli and Asher, fought to stay alive with the help of foster carers, who stepped in to feed them every two hours.
Medical Crisis and Recovery
Golda soon developed a fever from an infection, requiring immediate treatment. As she healed, she grew more comfortable—rolling over to let her kittens nurse and even tolerating their constant snuggling. However, she still relied heavily on her foster team for proper care.
“By Friday, her fever broke, and her true personality emerged,” rescuers reported. “She’s sweet, purring constantly, and loves head rubs—but still doesn’t quite know what to do when her babies cry.”
The Kittens’ Fight to Thrive
Eli, the smaller of the two, struggled to gain weight, stubbornly refusing bottle feedings until a breakthrough at midnight one Friday. “We cheered when he finally took a little formula,” his carer recalled. Now, he’s “guzzling” meals and catching up to his brother’s growth.
Meanwhile, Asher’s eyes have begun to open, and he’s becoming more active by the day.
A Bright Future Ahead
Without intervention, the family’s fate could have been dire. Instead, they’re now flourishing in foster care. Golda will eventually be spayed and adopted, while Eli and Asher will stay with her until they’re weaned and ready for homes of their own.
“This is why rescue work matters,” said the team. “Every life deserves a chance.”
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