This winter, the OHS is celebrating two mother cats whose stories show the power of community support. Shirley and Copper delivered a combined twenty-one kittens. Their litters were OHS record breaking, with Shirley having ten kittens on August 29 and Copper surpassing that with eleven on November 18.
Shirley and Her Ten Tiny Fighters
Shirley came into care through the Vernon Veterinary Clinic only days before giving birth. The night she went into labour, she delivered steadily until number nine arrived, still in the sac. Unable to breathe. Exhausted, Shirley was unable to help it.
Her foster acted instantly, freeing the kitten, delivering the placenta, rubbing the tiny pale ginger’s body, and giving gentle puffs of CPR.
The kitten seemed gone… but the foster kept trying until it suddenly gasped for air, coming back to life!
Soon after, the tenth kitten arrived. Now all ten kittens and their mom are thriving and getting ready to join their forever families.
Copper and Her Eleven New Beginnings
Copper, a gentle tabby, was surrendered when her owner was sadly unable to care for her. She was transferred to an experienced neo natal foster in Kelowna, where she delivered her eleven kittens. Neo natal care requires constant feeding, warmth, and monitoring. Thanks to her foster, every one of Copper’s kittens had a strong start.
You Make These Miracles Possible
Caring for twenty one kittens and two recovering moms takes significant formula, food, litter, and veterinary support. For a small registered charity like OHS, this is only possible through community generosity. Shirley’s ninth kitten survived because someone donated. Copper’s eleven babies thrive because someone cared.
