Mom and Infant Kittens Rescued at Local Machine Shop

You never know where you’ll end up when you’re tracking colonies of feral kittens. Recently, Dakin’s Kitten Street Team (KST) found themselves at a machine shop in Holyoke.

The shop owner discovered an adult cat with infant kittens on the property. Feral cats have no social experience with humans and fear them, but this mom cat walked around the shop with little fear of people or noise from the machinery. This information tipped off the KST that mom may not be feral after all.

The kittens were placed by mom in a small, dark area where she felt they’d be safe from injury or predators. In reality, the kittens’ placement was very dangerous and under a loading dock.

KST volunteer Anna carefully navigated the small space and reached the kittens that were napping comfortably between a wall and a metal beam. Once the kittens were secured in a carrier, a humane trap was aligned with the carrier opening. Mom cat would have to enter the trap to reach her babies.

It worked! The whole family was now out of harm’s way. The KST reported that the entire operation took just under an hour. Anna said, “This was one of my favorite rescues, not because of the actual rescue itself, but because of the people.”

With an office dog, a shop cat (Dakin alum!), and the shop owner offering food to the feline visitors while contacting Dakin for help, it was clear that the KST was among animal lovers.

The shop staff was invested in the rescue and safety of this feline family and couldn’t resist a snuggle or two with the kittens before parting ways. Anna added, “Everyone made us feel good about the work we were doing.”

After receiving intake exams and medical care at Dakin, mom and her kittens were brought to a foster home to settle into until everyone is ready to move on to their next adventure in loving homes.

The work of the Kitten Street Team is an invaluable contribution to Dakin’s mission and vision as an organization. They are able to connect with the local community and save lives thanks to your generous support.