A calico cat was surrendered to a county shelter along with her brother on February 15th. Though just skin and bones, the young female cat was found to be pregnant.
The following Friday, she gave birth to two babies, but only one survived – a mini lookalike of herself. They were named Harmony (mama), Haven (baby) and Oliver (Harmony’s brother).
Ellen Richter @foster_kitten_tails
The three kitties were in desperate need of rescue, and that’s when Homeward Bound Cat Adoptions, a rescue group in Las Vegas, took them all in and immediately placed them in foster homes.
Harmony had no idea how to nurse or what to do. Ellen Richter, an avid foster carer, started guiding her how to care for her baby. “I taught her how to nurse, lay on her back, but all she wanted to do was ‘hug’ the baby,” Ellen told Love Meow.
The mama cat kept her arms around little Haven all the time, which made it difficult for the kitten to nurse. Ellen had to gently keep her head away, letting the baby feed.
Ellen Richter @foster_kitten_tails
In order to make sure the kitten got sufficient nutrients, Ellen supplemented with kitten formula and bottle fed the baby every few hours.
“Harmony refused to move away from her baby, always holding her tightly. She didn’t move to eat, drink or use the litter box,” Ellen told Love Meow.
Ellen Richter @foster_kitten_tails
Ellen became Harmony’s food provider by bringing the plate to her and feeding her with a spoon. (Scroll down for video)
“I’d bring the water bowl to her. After three days, she used the litter box, once I put it next to her.”
Ellen Richter @foster_kitten_tails
“Mama Harmony and Haven are so sweet to watch. Harmony insists I bring her food to her and feed her with a spoon. She’s insisting on baby food – chicken flavor.
“She’s keeping her body open and being patient, letting her baby nurse.”
Ellen Richter @foster_kitten_tails
The protective calico wouldn’t let her kitten out of her embrace until little Haven began to learn to walk.
Mama Harmony started to feel more comfortable to let her roam around the nursing pen a bit.
Ellen Richter @foster_kitten_tails
“In the last few days, baby Haven started crawling. Harmony felt comfortable enough to be about a foot away, no more. I still have to bring the plate to her, but each day she grows more confident, leaving Haven’s side,” Ellen told Love Meow.
Little Haven is learning to walk while Mama Harmony watches over her.
Ellen Richter @foster_kitten_tails
“She still hugs Haven tightly, preferably bending into a fetal position. She is very loving and becoming a better mom every day,” Ellen told Love Meow.
Ellen Richter @foster_kitten_tails
“The brother, Oliver, will be neutered and up for adoption soon.”
Haven is 13 days old now, eyes opened, and getting more playful each day. The mother and daughter will be available for adoption once the kitten is big enough.
Ellen Richter @foster_kitten_tails
Harmony and her little mini-me are thriving in foster care.
The calico kitten is growing bigger and stronger every day, and it makes Mama very proud!
Ellen Richter @foster_kitten_tails
Follow Mama Harmony and Haven and their updates on Facebook and Instagram @foster_kitten_tails.
Watch Mama Harmony and Haven in this cute video:
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