A tortoiseshell cat that has lived outdoors all its life has finally given birth to eight kittens on an indoor street.
In early September, a cat was found wandering outdoors with three three-month-old kittens and was taken to Friends of the Oregon Animal Shelter in hopes of a better life.
As the spunky kitten cared for her kittens outdoors, she realized she was pregnant with another litter of kittens. Angela Sue, a foster volunteer at the shelter, told Love Meow
A few days after being taken in, the cat went into labor and gave birth to eight kittens away from the outside world.
Angela Su
The first kittens were immediately placed in foster care, but the mother cat desperately needed a foster home where she could care for her newborn kittens. Angela took in a family of nine and gave them a cozy room.
The tortoiseshell cat named Celeste moved into her first foster home with her kittens (Drizzle, Sunny, Breeze, Moon, Clouds, Rain, Glitter and Storm) after she strayed into the streets.
Celeste and her eight demanding kittensAngela Su
At first, she was a little nervous about living in my house. She’s always lived outside, so there were a lot of firsts for her.” Angela told Love Meow.
With a comfy bed, fluffy blankets and an all-you-can-eat buffet, Celeste relaxed and began to enjoy her foster home. She was glad to have some help, as feeding eight hungry mouths is no easy task.
A giant cuddle puddleAngela Su
Being a mother of eight kittens is hard and tiring work, but she is a very loving mother. Angela added: “Celeste is very patient and she makes sure all the kittens eat cleanly and well.
The kittens keep their mom very busyAngela Su
She would often lay down for over an hour at a time to let the kittens nurse. While she was taking care of the kittens, I would sometimes bring her dinner or breakfast and feed her in bed.”
Celeste is so happy to get some help from her foster momAngela Su
This adorable tortoiseshell cat has come out of her shell and started seeking care because she knows she’ll never have to live with the kittens again.
Watch the video to see how adorable Celeste and her kittens are:
Celeste the cat and her kittens
She now likes to gently touch my hand with her head to tell me she wants a pet. She also likes to make cookies with her paws,” Angela told Love Meow.
Angela Su
Her eight puppies are growing by leaps and bounds and becoming more active every day.” They’re almost three weeks old. Their eyes are open and they’re starting to walk a little bit.
Angela Su
Some of the kittens were born with short curly tails, while others carry a proud air and a pair of pipes. It doesn’t take long for the kittens to learn to make a thin hissing sound.
Kittens at this stage rely on their sense of smell to recognize the world. When they smell an unfamiliar odor, they instinctively hiss.”
The sassy calico kittenAngela Su
When one of the little furballs cries out in an attempt to get mom Celeste’s attention, many other little furballs join in the cries, keeping mom busy.
Now that the little furballs’ legs are stronger, they are beginning to explore and observe the world around them.
The kittens are getting more curious and active each dayAngela Su
As the kittens grow older, this adorable tortoiseshell cat will step back from motherhood and find her place as the center of attention.
After a life as a stray, Azure is enjoying her new life as an indoor cat.
Angela Su
Share this story with your friends. Follow Celeste, her kittens and Angela’s fosters on Instagram @fosteringlove.pdx.
