Hannah Shaw, also known as the Kitten Lady, has been a savior for many tiny kittens in need. While most of her rescues are motherless, one particular rescue had a surprising twist. When a shelter in San Diego called about a mother cat in need of immediate assistance, Hannah wasted no time in rushing to their aid.
When they told her, she couldn’t believe it – the mama cat was only 9 months old! PetMD advises that kittens can become pregnant as early as 4 months, highlighting the importance of spaying your cats at a young age. It’s likely that her previous owners were unaware of this, resulting in her early pregnancy. Thankfully, they showed responsibility by leaving her at a shelter rather than abandoning her on the streets.
This beautiful gray tabby cat had two kittens, but sadly, one didn’t make it. Hannah decided to name the momma cat Pine and the surviving white kitten Twinkle – such cute names! Pine initially had a hard time looking after Twinkle, but it was understandable given the sudden change in her living situation from losing her home to ending up in a shelter.
This is why Hannah was the perfect candidate for the job – she was dedicated to assisting momma Pine and her little kitten. Her main focus was to ensure that the kitten was growing properly. It was crucial for her to ensure that Pine was able to nurse the kitten without any issues, as she mentioned in her video: “One of the initial steps I have to take is to determine the level of care the kitten requires. Is Pine allowing the baby to nurse? Is she producing enough milk while nursing the baby?”
These were important things for Hannah to keep in mind to ensure the kitten’s well-being. Regular weight checks were necessary to monitor the kitten’s growth progress. In the initial days, mother cat Pine needed extra support and reassurance. Hannah would provide comfort and cuddles every time Pine nursed her baby. Creating a cozy and comfortable environment for both Pine and her kitten was crucial. As Hannah emphasized, the mother cat’s comfort and happiness were paramount, as she was the one doing the majority of the caregiving.
As a result, Hannah provided a variety of choices for Pine in the nursery. There was a spacious and comfortable playpen filled with cozy blankets and a plush bed, but Pine didn’t show much interest in them. Instead, whenever Hannah stepped out of the room, Pine would grab her baby and nurse her underneath a table. It puzzled everyone why she preferred to relax with Twinkle on the chilly hardwood floor. Hannah then relocated the table and set up a snug little playpen with soft blankets in that spot. This adjustment suited Pine perfectly, as she no longer felt the need to relocate the kitten.
Ever since then,
young Twinkle began to put on more pounds.
She transformed into a vibrant, well-fed kitten thanks to her mother and Hannah’s support.
She remained devoted to looking after the pair, ensuring Pine was content and at ease, declaring:
“I’ll always be there for her, through every moment!”
Make sure to have your cats spayed or neutered early on to prevent similar situations. I am grateful that Pine had Hannah to guide her through motherhood!