Brisbane, Australia – A heavily pregnant cat named Tam and several other felines were given a second chance at life last month after a Good Samaritan discovered them abandoned in a crate and rushed them to safety before a storm hit.
The cats were taken in by Best Friends Felines, a local rescue organization, where volunteers provided immediate veterinary care. Despite her ordeal, Tam was affectionate and trusting, quickly settling into her foster home.
A Much-Needed Recovery
Malnourished but resilient, Tam devoured meals and nuzzled up to her caregivers, her once-dull coat soon becoming soft and glossy. Her growing belly hinted at the imminent arrival of her kittens—but Tam kept everyone guessing.
“She looked sleek one moment, then like she was hiding a basketball of kittens the next,” Best Friends Felines shared.
A Dramatic Delivery
In the early hours of a Monday morning, Tam went into labor—but refused to use the prepared birthing boxes, insisting on staying beside her caregiver. When labor stalled, she was rushed to the vet, where a team of three veterinarians and four nurses performed an emergency C-section.
Five of her six kittens survived, entering the world under the watchful care of medical staff.
Around-the-Clock Care
The next 48 hours were critical. Foster volunteers monitored the newborns around the clock, weighing them every two hours and supplementing feedings for those struggling to gain weight. One kitten, Shortbread, had a minor palate difference but adapted well with extra care.
Tam, though recovering, proved to be a devoted mother, nursing her litter while bonding with her human helpers.
Kittens Defy the Odds
The kittens grew rapidly, hitting milestones faster than expected—transitioning from crawling to running in just 24 hours and bypassing typical weaning stages to eat solid food alongside their mother.
“Tam’s kittens inherited her knack for surprises,” the rescue noted. Unlike most protective mother cats, Tam was sociable, often leaving her kittens to explore the house.
A Bright Future Ahead
Thanks to the quick actions of a compassionate stranger and the dedication of rescuers, Tam and her kittens are now thriving. They will soon be ready for adoption, their harrowing start replaced by a future full of love.
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