When a stray tabby named Bella and her five newborn kittens arrived at Metro Animal Care and Control, they needed a foster home—fast. Volunteer Lindsay stepped up, and among the litter, one feisty gray kitten named Oyster quickly stood out.
A Devoted Mama and Her Unusual Kitten
Bella, just a year old herself, was a natural mother, diligently caring for her five tiny kittens—four brown tabbies (Button, Enoki, Porcini, and Shiitake) and one bold gray sibling, Oyster. Though the smallest, Oyster made up for it with his loud meows and insatiable appetite, quickly growing into the chunkiest of the bunch.
“He always made sure he got the prime nursing spot,” Lindsay told Love Meow. “Even with four siblings competing, he’d wiggle his way to the front.”
The Great Escape (Almost)
As Oyster grew, his adventurous spirit emerged. While still wobbly on his feet, he attempted daring escapes from the kittens’ cozy igloo—only to give up mid-mission for a nap.
“He made it about halfway out before conking out,” Lindsay said with a laugh. Bella, ever patient, would curl up beside her determined but sleepy little explorer, showering him with purrs.
Kittens Find Their Paws—And Personalities
Once the litter graduated from their igloo, their playful sides took over. They wrestled in slow-motion, tumbled across their playpen, and discovered a new favorite spot: a snug “cave” bed.
“Oyster claimed it first, then Mama Bella squeezed in—even though she barely fit,” Lindsay said. “Of course, the kittens all tried to pile in after her.”
A Bright Future Ahead
Now six weeks old, the kittens are bundles of energy, with Oyster leading the charge in mischief. While his siblings nurse in an orderly line, he stakes out his own spot, determined to do things his way.
“Bella has the patience of a saint,” Lindsay said. “Her tail is their favorite toy, and she handles the chaos like a pro.”
The family will remain in foster care for a few more weeks before being ready for adoption. Bella, having raised her lively brood, will soon get her own chance to be spoiled in a forever home—away from the “chaotic kitten energy” she so gracefully managed.
Related topics:
