Every rescue story touches our hearts and reinforces the importance of compassion, care, and community. We are beyond thrilled to share the inspiring journey of Carley, a courageous cat whose maternal instincts transformed the lives of seven vulnerable kittens.
From Fear to Love
Carley came into our care at O'Halloran Hill on the 17th of October as a scared stray. "Carley came into our care on the 17th of this month as a scared stray," says Tiffany Clavell, Veterinary Nurse at RSPCA South Australia. "A few days later, she was checked for engorged mammary tissue."
During her examination, we discovered that Carley was already nurturing a strong maternal instinct. Coincidentally, we had recently rescued two different litters of kittens: one litter of three approximately four-week-old kittens and another litter of four roughly three weeks old. Recognising the potential for a heartwarming bond, our team decided to introduce all seven kittens to Carley to see if she would accept them as her own.
A Successful Adoption
The results were nothing short of amazing. "The teams decided to put all 7 kittens on Carley to see if they would take to her and vice versa. Which they all did" Tiffany shares with joy. Over the next few days, we observed remarkable changes in Carley. Her previously sore and hard mammary tissue had subsided, and she became visibly more comfortable and confident. No longer frightened, Carley emerged from her shell, eagerly seeking pats and love from our dedicated staff.
Carley's transformation was a beautiful sight to behold. She began cleaning and toileting the kittens, fostering a nurturing environment where all the babies snuggled together, following and rubbing up against their new mum. "Coming in this morning to see such a beautiful and loving mum, Carley, snuggling and grooming her adopted seven babies was a sight for sore eyes and deserving of a special shout out," Tiffany adds.
A Call to Action
Carley's story is a powerful testament to the impact of love, care, and community support. Her willingness to adopt and nurture seven kittens highlights the incredible bonds that can form when we choose to extend our hearts to those in need. Carley and her seven precious kittens will be available for adoption in the coming weeks once they reach eight weeks old and have been desexed - keep an eye on our website.
Kitten Season is Here!
Kitten season has already begun and is expected to intensify in the coming months. This period typically coincides with the longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures of spring and summer, often extending through March and April as the days start to shorten. During this time, thousands of cats and kittens seek desexing and rehoming services.
By law, all cats over six months of age must be desexed. Desexing is crucial to preventing the ongoing cat population crisis in South Australia. We strongly encourage all cat owners to build a relationship with their local and trusted veterinarian to discuss desexing options and address any concerns they may have. Taking these steps ensures the well-being of your feline friends and supports our community's efforts to manage and reduce the stray cat population.
If Carley's journey has touched you, there are many ways you can help us continue our mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and find loving homes for animals like her. Whether through adopting, fostering, or donating, every contribution makes a significant difference.
