GiveBIG is happening now, and your support keeps families together. 

 

Kitten season stretches us to the limit—but your generosity helps us do what we do best: rescue, reunite, and nurture. One little kitten's journey back to her mama reminded us just how much that matters. 

 

Just over a week ago, a community member discovered two tiny, days-old kittens alone outside with no sign of their mother. Unsure of what to do but wanting to help, he brought them inside to bottle-feed overnight. The next morning, hoping their mama might return, he placed the pair back where he had found them. But a few hours later, when he checked on them, only one kitten remained—exposed and vulnerable, with a bird pecking at them.

 

 

While one volunteer rushed the tiny, days-old kitten to bottle baby foster care, another headed to the community member’s home, hoping to locate the mama and the missing sibling. After inspecting the backyard, it seemed likely that her den was tucked beneath the shed. There was just enough space to slide a phone underneath and try recording, but the view was blocked by debris. With the kitten no bigger than a pine cone, they could’ve been right there in the frame and still gone unnoticed.

 

Mama cat soon darted out from under the shed, confirming that she was indeed stashing her kittens there. With that confirmation, we decided not to disturb the area further. The last thing we wanted was to make her move her babies before we could safely get them out. Instead, we focused on finding a way to retrieve the kittens without causing more stress to the family.

The next day, another volunteer brought over a scope camera, but even that couldn’t cut through the clutter. We also set up a trail camera to monitor mama cat’s movements and watch for any signs of her moving the kittens. We then brought in a thermal camera, which revealed mama cat’s heat signature but failed to pick up the kitten’s. The kitten was likely too small to trigger the sensor.

 

So, we pivoted again: we began trap-training mama cat—getting her used to eating out of a humane trap that was tied open and wouldn’t close—so she could build trust and feel safe going inside. After a few days, we were able to safely capture her when the timing was right. Once we had mama cat safely in care, the homeowner agreed to remove a piece of the shed decking to give us a better view of the area.

With the decking removed, it was much easier to get a clear view—and what we found was a surprise. It wasn’t just one kitten under there, but two, hidden in the shadows beneath a cement board!

After nine days of bottle feeding, the tiny kitten was finally reunited with their mom and siblings this past Sunday. Mama cat immediately took them in, nursing and caring for all three kittens as if they’d never been apart.

Mama caring for all three of her kittens.

But the work doesn't stop there. Now in foster care, this little family will need weeks of daily support—nutritious food for a nursing mom, mountains of kitten-safe litter, and medical care that can add up fast. One kitten already has a painful eye infection and is being treated, and the entire litter will eventually be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped before adoption. On average, it costs at least $300 to care for each kitten through to adoption—and that's if everything goes smoothly.

That’s the magic of what you make possible: a bottle baby, once alone and vulnerable, now curled up with their siblings under the warmth of their mother’s care.

 With your gift, you bring hope to kittens who need it most. Join us in making a difference for the cats of Seattle, donate meow.

Looking for a way to celebrate Meowther’s Day with a little less pressure and a lot more cuddles? Join us for a fun and relaxing afternoon at our Kitten Cuddle Puddle Fundraiser at family-friendly Ravenna Brewing

 

It’s the perfect opportunity to show love to mama cats and their kittens while supporting our lifesaving mission — all in a welcoming space where you can spend time with those you care about or enjoy a moment of joy with fellow cat lovers. For a $20 donation, you’ll get cuddle time with our sweetest foster kittens and help provide essential care for both mama cats and their little ones. 

 

Kitten cuddles with our adorable rescued kittens.

Donation station for food, litter, and supplies for our foster cats.

Fun, cat-themed baby shower games (more details coming soon!).

A chance to support our mission to keep mamas and kittens together and give them a better chance at a happy, healthy life.

Bring the whole family for a fun, heartwarming outing, or stop by to connect with others and enjoy a little time with our furry friends — no advance tickets required, just show up and join in on the fun!

 

Every donation and cuddle goes toward helping the cats in our care. We can’t wait to see you there!

Thank you for helping us save Seattle cats and kittens.