Cat Ouellette, a volunteer with Room 8 Memorial Cat Foundation in Jurupa Valley in Jurupa Valley, had stayed late to feed the kittens, checking carefully that each one was stable and healthy.
By the time her tasks were done, the clock hovered around four or five in the morning. She sank into her car, ready to finally go home.
Something nudged her to take one last glance around. Stepping back out, she had no idea her instincts were about to uncover a critical discovery.
A Box That Should Not Exist
As she passed her car, Ouellette spotted a cardboard box tucked near the passenger side, its flaps sealed tightly with heavy tape. Atop it lay a handwritten note.
The message explained the contents: a litter of kittens, abandoned, found by someone who could not care for them because dogs lived in their home.
Boxes left outside were not unusual for Room 8 during the day, but discovering one at this hour felt urgent and unsettling.
“People try to do their best, but we try to do our best, too. I’d rather see it there than by a trash can,” Ouellette told The Dodo.
Carrying it inside, she opened it cautiously. Her chest tightened.
One tiny kitten had already passed away.
Time was critical. Ouellette quickly warmed the remaining kittens, prepared formula, and checked each one for signs of dehydration and weakness.
When the kittens finally latched on, it was clear they had gone far too long without nourishment.
Around-the-Clock Care Begins
With the help of other volunteers, Ouellette arranged a warm, quiet space for the survivors.
Feedings were scheduled every few hours. Gradually, the kittens’ cries grew stronger, and their personalities began to emerge.
Some were bold and wiggly, exploring with curiosity. Others curled close, purring the instant a gentle hand brushed them.
Their story highlights the critical importance of spay, neuter, and TNR programs for community cats. Preventing even one unplanned litter can spare countless kittens from a perilous beginning like this.
“This could have been prevented if we just got this mom fixed. That’s where the problem starts,” Ouellette added.
Between feedings, the team socialized the kittens, offering short play sessions to develop coordination. Soft blankets and calm voices provided comfort.
With each passing day, the kittens gained weight, confidence, and strength.
A Safer Future Ahead
Once ready, the kittens will receive veterinary exams and vaccines. When they reach the appropriate age, they will be spayed or neutered and microchipped.
In roughly three months, they will be ready to find permanent homes where they will be loved and cherished.
For now, they are safe, warm, and fed.
Their rescue demonstrates how small, attentive choices can save lives. A late-night hunch brought a volunteer back to notice a box that might have gone unseen until morning. Because of that single moment of awareness, seven fragile kittens were given a second chance.
With continued care, they will soon bring joy and companionship to the families who welcome them into their homes.