The Chester Eastside – St. Paul’s Community Garden is more than a place to grow fruits and veggies.
In early August we found three little fluff balls, eyes still shut, nestled in the wheelbarrow. An orange feral cat lingered nearby. She kept her eye on her kittens, the children and the adult volunteers whenever we weeded and watered.
One morning the kitties were especially vocal, but mama was nowhere in sight. We realized one had died and mom had deserted the remaining two.
On the advice of a local shelter, we moved into baby mode and purchased formula, bottles, blankets and hot water bottles to feed and warm them. The weak babies went home with garden volunteer Kate, her daughter Bryn and their future foster mother, who took turns caring for them.
The move was too difficult for one of the kittens, but her sister is a little fighter. Named Nikita (“unconquered”), she has opened her eyes and ears, climbs and plays and loves to be cuddled. She has transitioned to solid food and mastered the art of the litter box.
Nikita is thriving under the foster mother’s watchful eye and has bonded with the other abandoned kitten under her care. She will be ready for adoption in two weeks, when she will be listed on the Brandywine SPCA website. Hopefully Nikita and her new brother, Benny, will find a forever home together.