Picture seven small fluffy balls, with eyes just starting to open, fighting to survive. This was the harsh reality for a group of kittens who were left all alone and defenseless.
Luckily, fate stepped in, and these adorable little ones were taken to a safe haven filled with love and attention – Penny Richards’ foster home.
seven cute kittens wrapped in a blanket
Penny, a seasoned foster parent for the Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA), has a huge heart and amazing skills when it comes to looking after baby kittens who have lost their mothers.
When she got the message about these tiny babies needing to be fed with a bottle, she didn’t waste a second. Time was running out, and the lives of these delicate creatures were at stake.
seven cute kittens are sleeping
They were just born, maybe even less than a day old, as Penny shared in an interview:
“When they arrived, I could tell they were no more than 24 hours old – perhaps even a bit younger.”
For kittens, it’s important to get their mother’s special milk in the first day after birth. Without it, they’re really weak.
But Penny made sure these kittens didn’t lose hope. She took care of them like a mother would.
Luckily, they were in pretty good shape, even though they were really tiny. The smallest one, David, was only 67 grams, which is as heavy as a few tablespoons!
a colorful kitten is sleeping on a blanket
The first few days were a whirlwind of feeding, constant watching, and a whole lot of affection. Three of the kittens even had tummy issues, which is a common problem for babies without a mother.
Fortunately, with non-stop attention and medicine, they made it. Seeing their strength and their growing hunger filled Penny with a feeling of comfort and optimism.
They were doing well, and it was obvious that all seven were fine now. They were really into eating and had a strong will to survive.
Each kitten had a unique personality. There was Lucy, the largest of the group, and David, the determined little warrior.
portrait of rescued kittens
Edgar, a cow tabby, had a special love for food naps, while the rest of the crew – Star, Alan, Michael, and Sam – were a curious bunch, always planning escapes and discovering the world outside their incubator.
As time went by, their fun-loving personalities really started to show. They would play-fight, run after each other, and pretend to knead on anything they could get their paws on – even Penny’s notebook!
The sound of their happy purring and little meows filled the room with a beautiful melody of happiness. Penny mentioned:
“As soon as they have each finished their meal, they purr loudly as they climb up for a cuddle with me. I can already tell they will be a very loving and cuddly group.”
gathered kittens on children
These seven small creatures, who were once unsure about what would happen to them, now have the opportunity to grow and be healthy because of the kindness and attention they got in their critical first days. I think this is a great way to finish the story, isn’t it?