On a patch of grass in Memphis, Tennessee, a mama cat sat guarding a plastic tub. The loyal mom couldn’t free her kittens sealed inside the box; all she could do was wait and hope. Someone called Mitchell Animal Hospital about the kittens, and they set a rescue mission into motion immediately.
“We told our trusted rescue partner, Purrfect Match Cat Rescue, ‘Pull them — we’ll take them,’” Stephanie Preston, adoption and rescue coordinator at Mitchell Animal Hospital, told The Dodo. “When our partner arrived, they found Momma lying beside the bucket, staying close to her babies and protecting them the best she could.”
Mitchell Animal Hospital
As the rescuer got closer, they realized the mama cat was missing her two back paws, yet she was still fiercely protecting her kittens. The kittens were dirty and dehydrated but seemed to be well-fed, which suggested that they had probably been abandoned recently. There were five kittens in the box, but unfortunately two didn’t make it. The rescuer immediately scooped the family up and brought them to get the help they needed.
Mitchell Animal Hospital
The kittens were found in Memphis, Tennessee, and are being cared for by Purrfect Match Cat Rescue until they can be transferred to Mitchell Animal Hospital’s rescue and adoption program in Kingston, New Hampshire. The whole family is doing so well, especially the mama, now named Kenna. She barely notices she’s different at all and still shows up for her kittens every day.
Mitchell Animal Hospital
“She’s absolutely incredible. We believe the injuries are old, possibly from past trauma or born that way,” Preston said. “She’s adapted beautifully — walking, balancing and even playing with her kittens as if nothing ever happened. She’s fully litter-box trained, and her gentle, resilient nature has everyone in awe. The most amazing part? We estimate she’s only about one year old herself — just a baby raising babies.”
Mitchell Animal Hospital
The kittens, two boys and a girl, are named Kyle, Lyle and Kayle. Kyle and Lyle have an adoption pending with a family who wants them both, and Mama Kenna also has an adoption pending with a veterinarian in New Hampshire. Kayle is still waiting for someone to choose her, but her rescuers are confident it will happen for her soon.
Mitchell Animal Hospital
This little family was not doing well when they were found discarded like trash. Now they’re thriving thanks to all of the people who came together to save them.
If you’re interested in adopting Kayle, you can email mitchelladopt@gmail.com.
You can follow Mitchell Animal Hospital on Facebook.
