A grey kitten named Fifi found a forever home before her mother, Fiona, was returned to a New York animal shelter. In an unexpected turn, the two cats were later reunited.
Their heartwarming story went viral on TikTok, where a video showing the pair cuddling has gained over 146,000 views.
Mandee Flanders, 36, adopted Fifi in December. When Fiona was put back up for adoption, Flanders recognized her from a photo and decided to foster her on Valentine’s Day. She wanted to see if Fiona would get along with Fifi and the family’s other cat, Whist.
At first, Fifi hissed and avoided her mother. But within two weeks, the cats became inseparable. Flanders said they decided to officially adopt Fiona.
Now, two months later, the cats are always together, napping in a pile by day and cuddling at night. “If we see one, the other isn’t far away,” Flanders told Newsweek.
The ASPCA reports that about 3.2 million cats are adopted from shelters every year.
Flanders explained that not all cats fit well in every home. Fiona had been returned because she became overstimulated in her previous home. “I believe she ended up where she belonged, which was with us,” Flanders said.
Pet expert Axel Lagercrantz said the bond between mother and kitten is natural and important for survival. He explained that in the wild, kittens stay with their mother until they reach sexual maturity or the mother has another litter. The mother cat’s job is to keep her kittens safe, warm, and clean.
The TikTok post has received nearly 32,000 likes and hundreds of comments. One user wrote, “She’s holding her baby like she never wants to let go.” Another praised Flanders, saying, “What a wonderful human you are to give them a second chance to be family.”
Many viewers expressed relief and happiness that the mother and kitten were reunited after their separation.
Related topics:
