Montreal, QC — What began as a simple act of kindness turned into a heartwarming rescue mission when a wounded stray cat, found abandoned earlier this year, revealed an unexpected secret: she was about to become a mother.
A Cat in Need
The black cat, later named Chalala, was discovered with an injured paw by a compassionate woman who brought her home and contacted Chatons Orphelins Montreal, a local rescue organization. Despite being at capacity, volunteers made room, arranging urgent veterinary care and a foster home.
At the clinic, Chalala remained remarkably calm as her paw was treated—but the real surprise came during her examination. “When we checked her belly, we realized she was pregnant,” said Celine Crom, a representative from the rescue.
A Safe Haven for a Growing Family
Exhausted and underweight, Chalala spent her first days in foster care resting and eating heartily. Her paw healed without surgery, and soon, she was exploring her new surroundings, greeting her caregivers with affectionate head bumps and purrs.
Then, one morning, she delivered four tiny “shadow” kittens—each a miniature version of their mother. Three nursed eagerly, while the smallest required supplemental feeding from the foster family for the first 48 hours. “Her maternal instincts kicked in soon after, and she took over completely,” Crom shared.
Thriving Together
The kittens—two girls (Cerise and Booboo) and two boys (Ninja and Noxx)—grew rapidly, their personalities shining through. “They’re so similar we use collars to tell them apart,” Crom explained. “Cerise is independent, Booboo loves exploring, and the boys are the mischievous ones.”
Chalala, a devoted mother, kept a watchful eye as her litter transformed into energetic “panther” kittens, tumbling and chasing each other around the room. Despite their playful antics, they remained affectionate, often curling up together—or with their foster family—for cuddles.
A Bright Future Ahead
Now weaned and thriving, the kittens are nearly ready for adoption. Meanwhile, Chalala, who will be spayed to prevent future litters, awaits her own forever home. “She’s incredibly sweet—she adores people and purrs constantly,” Crom said.
The rescue shared that the entire family has charmed everyone they’ve met, from veterinarians (who dubbed them “the snuggliest kitten bouquet”) to their foster caregivers. “It’s amazing to think how far they’ve come,” Crom reflected. “Chalala was alone and injured—now she and her babies are safe, loved, and full of joy.”
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