A cat was transferred from a shelter with her kittens in tow. Months later, she received the happiest ending she had always deserved.

Candy and her kittensFosterKittenMama

A few months ago, a mother cat and her four kittens arrived at a shelter already stretched beyond its limits. With their future uncertain, they were in urgent need of rescue.

When Heidi Shoemaker, founder of Foster Kitten Mama, offered to take them in, a compassionate network of volunteers sprang into action. Together, they coordinated a relay-style transport spanning several states to bring the feline family to safety.

“They make their way with multiple people each driving a ‘leg’ and passing them off to the next driver,” Heidi shared.

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When the family finally arrived, the mother cat, named Candy, was exhausted but relieved to have a cozy, quiet space for her kittens. She allowed Heidi to gently brush her fur, remove her old collar, and clean her kittens’ crusted eyes.

Candy settled onto a soft blanket while her babies climbed all over her. As Heidi spoke softly to her, she began to relax.

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Curious and fearless, the kittens explored every corner of their playpen and even attempted a few daring escapes. “They are fast learners and are already using the litter box well after starting off going anywhere.”

With proper medication and attentive care, their eyes began to heal, and their stomach troubles subsided. Day by day, they grew bigger, healthier, and stronger.

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All four kittens were long-haired beauties: two calicos, one sleek little “house panther,” and a tiny tabby with a white belly and matching mittens. Their mother, a striking black-and-white tuxedo, was surrounded by a delightful mix of colors and personalities.

“Snickers (the tabby) is always ready to play and the first to run over.”

Licorice and SnickersFosterKittenMama

With their eyes now bright and clear, their playful, adventurous spirits began to shine.

Toys that crinkled and jingled instantly became their favorites. The kittens chased, pounced, and wrestled with enthusiasm. Before long, they were scaling cat trees and surveying their room from the highest perch.

Snickers, Licorice, and PixyFosterKittenMama

Candy adjusted beautifully to her foster home. She devoured every meal and patiently taught her kittens how to eat from a dish. She watched them play from the sidelines, always ready to offer a grooming session.

She kept their fluffy coats immaculate and allowed them to comfort-nurse even after they had been weaned.

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With her kittens by her side, Candy slowly came out of her shell. Their presence gave her comfort and confidence. “Mama Candy is a very quiet and timid girl who I think has had a really hard life so far.”

Knowing that mother cats are often overlooked in favor of their adorable kittens, Heidi began searching early for Candy’s forever home, hoping she would be adopted with one or two of her babies.

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When the kittens were ready for adoption, Lolly (calico) and Snickers quickly found their dream home together. Just as it seemed Candy had secured hers as well, the adoption unexpectedly fell through. Undeterred, Heidi resumed the search, hopeful that the right family was still out there.

A few weeks later, the perfect match appeared, not just for Candy, but also for her two remaining kittens.

Lolly and Snickers were adopted togetherFosterKittenMama

The family fell in love with the trio and knew they belonged together. “It’s been a long time coming, but Mama Candy and her two babies, Pixy (calico) and Licorice (house panther), have gone to their forever home.”

Now, they have a big, loving family and two feline brothers ready to shower them with affection every single day.

Candy, Licorice, and Pixy headed to their forever home togetherFosterKittenMama

Share this story with your friends. More cats and kittens at Foster Kitten Mama on Instagram @fosterkittenmama and Facebook.

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A cat got a fresh start after spending many years on the streets, and his glow-up is nothing short of incredible.

RalphieThrifted Kittens Animal Rescue

Ralphie, a gray cat, was 10 years old when he was brought to Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission, hoping for a better life.

Rough around the edges, he had likely spent most of his years on the streets. By the time he arrived at the shelter, it was clear he needed urgent care and a foster home where he could finally heal.

When rescuers at Thrifted Kittens Animal Rescue noticed him, they immediately offered to take him in.

Thrifted Kittens Animal Rescue

“This sweet 10-year-old boy was brought in as a stray and has a myriad of health concerns,” the rescue shared. Ralphie was born with a congenital abnormality that caused a malformation of his mouth, and years of harsh outdoor living left it inflamed.

“Despite everything he’s facing, he’s the sweetest, purriest boy who just wants love.”

Thrifted Kittens Animal Rescue

With the support of the community, the rescue was able to pull Ralphie from the shelter and place him into foster care just in time for Christmas. “This senior boy gets to spend the holidays in a warm, safe, loving foster home where he’ll be doted on.”

Once inside a home, Ralphie blossomed. He eagerly sought affection, leaning into comfort as if trying to make up for lost time.

Thrifted Kittens Animal Rescue

“He has the best personality, and we couldn’t be happier that he is in our care,” shared Haley, rescue coordinator at Thrifted Kittens Animal Rescue.

Ralphie rose onto his hind legs and put his paws on Haley, rubbing his face against her for attention. Before long, he climbed onto her shoulders, thrilled to be carried around.

Thrifted Kittens Animal Rescue

As if he understood he was getting the help he needed, Ralphie faced every treatment like a champ. He seemed grateful for his meals, cozy beds, and all the love he received. With proper care, he began to heal, and his hearty appetite returned in full force.

“He has gained weight, and most of it seems to have gone to his cheeks.”

Thrifted Kittens Animal Rescue

With improved health came a renewed zest for life. Ralphie rediscovered his playful, adventurous side, batting at toys and following his humans from room to room. He was always ready for a cuddle or a snack.

When he discovered the shoe rack, he promptly appointed himself the official shoe watcher and door greeter, welcoming everyone home with soft, chirpy meows.

Thrifted Kittens Animal Rescue

After a few weeks in foster care, Ralphie’s mouth fully healed, and his transformation was remarkable. He zipped around the house with energy to spare and maintained a strong appetite for both food and affection. “He is a sweet boy who has had quite the ‘He’s All That’ makeover.”

He found a new vantage point on top of the kitchen cabinets, where he could comfortably supervise his people and survey his kingdom.

Thrifted Kittens Animal Rescue

“He has become the center of attention. His wonky looks make him a handsome man with charming personality.”

Ralphie is the perfect companion, affectionate and playful. He showers his people with purrs and snuggles, approaches each day with curiosity, and makes sure not a single crumb is left behind at mealtime.

Thrifted Kittens Animal Rescue

After years of wandering and surviving on the streets, Ralphie is finally living the cushy indoor life he always deserved.

Now, he’s ready for his next chapter: a forever home where he’ll be cherished endlessly and enjoy all the food, comfort, and fun his heart desires.

Thrifted Kittens Animal Rescue

Share this story with your friends. More on Ralphie and Thrifted Kittens Animal Rescue (in WI) on Instagram @thriftedkittensrescue and Facebook. Thanks to Haley @haleyh0l.

Related story: Stray Cat Steps into a Home for the First Time After Being Outside for Years, His World Completely Changes