For weeks, a timid mother cat named Colette huddled in the corner of an animal shelter, overwhelmed by the bustling environment. But when foster caregiver Heidi Shoemaker of Foster Kitten Mama welcomed her and her six kittens into a quiet home, the feline family began to flourish.
A New Beginning
Colette and her litter had been recovering from colds at the shelter, but the stress left the mother cat withdrawn and underweight. Some of her kittens were also critically small for their age—five weeks old but barely tipping the scales at eight ounces.
Upon arrival at their foster home, Colette remained cautious, retreating to a litter box while her multicolored kittens eagerly explored their new space. “The babies were so excited to have toys—they figured them out right away,” Heidi shared. “But Colette was still scared, hiding most of the time.”
Small Steps Toward Trust
Heidi patiently coaxed Colette with soft treats, and the skittish cat soon ventured forward for a taste. “Her fear melted away in that moment,” Heidi recalled. “She even came back for seconds.”
With daily care—fresh blankets, monitored feedings, and gentle encouragement—Colette gradually relaxed. Her once-constant “airplane ears” softened, and she began allowing brief pets. Meanwhile, her kittens, including the tiny gray tabby Yukon, grew more playful, tumbling over each other like a “bouncy castle.”
A Bright Future Ahead
In under two weeks, Colette transformed from a shelter-weary cat to a devoted, confident mother. “She’s going to be a wonderful companion once she realizes she’s safe forever,” Heidi said.
As her kittens bulk up and Yukon dozes contentedly against her, Colette’s journey proves how patience and a calm environment can help even the most fearful animals thrive.
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