Friday, June 6, 2014

Two Orphan Kittens Steal a New Mother's Heart at Minnesota's Feline Rescue

Hi everyone, Katie here.

Imagine two little kittens. Just 10 days old, and no mother to be found. The world must have been a very scary place for this tiny brother and sister duo. 

The wonderful people at Minnesota's Feline Rescue, Inc. opened their doors to these babies. And Momma Nadya, a brand new mother herself, opened her heart to them.


When the two orphan kittens (now Zotz & Zagnut) arrived at the shelter, neither were interested in being bottle fed. Meanwhile, a new kitty-mom named Nadya was nursing her little family of five, only two days old. She'd given birth to 6 kittens. Sadly, one didn't make it. He was just too underdeveloped to be able to nurse. 


A Mother's Love 
The two little orphan kittens were placed in the same room as Nadya and family. It didn't take long. As soon as Nadya heard the kittens, she licked them and carried them over to the rest of the family. Now all seven of the kittens live as one family.

Nadya is a wonderful mother. She’s sweet, affectionate and keeps a watchful eye over her furry babes. The first few times any of the kittens tried to dart off, she'd carry them right back into the nest. Now she sleeps in front of the nest, so nobody goes exploring without her knowing about it.


Purrs for Nadya
Despite Nadya's devotion to her little family, life has not dealt her a very good hand in return. Nadya is FIV positive. The vets aren't entirely sure if she was recently infected and therefore in stage one of FIV. According to our friends at the shelter, there's an infection in the system which causes frequent bouts with fever, anemia and other ailments. These are all things that Nadya has been struggling with as she's been doing double-mommy duty. 

Once a cat passes that stage, they enter stage two which is a recovery stage. The virus is still in the system, but the cat is otherwise healthy and doesn't show any signs of illness. Stage three is the end of life phase where FIV cats are more susceptible to disease and illness. 

We hope and pray that Miss Nadya is in stage one, not in stage three. At only four years-old, Nadya has so much more loving and living to do.

We asked about her kittens and whether or not they were at risk for developing FIV. According to the shelter, it's unlikely but not impossible. They will each be tested once they are old enough. 


Nadya and her kittens have their own blog chronicling their adventures as well as Nadya's ups and downs. Although she's had only a few visits to the vet, Nadya's racked up quite a tab. Over $3,000 in vet bills. Her foster mom, Robin, is taking very good care of her though... administering antibiotics and subcutaneous fluids. 

If you'd like to read more about Nadya and her family or if you'd like to help with a donation, you can visit them at:




Warning: Sweetness Overload Ahead
We're thrilled to introduce you to Nadya's family!

ZOTZ is a little girl that wants to wear her big girl furs. She's the ring leader and the first to do EVERYTHING. 

ZAGNUT is the biggest of the bunch. He's a tabby boy with medium hair. 

BISCOFF is the cute little grey boy.

DOUBLESTUFF is a boy but we're convince he a Katie-Doppleganger.

SHORTBREAD is the tiniest of the kittens. She's a grey & white tabby girl.

STROOPWAFFLE, or Stroopy as he prefers is a tuxie boy full of personality.

...and
FUDGESTRIPE is a little brown & white tabby girl. Don't let that innocent face fool you, she's an avid adventure-seeker. 










Zotz & Zagnut, the orphan kittens are about 9 weeks old and Nadya's "cookie-kittens" are 8 weeks old. They are all available for pre-adoption. Miss Nadya is going to need a very loving home too. She'll be available for adoption very soon.




All of today's beautiful photos were taken by Kris Kaiser of KrisKreativ Pet Photography. Based in Minneapolis, Kris works closely with the Feline Rescue foster families as a volunteer pet photographer. ...and we're certain her wonderful photos have helped many homeless cats find their forever homes.


31 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness! So much sweetness and cuteness. We are sending purrs and prayers for this family.

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  2. Why Katie, you and Waff could adopt Fudgestripe! He is a tiny blend of orange/black/white trouble with elegance!
    ~Vicat

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  3. OMC, what adorableness! I'm sending lots of purrs to Nadya - she deserves to have a long, happy life.

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  4. They are all adorable. We hope Nadya and all of her kittens find loving forever homes. This is kitten season and there are so many little ones out there that need homes. We are fostering two 6 week old and three 3 week old babies. Cuteness overload.

    Purrs,
    Cindi Lou & The Kitty Krew

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  5. SQUEEE!!!! It's cuteness & sweetness OVERLOAD!!!!!!!!!!!

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  6. Nadya, you are the best mommy. Bless your feline heart, I hope you feel better soon and get adopted.

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  7. Cats make you realise how much good there is in the world. Praying this little family finds the best of owners and Nadya finds her love returned.

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  8. sure hope they all get the homes they deserve,xx Speedy

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  9. mom may have fainted from the cute (and what great pictures). we got our paws crossed for Nadya...she sounds like a great momma cat and deserves every chance. :)

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  10. What sweet babies! I hope they all find loving homes very soon and Momma Nadya lives a long and happy life!

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  11. What teeny cutie pies. We have our feets crossed for Nadya
    Lily & Edward

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  12. aww they are just the cutest!!

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  13. Wow Katie..what a wonderful love story..purrs for beautiful Nadya for taking care of two babies that needed a Mommy to love them..She deserves only the best..Now I wish I could just pick all those sweet babies up and hug and kiss them..

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  14. What a bunch of cuties. Astrid and her brother, who were found abandoned as itty bitty kittens were eventually placed with Lisbeth's litter and her mom, Tuxie, took care of them. That's how Astrid and Lisbeth came to be adopted together. We hope all these lovies get new homes as soon as they are old enough. XO, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo

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  15. Oh we hope they all find wonderful homes. Healing purrs for Momma Nadya.

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  16. Dang, the mom is squee'ing so loud...our ears hurt!

    Purrs for Nadya...what a good momma she is.

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  17. We're always encouraged with the way so many animals adopt orphaned animals. What a great mom and family. We sure hope they all get a good home.

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  18. What a sweet bunch and we are sending purrs and prayers to them all.

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  19. Such a good Mom we wish her and the kittens the best. In fact we are visiting their bloggie right
    Now!
    Thanks Katie!!!

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  20. what unusual markings! So many purrs for Nadya. Once she is through being a mother, she deserves to have lots of happy years in a home of her own.

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  21. Such sweet little babies. Sending purrs for Nadya.

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  22. Nadya is gorgeous!!! Kitten are nice, but give us an adult rescue. I hope they’ll all be going home soon.

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  23. What a sweet blended family! We hope they all find their furrever home soonest.

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  24. Talk about cuteness overload. They are beyond adorable. The mother is very pretty. I do hope that their health remains good and they can all be adopted.

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  25. Awwww, they are too cute for words.

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  26. They are all so beautiful. We're purring and praying for forever homes, and for health!

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