Rescuer gives starving kitten meal after mother attempts to cull her

A starving kitten named Tiny found an unexpected second chance after a rescuer noticed that her mother was trying to cull her. 

Here's what to know

In a post on Reddit's r/BeforeNAfterAdoption community, Tiny's adopter described putting kibble on the ground for the kitten and her family. However, Tiny's attempts to eat drew growls and blows from her mother, who was expecting another litter, according to the adopter. 

The rescuer then took Tiny to a truck so that she could eat in peace without her mother's interference. Based on the rescuer's observations, it was clear that Tiny's mother was pushing her out of the family, conserving limited food for her other offspring.  

In response, the rescuer decided to give Tiny a permanent, nurturing home.

A happy ending

Since being rescued, Tiny had grown into a six-pound adult, according to her adopter, who attributed her small size to the starvation she experienced as a kitten. The post also noted that Tiny had been spayed.

Slurp, the household's neutered male cat, was not immediately welcoming to Tiny, the original poster wrote. However, he eventually accepted her, and they became affectionate companions.

In one reply, the OP noted how special the unusual softness and shimmer of Tiny's coat were. When Tiny wanted to hide, her fur helped her blend into different backgrounds, according to the OP. 

What commenters said

For another Redditor responding to Tiny's rescue, the story brought up memories of adopting a husky who had been slated for euthanasia after being surrendered. The commenter said the dog had suffered severe abuse and was close to death at the time.

However, after finding a loving home and going through a lengthy rehabilitation, the dog's true personality eventually emerged, the commenter said.

"It was a loooong rehab, but he turned out to be the most brilliant, hilarious, opinionated love bug!" the commenter wrote.

Tiny's rescuer felt similarly, writing, "I cry sometimes thinking about how such a bright light in the world was almost extinguished before she had a chance to shine."

Where can I learn more?

These stories follow other cats that were rescued from cramped carriers, vehicle engines, and other dire situations. 

• Outside a New York subway station, rescuers found seven cats crammed together in one carrier.

• Rescuers dismantled an 18-wheeler engine to save a newborn kitten who began receiving bottle-feeding.

• A New York delivery driver heard a kitten's cries beneath a parked car and rescued it.

• A friendly cat arrived at a New York colony looking worse for wear before entering foster care.

• Colorado firefighters pulled a kitten from a well, and one rescuer gave her a home.

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