In Elkhart County, Indiana, a trap and neuter cat rescue received a distressing call from a local Lowe’s store about a cat that had made a makeshift home between two plywood sheets in their receiving area. The employees reported hearing the desperate cries of a kitten but were unable to approach, as the mother cat fiercely guarded her young, charging at anyone who dared come too close. The rescuers devised a plan and set up a humane trap, placing a trail of food leading into it. Despite her hunger, the mother cat only ate the food placed outside the trap, too anxious to step away from her kitten.
Determined to help, the rescue team then implemented an ingenious tactic by playing a recording of a crying kitten. Placing the phone at the end of the trap worked; within seconds, the mother cat dashed into the trap, driven by instinct to protect her crying baby.
Once safely captured, the rescuers transported the mother and her single kitten to a foster home, where the mother cat’s demeanor transformed significantly. The foster family discovered that the once-defensive mother was incredibly affectionate, enjoyed being petted, and had a remarkably loud purr. Her fierce behavior had been born out of sheer terror and the instinct to protect her kitten.
In the nurturing environment of the foster home, the kitten flourished, gaining nearly four ounces in just a few days. The mother was attentive; whenever her kitten made the slightest sound while she was away, she would rush back to him. Initially mistaken for feral due to her aggressive behavior, it became clear that the mother cat was not inherently afraid of humans; she was simply terrified for her kitten’s wellbeing.
The National Park Service has a plan to potentially euthanize up to 170 feral cats under the guise of nuisance control. Demand a policy that protects these cats!
Once assured of their safety, she relaxed, showing her true, affectionate nature. Now, in a calm, secure setting, the former stray and her kitten are thriving, enjoying a life free from the harsh realities of the street. They bask in the comfort and safety of their new indoor life, cared for by kind individuals.