Louisiana Woman Takes In A Stray Cat, But There’s A Big Secret She Didn’t Expect

Cats have an incredible intuition, especially when they’re about to become moms. A pregnant stray can’t afford to take chances. She has to find a place that feels safe, quiet, and secure enough to bring her kittens into the world.

That was the case for a small black stray later named Salami, who had spent most of her life navigating the harsh realities of the streets.

When she became pregnant, something changed. Surviving on her own was no longer enough. She needed protection, not just for herself, but for the tiny lives depending on her. So she made a decision.

Instead of hiding away somewhere uncertain, Salami followed her instincts to a very specific door, one she seemed to know would offer the safety she desperately needed.

Before she was even pregnant, Salami had already discovered the yard of a New Orleans painter named Ida Floreak.

She had noticed Floreak’s cat, Bruce, lounging outside and seemed drawn to him, though he didn’t return her interest, as Ida shared in an interview:

“She came by and she really liked him. They’d sniff around each other and she was more interested in him than he was in her. It was definitely clear that she was here to see him — which was sweet.”

That didn’t stop Salami from visiting. Day after day, she kept showing up, always hanging around the same spot.

Ida eventually realized this mysterious black cat was a regular guest. Wanting to help, she started setting food outside.

Every morning, Salami would appear at her door, meowing as if to say “I’m here!” before happily eating her meal and disappearing again.

Ida hoped this would be the beginning of trust, so she tried to catch Salami and take her to the vet for vaccinations and spaying.

But Salami wasn’t ready for that. She still kept her distance, keeping one paw in the wild while enjoying the comfort of free meals.

Not long after, Ida began noticing Salami’s belly growing rounder by the day. She was clearly pregnant.

By then, it was too late for spaying, but Ida wanted to at least give her and her kittens the safest start possible.

Slowly but surely, their bond deepened. The little stray started spending more time near the house.

She relaxed around Ida, even accepting a few cuddles. She clearly felt secure there.

And when the time finally came to give birth, she knew exactly where she wanted to be.

Ida quickly set up a comfortable space with blankets and let Salami do what her instincts guided her to do.

She was overjoyed to realize that Salami trusted her enough to choose her home as the place to deliver her babies. She recalled:

“She came by at 5 and was squeaking very insistently in a way that seemed out of character. So I let her in and she started to have her babies around 8 or 9 in the morning.”

That morning, Salami gave birth to two beautiful kittens. Ida thought the hard part was over and that the little family was complete.

But later that night, she was in for a big surprise.

While Ida was on a Zoom call with friends, Salami suddenly went into labor again. She delivered two more kittens, bringing the total to four.

Watching her, Ida felt proud and relieved, knowing she had given this family a safe place to begin their lives.

In time, each kitten was adopted into a loving home, and Ida couldn’t have been happier with the outcome.

As for Salami, Ida decided to keep her forever. After everything they had shared, there was no way she could let her go.

Their bond was too special, and Salami had already made herself part of the family.

Even Bruce, the original reason Salami wandered into the yard, quickly accepted her presence. The two cats got along well, and the house felt fuller and happier with both of them there.