It was 8:30 in the morning when a staff member arrived for her shift at Pet Rescue Solutions in South El Monte, California.
As she approached the shelter, something unusual caught her eye.
Underneath a tree, right next to the building, lay a dark blanket that seemed to be draped over something.
Her stomach dropped as she guessed what might be hidden beneath it, and she hurried over to find out.
Gently lifting the blanket, she froze. Inside a crate, huddled together for warmth, was a tiny furry family.
A worried mother cat was curled protectively around her little kittens, doing her best to keep them from the cold.
A Small Family Needs Help
The little family looked up at the shelter worker with eyes full of worry, as though silently asking her to save them.
No one knew exactly when the cats had been left there, but one thing was certain: the blanket covering them was completely soaked from the heavy rain that had fallen through the night.
It seemed likely they had been abandoned only hours before the downpour.
“We do not know when they were dropped off. We know that it rained a lot all night before, and the blanket was soaked. They must have been there the night before,” Eva Rainwater, the director of Pet Rescue Solutions, told The Dodo.
The mother and her three kittens were thin and clearly hungry.
Without hesitation, the staff member carried them inside, assuring them they would never have to face cold or hunger again.
Finally Safe And Warm
Now in a safe, cozy environment, the mama cat could finally rest.
A vet check revealed that, fortunately, all four cats were in relatively good health.
What they needed most was nourishing food to regain their strength, and plenty of gentle affection to help them forget the fear and discomfort of the night before.
The rescue team wasted no time making them comfortable.
They provided a warm bed, fresh food, and even toys for the curious little ones, which quickly became the kittens’ favorite part of their new surroundings.
The young mother, later named Flow, was estimated to be just six or seven months old, while her kittens were about six weeks.
The babies haven’t yet been named, as the staff enjoys spending time with them and learning their personalities before choosing the perfect names.
Flow and her kittens are proof of the incredible resilience of cats.
Despite being left out in the cold, they’re now thriving in the care of people who truly care for them.
Once they’re strong and old enough, the little family will be ready to search for loving forever homes.
Until then, they will remain at Pet Rescue Solutions, surrounded by warmth, safety, and an endless supply of affection from their caregivers.