Last month, Marlene and her fellow animal rescuers visited an abandoned property intending to help one cat but ended up finding many more in need, including a pregnant cat named Pickle.
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Initially, the team secured the first cat they found, but soon noticed three others living in poor conditions.
Determined to rescue all the cats, the team set up humane traps. In the end, they managed to pull seven cats from the hoarding situation, including Pickle, who was heavily pregnant.
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“Understandably, they were all a little scared at first, but after a day or two in foster care, we could see they were very sweet,” Marlene shared with Love Meow.
Pickle was found while Marlene was at the house rescuing two other cats. “I didn’t know she was there. I was lucky enough to just put her in a carrier. She’s friendly, a little scared, and very hungry.”
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One young cat, Fisher, likely Pickle’s firstborn, clung to her as she prepared for labor. He stayed by her side until she gave birth to five kittens.
Fisher snuggled with Pickle, watching over her while she tended to her newborns. Still a baby himself, Fisher wanted to nurse and seek comfort from his mom. “Pickle was more than happy to feed both Fisher and her new babies.”
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With encouragement from his foster mom, Fisher joined Norman, his feline best friend, allowing Pickle to focus on raising her litter.
“Pickle has been amazing from the start, allowing me to weigh her babies each day and giving me permission to give them lots of human contact.”
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In a clean and comfortable nursery, the kittens thrived, becoming more active each day. Once their eyes opened, they began exploring their nest.
Pickle kept a watchful eye on her five, ensuring they stayed safe.
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As the kittens grew, Marlene moved them to a spacious playpen where they could explore and develop their coordination.
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With Pickle’s unconditional love, the kittens flourished, watching and learning from their mom. Some even began sampling their first bites of solid food.
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Thanks to the compassionate rescuers, 12 cats and kittens were given a new lease on life.
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Fisher and Norman were recently adopted together and are now living their best life in a loving home. Pickle and her babies continue to thrive in foster care.
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Once the kittens are old enough to be independent, Pickle will retire from motherhood and enjoy her life as a cherished and pampered queen.
