Mississippi Woman Opens Her Car Hood And Can’t Believe What’s Hiding Inside

Sometimes rescues don’t begin with traps and nets. Sometimes they begin with a smart mama cat who knows exactly how to ask for help.

Avery Hood and her friend Andrea Moore had been trying to track down a litter of kittens hidden somewhere deep in the thick Mississippi woods.

The neighbors had been leaving food for the mama, but those babies were tucked away so well that no one could reach them. It felt impossible.

Days passed, and Avery couldn’t stop thinking about that little family. She even joked with the mama cat to just bring her babies over.

Well, turns out cats listen when they want to.

On Labor Day, Avery opened her door, and there she was: the determined mama, sitting and waiting like she had a plan.

Avery went about her morning, got into her car, and the adventure began. The second she started her engine, the tiniest black fluffball shot out from under her hood.

Her heart dropped. She quickly popped the hood open and, sure enough, two more wide-eyed kittens were curled up inside the engine like it was their own little nest.

For a moment, Avery worried the worst had happened, especially since mama had crossed busy streets with her litter.

But one by one, the babies kept showing up, first under the hood, then all around.

After the three under the hood, a neighbor called about a stray kitten wandering the street. For Avery, it was like the universe was playing hide-and-seek with her.

Every time she turned around, another little surprise appeared, as she shared in an interview:

“We just kept finding them.”

By the end of the day, Avery had scooped up mama and several of her babies. She settled them safely into her bathroom with cozy towels and snacks.

Mama wasn’t thrilled at first. She hissed, resisted, and fought to keep control. But then she realized her kittens were being brought back to her, not taken away, and she relaxed.

Avery, who already had four cats of her own and spends much of her time helping strays with Andrea, wasn’t going to give up until every single baby was safe.

She set up a humane trap, left out a delicious meal, and waited. It took more than twelve hours of her holiday, but all seven cats were finally reunited in her bathtub.

That’s what dedication looks like.

Fortunately, every single kitten was healthy. After everything they went through: riding in an engine, crossing dangerous roads, hiding in the woods, they bounced back with strength only little survivors can have. 

At the vet, they all passed their exams, with only one baby carrying a small scrape on its forehead. Mama had done an incredible job protecting them.

Barely a year old herself, she was finally relaxed for the first time in who knows how long. She learned that humans can be safe, gentle, and kind.

In the days that followed, Avery’s bathroom turned into a kitten paradise. Soft beds, toys, full bellies, and lots of love.

The babies started showing off their silly personalities, chasing each other around and rolling over for playtime.

Now this brave little family is getting ready for their next step: moving into a shelter where forever homes are waiting.

Avery looks at that young mama with so much admiration. Against all odds, she had kept her kittens alive and even found the courage to bring them to the one person who could help. Avery shared:

“[The mama] is so calm now and I can tell she trusts us. She deserves a second chance at life too.”

She’s not just a good mom; she’s a hero. And thanks to her, her babies have a bright future ahead.