“Panther” kitten found in garden is back to normal and feeling better after being adopted by cat

By SecretWuff 5 Min Read

A tiny “panther” kitten has been reintroduced to a cat’s home after being found in a garden, and his spirits have brightened.

HadleyEllen Richter

Kitten Hadley was just a few days old when she was found alone in a garden. Her mother had taken all of her siblings with her, but for some reason, she had been left behind.

After finding one kitten, the kind couple searched the area but saw no sign of the other cats. “They couldn’t find the mother or kittens anywhere so they waited as long as they could before picking up Hadley and taking her to safety,” Homeward Bound Cat Adoptions said.

They walked into the adoption center holding their little “house panther” and asking someone for help.

Orphan kitten smallShe was found alone in the gardenLooking for foster parents for homecoming cats

“When Hadley arrived we immediately began supportive care, making sure she was warm and aware. Without her mum Hadley (who was only five days old) would not have survived.”

Ellen Richter, an experienced foster parent for rescued kittens, stepped up to help the kitten by bottle-feeding him and providing round-the-clock care.

Panther kitten being bottle-fedHadley quickly got used to the bottle.Looking for foster parents for homecoming cats

Once Ellen was sure Hadley was healthy, she introduced her to a nursing mother to ensure her baby’s healthy development.

About a month ago, Ellen adopted a pregnant tabby cat that had been abandoned outside an adoption center. The cat, named Liberty, purred “biscuits” (knead), and quickly settled into her foster family.

Little panther kitten sleepingLooking for foster parents for homecoming cats

A few days later, she gave birth to six beautiful kittens in her foster home, sheltered from the elements.

When Hadley’s eyes first began to open, she met a family of seven cats and instantly fell in love with them. She soon sought out the warmth and comfort of the mother cat, nursing alongside her larger kittens.

Cat raising kittensHadley (the littlest one) immediately fell in love with her new cat mommy.Ellen Richter

In addition to spending time with her new mother, Ellen was feeding Hadley every two hours. “I’m so happy that she’s gaining weight,” she said.

Hadley warmed up to her mommy as she cleaned her from head to toe. She stretched out her little legs, soaking up all the love from mommy. Feeling full, warm and loved, Hadley fell fast asleep in her warm bed.

Cat breastfeeding a small kittenEllen Richter

“Not only will she be able to spend time with other kittens, but she’ll also be able to drink her mom’s milk, which is very nutritious and good for her health.”

At about two weeks old, her eyes opened wide and she became increasingly active and curious. Now surrounded by a loving human and cat family, Hadley is no longer the lonely kitten she once was.

Panther kitten eyesShe opened her eyes and became more curious and active.Ellen Richter

The other kittens are all fascinated by the little “house panther.” “They suddenly touch her or stare at her in confusion.”

Hadley has a knack for making biscuits, just like her mother Liberty. Hadley has a strong appetite and is growing steadily, gaining strength in her legs, and moving around the nest, starting to improve her walking technique.

Sleeping kitten, nursing catEllen Richter

Now that the older kittens have reached weaning age, mom is busy teaching them to eat on their own. Luckily, Ellen is able to take over all of Hadley’s feeding duties until mom is freed up from caring for her six kittens.

A small kitten is breastfeeding a catEllen Richter

It’s amazing how much Hadley has grown in just one week, with the help of her foster family and a loving cat.

Hadley melts everyone’s hearts at mealtimes when she shows off her “bear” claws and big deer eyes.

Little panther kitten clawsEllen Richter

Share this story with your friends. Learn more about Hadley and Ellen’s foster parents here Instagram Cat adoption Instagram.

Related article: Just when your cat thinks it’s time to go inside, she shows up at your window with a kitten

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