This story is an overload of cuteness, but it also serves as a stark reminder of how many animals never get the chance to experience life in a loving home. Mama Hadley and her three kittens from Houston, Texas, were among the lucky few who did.
Mama Hadley Was a Kitten Herself Hadley was barely more than a kitten herself—just a few months old and already a mother. It’s a common fate for stray and feral cats. This marbled tabby was incredibly thin, struggling to care for the three kittens she never asked for. And then, things went from bad to worse.
Hadley and her babies ended up in an overcrowded Houston shelter with no room left. Each week, hundreds of animals arrived, and the shelter couldn’t physically care for all of them.
A Tiny Spare Bathroom Was All the Space They Needed If no one stepped up to foster this little family, they would all face euthanasia. Yet, they were healthy! Thankfully, they made it out alive. Foster mom Erin Berger, who was near full capacity, couldn’t say no. She found a tiny spare bathroom for the kitties, and that was all they needed to start thriving.
This serves as a powerful reminder that even the smallest space can be enough to give a mama cat and her kittens a shot at life. Erin, with the support of Houston’s Rescued Pets Movement, made this life-saving decision.
“Welcome Mama Hadley and her three kittens. They were mere hours away from euthanasia today at an overcrowded Houston Shelter. So many did not make it out alive today, but I’m glad we were able to save Hadley and her family,” Erin shared.
Hadley and Her Trio Thrived Did you know that kittens can become pregnant as early as three to four months old, just like Hadley? Despite being just a kitten herself, Hadley proved to be an incredible mother, and the little family thrived in their tiny bathroom sanctuary.
“Hadley and kittens are thriving! I’m so glad they were saved from euthanasia. Please spay/neuter your pets and adopt, don’t shop, so more lives like these can be saved.”
Cuteness Ensues in the Foster Nursery Once Erin’s previous foster babies found homes, Hadley and her kittens got a larger area to explore. Hadley could leap out of the safe, clean enclosure for a break, watching TV and enjoying affection from her foster mom.
Meanwhile, her trio of kittens reached the adorable “potato belly” stage, each day bringing more joy as they played, snuggled, and explored.
“A morning with Hadley and her kittens 🥰 They are doing so well and everyone is finally gaining weight!”
Time with the Foster Kittens Is Purr-ecious For foster providers, saying goodbye is always the hardest part, but it’s a necessary step to save more lives. Erin explained that sending the kitties off opened the door for her to rescue even more animals in need.
“Because the population here is already so out of control 😢by getting them out of here, we can make room for the Texas animals that aren’t safe yet,” Erin shared.
Absorbing Every Second with the Foster Fam While the kittens grew up fast, Erin cherished every moment. Eventually, it was time for Hadley and her trio to leave, off to bring joy to their forever families. But the memories, photos, and videos of their time together would last a lifetime.
“I’m not sure yet when they are leaving me for their new homes, but I’m absorbing every second until then!!”
One morning, Erin said goodbye to Hadley and her cuties, knowing they were strong, loved, and ready for their new adventures.
You can follow and support Erin’s Fosters on Instagram.
