When Mia, a young stray cat, was discovered living in a colony of feral felines, local rescuers stepped in to help. Natasha, an animal rescuer, noticed Mia was heavily pregnant and urgently sought assistance.
“Mia was young and clearly far along in her pregnancy. We wanted to ensure she had her last litter in safety,” said Karly Saltarski, co-founder of Salty Animal Rescue, the all-volunteer organization that took Mia in.
From Fear to Trust
Initially terrified, Mia hissed and swatted at her rescuers. But in the quiet comfort of her foster home, she slowly relaxed, trading her defensive instincts for tentative purrs.
“Few things are more rewarding than hearing those first purrs from a cat who once lunged at you in fear,” Karly shared.
Despite her shyness, Mia adjusted to indoor life—just in time for her kittens’ arrival.
A Mother’s Journey
When labor began, Mia seemed unsure at first, looking to Karly for guidance. With gentle encouragement, she delivered six healthy kittens—three on her own and three with help. Though exhausted, she curled up with her newborns, doing her best despite her inexperience.
The kittens thrived in foster care, quickly becoming playful, energetic explorers. Meanwhile, Mia, though still wary of humans, began seeking affection—purring one moment, hissing the next.
Finding Her Confidence
As her kittens grew independent, Mia moved to a new foster home with Elaine, where she bonded with resident cats. Their companionship brought out a newfound boldness in her. She eagerly followed them, learning to trust humans along the way.
“It’s taken time, but under that scared exterior, she’s incredibly sweet,” Elaine said. “Now she seeks pets, purrs, and even head bunts.”
A Natural Caregiver
When another rescued mother cat, Morticia, arrived with two kittens, Mia stepped in as a surrogate. With Morticia’s permission, she “kitten-sat,” grooming and guiding the little ones.
“Morticia was thrilled to have help,” Elaine noted. “Mia has been amazing with them.”
Ready for a Forever Home
Now spayed and socialized, Mia is prepared for adoption. She still needs patience to fully trust new people, but her progress has been remarkable.
“She just needs a quiet home with cozy spots to observe the world,” Karly said. “Once she settles in, her loving personality shines.”
For updates on Mia and her kittens, follow Salty Animal Rescue on social media.
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