In their first weeks of life, kittens rely on their mother’s milk for the nutrients they need to survive and to grow. When they’re separated too soon, the consequences can be deadly. If they find their way to a rescue, though, the cost of feeding these tiny babies can quickly deplete available funding, especially during kitten season. Your support makes all the difference to young pets and shelters, though, including for two very ill kittens who entered a Louisiana rescue this year, one of whom was found outside in a small box.

Staff from the Iberville Parish Animal Shelter came into work earlier this year to find a small box in their overnight surrender pen. Inside was a tiny three-week-old kitten – later named Cootie - who was suffering from lice and malnourishment. Your clicks, trivia participation, shopping for a cause, and direct donations helped us provide what she needed to survive: kitten-appropriate formula.

The shelter says, “She was given milk replacer that was awarded to us from the grant. Cootie’s health improved. She has grown and was so very loved by her foster family. Thanks to the supplies that were awarded to our shelter from this grant, Cootie is thriving and is ready for her forever home.”

Another kitten who survived despite poor odds was Birdie, a four-week-old who had a broken leg and several skin injuries when she came into the Iberville shelter. They say her condition was critical and required not only vet care, but also milk replacer we’d been able to provide. Both were instrumental in getting her out of danger and on the road to recovery – and adulthood.

The shelter says, “Birdie started to heal and grow. [She] transitioned from milk to kitten chow, and the milk replacer was still mixed with Birdie’s feed. She has made fantastic progress in our care and has one more x-ray to be conducted.”

Cootie and Birdie are around today and thriving due in part to your support, which allows shelters to care for more little ones. Thank you! If you’d like to provide more formula to tiny kittens and puppies in need, click below!