A TNR (trap-neuter-return) rescuer told Shelby Thorpe, the founder of Shelby’s Kitten SafeHouse (in Oregon), about a litter of kittens in early March.
Only one of the kittens survived since their mother cat was unable to care for them.
Shelby explained to Love Meow that the decision was taken to bring the lone cat to her so she could be bottle-fed because she was shivering and the surroundings were unsuitable for her.
One of Shelby’s regular cats made the decision to visit the newborn kitten soon after she brought it home.
“I went to get something and forgot to shut the kitchen door. When I returned, Polar (the cat) was observing the new student. He was going to make a fantastic big brother to her, I knew it.”
The Cleo kitten had fleas and what appeared to be the beginnings of eye infections. Shelby cleaned her up, took care of her eyes, and began feeding her continuously.