Feral cats struggle day to day, trying to find food and shelter. While they are usually in a close-knit community, survival, especially in the colder months, becomes a challenge. Some feral cats give birth at such a young age that they don’t know how to properly care for their kittens, and many babies end up as orphans. That’s what happened to the kitten in this story, but thankfully, a kind woman found him just in time.
One day, TikTok user Caitlin Elizabeth was out running errands when she spotted a small, furry shape lying amidst a pile of garbage. She walked closer to investigate and realized it was a newborn kitten. “It’s still alive, I cannot believe it,” Caitlin shared in a TikTok video.
“I saw it laying right there, and I thought it was dead. It is freaking ice cold, poor little baby.” Without wasting a moment, Caitlin brought the kitten back to her car. Having experience caring for bottle-fed kittens, she was prepared but anxious. The tiny creature had been exposed to the cold for an unknown amount of time.
As Caitlin drove, she noted, “He’s been meowing so hard his mouth is dirty.” She later discovered the kitten’s young mother but, sadly, the mama cat showed no interest in her baby. Determined not to let him suffer, Caitlin took on the responsibility of caring for him herself.
Upon closer inspection, Caitlin noticed that the kitten’s stomach was filled with dirt, likely consumed in desperation to survive. She carefully cleaned him up, and once warm and dry, the kitten began to wiggle energetically. Though uncertain at first whether he would pull through, Caitlin knew one thing for sure: the kitten had a strong will to live.
So far, the little kitten is holding on and making progress. He’s eating well and gradually gaining strength. Every time Caitlin feeds him, her own cat, Echo, comes to watch closely. Echo, who was once a bottle baby rescued by Caitlin under similar circumstances, seems to be fascinated by her new foster sibling. It’s as if Echo remembers her own days as a tiny kitten and is silently cheering him on to grow big and strong like her.
This act highlights critical gaps in our support systems for people in crisis and animal welfare. Urge authorities to provide those in crisis with the help they need to prevent animal abuse!
Although the kitten’s journey to recovery is ongoing, he is now safe, warm, and loved, thanks to Caitlin and Echo’s attentive care. From being abandoned and cold to finding comfort and affection, the kitten’s life has taken a hopeful turn.