What would you do if people took your babies from you? Most folks would instantly launch into Momma or Pappa Bear mode and then – watch out! The same applies to a protective mother cat, especially when they have already lost multiple kittens before. For example, look at how one tabby reacted to well-intentioned rescuers in the Bronx.
The Face Of a Protective Mother Cat
Outside a busy Bronx apartment building, the tabby was trying her best to survive. But as happens to any feline that isn’t spayed, she repeatedly kept getting pregnant. Nevertheless, she tried her best to shield each kitten from harm.
Seeing the kittens, passers-by couldn’t resist removing them, thinking they were doing a good deed. But most folks don’t have the experience or know-how to care for bottle-feeding kittens. As we know, it takes round-the-clock feedings, and the kittens must always be kept warm, such as in a specially designed incubator.
“Of course, people didn’t understand that kittens are very fragile, especially when they’re young. Most of them were taken at two or three weeks old. Unless a person is an experienced bottle feeder, these kittens will die. And they probably did,” the rescue shared.
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Images and media via Facebook/Little Wanderers NYC
The Protective Mother Cat Was in Danger
Sadly, the whole sad scenario repeated, leaving the protective mother cat upset at the baby-snatchers. When they came near, she became angry, as you can see in the startling video below. But in response to her understandable anger, people started to attack her!
“So. naturally, she would be as protective as possible, which made people in the building angry. They would throw pieces of glass and rocks at her. We were afraid she was going to be killed.”
The Last Kitten of Her Last Litter is Saved
Afraid for her life, the rescuers arrived to save the protective mother, who had one remaining kitten. Wonderfully, they were able to catch them both.
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While the friendly kitten will find a home, the mama will be spayed.
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If she remains feral, as often happens, they will carefully assess where to place “the warrior princess” for her continued well-being and safety.
“So here is the last kitten of the last litter she’s ever going to have,” they said.
“They’ve both been trapped…now both are safe and out of harm’s way. Momma will be spayed soon enough,” they shared.
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Kittens Need Their Mama if Possible
There’s nothing like a mother’s love, and wherever possible, rescuers try to keep protective mothers with their kittens. Sometimes, kittens are abandoned and need rescue, but most of the time, the mama is nearby and will come back. It takes patience to see if she’ll return. While waiting, one should hide to avoid scaring her off.
“People shouldn’t take kittens off the street unless they know they can take care of them or be brought to a place where they can actually be taken care of in the way that they need. Always wait to see if the mother comes back, and wait out of sight from a possibly watching mother. Depending on age and how healthy the babies look, waiting time can be estimated from a few hours to a day,” shared Little Wanderers.
Many folks will wait for hours, only to find out the mother is long gone. At that point, time is of the essence in getting the litter to people who know how to care for them properly.
A local veterinarian, shelter, or rescue can point you in the right direction. And, they can also get you started with how to care for kittens yourself. Often, they may even provide supplies too! But those just trying it for the first time usually begin with older healthy kittens.