Shelter in Indianapolis struggles to keep newborn kittens alive — then miracle happens
A group of kittens is thriving after coming dangerously close to death, an Indiana shelter said.
When the IndyHumane in Indianapolis received a few newborn kittens without their mother, they knew they were in over their heads but fought like mad to save the little ones’ lives.
“Late Sunday evening, we took in some incredibly young kittens who had been surrendered without their mom,” the shelter said in a Feb. 28 Facebook post.
“Our team immediately sprang into action, providing round-the-clock care—tube feeding, keeping them warm, and doing everything we could to give them a fighting chance. But the truth is, newborn kittens need their mom to survive. Despite our best efforts, they weren’t latching, and we feared the worst.”
Newborn kittens under a pound have a very high mortality rate without their mother due to difficulty eating, AustinTexas.gov says.
“Kittens that cannot eat on their own have about a 50% chance of survival, even with the most diligent care. Caring for these itty bitties is a full time job and one not to be taken on lightly.”
Thankfully for the shelter, help arrived in the form of a miracle.
“Then, after days of tireless care, we got the news we had been hoping for—MOM HAD BEEN TRAPPED!” the shelter said. “The moment she was brought in, she sniffed through the grates and immediately rolled over, ready to care for her babies again. Since their reunion, mom and babies are THRIVING, and we’re so excited to share their journey with you as they grow!”
The shelter also shared a caveat for those who might stumble upon stray kittens.
“As we enter kitten season, remember: if you find stray kittens, leave them be! If they’re clean, quiet, and look healthy, mom is likely nearby caring for them. Only intervene if they appear sick, injured, or malnourished,” the shelter said. “If possible, trap mom and babies together—keeping families together gives kittens the best chance at survival!”
For updates on the kitten family, visit the shelter’s Facebook page.
This story was originally published February 28, 2025 at 4:31 PM with the headline "Shelter in Indianapolis struggles to keep newborn kittens alive — then miracle happens."