Halo is an early candidate for the “Mother of the Year” award. This black and white domestic short hair and her 10 kittens came to Helen Woodward Animal Center through a partner in the Los Angeles area. When she was first found, something seemed very odd to the rescue group. This mama was found with 10 kittens, but four of them appeared remarkably bigger than the other six. After scooping up the cold and scared bundle and taking them somewhere safe and warm, the rescuers realized this amazing mother was safeguarding two different sets of kittens.
Veterinarians determined the larger group presumably came from a different mother based on the age difference between the two groups, but also the distinct difference in their coloring and breeds. The larger group of kittens is estimated to be roughly two weeks older than the smaller ones. Since the big, mixed family was found on the streets it’ll never be known exactly what happened. Medical professionals theorize Mama Halo found the first group of kittens alone, struggling without their mother, and did her best to make sure they all survived. It was then a short time later she gave birth to her own litter, and proceeded to nurse them alongside the others.
- Hobbs
- Holiday
- Honey
- Hotdog
- Houston
- Happy
- Harley
- Harmony
- Harp
- Halo
- Hobbit
- Halo and all of her kittens
“Animals can melt your heart with the compassion and consideration they show when another animal is in need,” says Adoptions Services Director Kendall Schulz. “At some point Mama Halo discovered these abandoned kittens. Whether before or after she had already gave birth we’ll never know. But she found them presumably alone and probably on the brink of not surviving, and her mama instincts kicked in. She started nursing them to make sure they would survive. An incomparable level of compassion and empathy.”
In honor of their devoted mother, all of the kittens were given names beginning with the letter ‘H’ to show they are one big, happy family. The older group of kittens was named Harley, Harp, Harmony and Happy. While the second, younger group, was named Holiday, Honey, Hobbit, Hobbes, Houston and Hot Dog.
Halo’s litters found their forever families rather quickly. However, their dutiful mama took a little longer to be ready for adoption. The Center’s adoptions felt she needed a little more time for her body to recover from taking care of her litter. She debuted on the adoptions floor on May 13th, just two days after Mother’s Day. Halo’s search for a forever family lasted only 6 days. She went home with her permanent people May 19th, where she’s been living happily ever after since!
