In early April, Mama Mittens and her tiny kitten, Socks, arrived at Helen Woodward Animal Center, where the staff quickly noticed something unusual about them. Both cats were polydactyl, meaning they had extra toes and noticeably larger paws than most cats. Their unique appearance seemed like a promising sign.
But no one could have imagined that Mama Mittens would soon give something back to the rescue in a way far beyond what anyone expected.
Helen Woodward Animal Center
After settling into the shelter, Mama Mittens devoted herself to caring for her 3-week-old daughter, Socks. Around the same time, six orphaned kittens, barely a week old, arrived at Helen Woodward Animal Center. The tiny kittens were weak, hungry, and smaller than they should have been, and the staff worried that they needed more care than they could manage alone. That was when they decided to turn to Mama Mittens.
Helen Woodward Animal Center
The six little kittens were carefully introduced to Mama Mittens. Almost immediately, she welcomed them into her family, pulling them close, nursing them, and keeping them warm and comfortable. She may have had extra toes, but it quickly became clear that she also had an extraordinary amount of love to share.
Helen Woodward Animal Center
“Overnight, Mama Mittens went from a single mom of one to a single mom of seven,” Courtney Williams, foster assistant manager at Helen Woodward Animal Center, explained in a press release. “Animals are amazing. Mama Mittens didn’t just decide to welcome them for nourishment; she immediately began to provide each of them with the love they’d been missing.”
Helen Woodward Animal Center
The newly adopted litter consisted of five boys and one girl, named Flip, Flop, Jean, Jacket, Hat and Scarf. Under Mama Mittens’ gentle care, all six kittens began growing stronger and healthier. Their condition had improved dramatically compared with when they were first brought to the rescue. The kittens were expected to become ready for adoption and find their permanent homes in early June.
Helen Woodward Animal Center
Mama Mittens originally arrived at Helen Woodward Animal Center simply hoping for safety, comfort, and a place to care for her own kitten. Instead, she became a mother to six more tiny lives in need. By opening her heart and accepting the struggling kittens as her own, she gave them the warmth and affection they desperately needed and reminded everyone of just how powerful a mother’s love can be.
