Street Cat From Colorado Stuns Her Rescuers After Giving Birth To Two Special Kittens

When Heidi Shoemaker, the founder of Foster Kitten Mama and a true hero in cat rescue, got a call about a cat in distress, she knew she had to step in. 

A pregnant cat was in desperate need of a secure place to bring her kittens into the world, far from the risks of street life. Believing that every animal should be given a fair chance, Heidi didn’t hesitate to welcome her in.

Heidi quickly organized transport and prepared a soft, welcoming space lined with blankets, hoping to give the expectant mother the comfort and security she needed to bring her kittens into the world.

Yet life had other plans. By the time the gentle tabby arrived at Heidi’s rescue, she had already delivered two tiny babies, nestled close to her and wrapped in the warmth of her mother’s love.

Heidi soon discovered something unique about the mama cat – she had extra toes! With a mix of affection and fun, Heidi named her Mittens. As she shared in an interview:

“She is a polydactyl, which means she has six toe beans (on each front paw), giving her a little ‘thumb.'”

You can just picture Mittens showing off her extra toes, like built-in mittens – a perfect name! However, the cuteness didn’t end there.

One of the tabby kittens, Jingle, was the spitting image of her mom, Mittens. Her sister Bell, a Siamese mix, inherited Mittens’ delightful extra toes.

Bell also had a voice as big as her personality, and it seemed those extra toes made her meows carry even farther.

On the other hand, her brother Jingle was something special – he was one of the biggest kittens Heidi had ever seen at his age. She added:

“At over two weeks old, he weighed in at a whopping one pound and 0.3 ounces. We often struggle to get four-week-old kittens to a pound.”

Even before Jingle and Bell learned to walk without wobbling, they were already scheming their great escape. 

Whenever their mom took a short break, whether to stretch her legs or sneak a snack, the little adventurers wasted no time. They would wobble out of their nest, eager to see what lay beyond their cozy corner.

Though their steps were still unsteady, their persistence was remarkable — like miniature Houdinis practicing their great escape routines.

Once they were big enough to play without tripping over themselves, Heidi set them up in a big playpen filled with toys. It was like a kitten paradise! 

Before long, the two were happily drinking water and munching from a bowl, ready for their next big adventure – tackling the mountain of crinkle balls.

Jingle was completely captivated by all the new toys, especially the tower of tracks where he could sit like a tiny king looking over his realm. 

BBell, with her extra toes, seemed destined to be an expert climber, using her added grip to her full advantage.

She loved tumbling around with her brother and could snatch toys with ease thanks to her oversized “mittens.” It was clear her unique paws gave her a special edge.

The assortment of toys really brought out Mittens’ playful side. At just one year old, she was still very much a kitten. 

Her eyes would sparkle at the sight of a feather toy, and she would eagerly reach for it with both front mittens while balancing on her hind legs, looking like a little furry ballerina. 

Her kittens would gather around to watch her, often joining in and mimicking her graceful jumps and pounces. 

Jingle, in particular, was thrilled by everything his mom did, following her lead and feeling encouraged when she showed him how to chase a laser pointer.

With this new opportunity, this little feline family is flourishing in foster care. Mittens no longer has to worry about food or shelter, and she won’t have to go through another pregnancy, leaving a life of constant worry behind. 

The little family will no longer be cold or hungry. Instead, they are cozy and content, with plenty of food, playful toys, and the comfort of humans who shower them with affection. What once was uncertain has turned into a life full of safety and love.

All of this was made possible through the compassion and dedication of a rescuer who believed they deserved a second chance. Now they’re not just surviving but truly ready for a bright new chapter.