The cat often passed through her garden, but no one came forward to claim her.
One evening, Vanessa spotted the cat meowing in an alleyway. Her rounded belly indicated that she urgently needed help before giving birth.
A cautious cat
When Vanessa tried to approach, the cat sadly fled to hide. Vanessa was determined to care for her and her little ones. So for several days, Vanessa searched for the cat everywhere in the neighbourhood.
But the cat had left no trace... Then one day, whilst Vanessa was walking her own cat on a lead near her home, she came face to face with the black and white stray cat. Vanessa quickly rushed home to fetch some food and a carrier.
Learning to trust
This time, the cat waited for her on the spot, as if she knew the rescuer was there to help her. Starving, the cat devoured the food and even let Vanessa stroke her. Relieved and grateful, the cat leant towards Vanessa, savouring every moment of affection.
Then the cat led her rescuer through a garden and towards a small wooden shelter, before jumping into a recycling bin containing a blue bucket. Inside, there were two tiny kittens curled up at the bottom of the bucket and two others huddled beneath objects in the bin.
Safe and sound
The four kittens, around 10 days old, were alive and in good health. Their brave mother had led Vanessa straight to them. That night, the family of five slept in a clean, warm bed in a safe home.
The cat was named Sayah and the kittens Astro, Saturnin, Billie and Dalia. At first, the kittens needed supplementary bottle feeding, but thanks to unlimited access to food, Sayah regained her strength and quickly produced enough milk to feed her four kittens. Now Sayah and her kittens have a bright future ahead of them and the wonderful life they deserve.
