Brimming with joy as her solitary kitten thrives under the nurturing care of a compassionate family.
A cat is so happy when her only kitten is thriving with the help of a loving foster family.
A few weeks ago, Rescue Cats of Florida, an all-volunteer rescue, saved multiple cats and kittens from a breeder, and took them into their care. Some of them were still pregnant and needed an experienced fosterer to tend to their every need. They reached out to Samantha Fox, founder of Fox Foster Kittens, for help.
“The president of Rescue Cats of Florida wanted them to have the best care,” Samantha told Love Meow. “When I heard they needed some help with two pregnant cats, I offered space in my nursery.”
One of them named Gucci (orange Minuet, a cross between a Persian and a Munchkin cat) proved to be quite the diva, once she warmed up to her foster family.
The regal feline was a picky eater from day one, and demanded being brushed anytime she pleased. “They really need someone who is around all the time to keep an eye on them. So here I am,” Samantha added.
“Gucci has a strong willed personality. She is such an opinionated little lady. We are learning likes and dislikes, grooming habits, treats, toys, etc.”
A week after arrival, Gucci went into labor and gave birth to a healthy kitten, a tiny version of the momma. The little one named Versace was a fighter from the start — she immediately latched onto her mom and wouldn’t let go.
Despite their very best efforts to save the second baby, she sadly lost her fight. Versace was the only survivor in her litter and determined to grow big and strong.
“Gucci had a very rough labor but we have one healthy beautiful baby girl. She has the same features just like her mama.”
Sweet Gucci dove right into nurturing duties, nursing and caring for her only kitten around the clock. The tiny bundle of joy nuzzled into her mom’s fur and blended perfectly into her coat.
“Versace is always curled up under her mom’s tail or tucked up right under her chin,” Samantha shared with Love Meow.
“Gucci loves her baby in a way I’ve never seen a cat love her kitten. She never wants to be away from her. Their bond is one of the strongest I’ve seen.”
For the first two weeks, the feline baby received undivided attention from her doting cat mom. She ate like a champ and earned herself a chonky belly that she’d proudly show off.
When her eyes cracked open, the kitten looked around with those adorable peepers, soaking up the world around her. She was curious and completely fearless.
Gucci has been a great mom to her only fur child. She keeps her clean from head to tail, wraps her paws around her baby when they nap, and makes sure that her little mini-me won’t wander off too far.
“Versace is approaching three weeks old and is cute as ever. She’s now learning to walk on those tiny legs,” Samantha told Love Meow.
In addition to the Minuet rescue, Rescue Cats of Florida has helped hundreds of cats and kittens over the past few weeks. Gucci and her precious baby have gotten a new lease on life, and are well on their way to a great future.
As of now, Versace still has a lot of growing to do. She is waddling about with her little legs and her big belly touching the floor.
The sweet kitten has blossomed into a cuddle-bug, and enjoys being held in the arms of her humans. The mini diva is learning from the best (her cat mom), honing her cattidude every day and starting to make demands.
Once the kitten is weaned, Mama Gucci will retire from motherhood for good.
“I’m so thankful I’ve been able to assist with these guys and help Gucci finally have her very last litter of kittens. Versace is such an adorable little one and I can’t wait to watch her grow up.”
