On November 12, 2025, a mother cat in Memphis, Tennessee, was spotted lying beside a plastic tub where her kittens were trapped. Unable to free them, she waited nearby, demonstrating her loyalty. A concerned individual alerted Mitchell Animal Hospital about the situation, which prompted an immediate rescue mission.
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Stephanie Preston, the adoption and rescue coordinator at Mitchell Animal Hospital, reported that they contacted their rescue partner, Purrfect Match Cat Rescue, to intervene. When the rescuer arrived, they discovered that the mother cat, now named Kenna, was missing her two back paws yet was dedicatedly protecting her kittens.
The kittens, found dirty and dehydrated, appeared to be well-fed, indicating they had likely been abandoned recently. Initially, there were five kittens, but two unfortunately did not survive. The remaining kittens were rescued and taken for veterinary care.
Currently, Purrfect Match Cat Rescue is looking after Kenna and her kittens until they can be transferred to Mitchell Animal Hospital’s adoption program in Kingston, New Hampshire. Remarkably, Kenna has adjusted to her conditions and exhibits nurturing behavior toward her kittens, despite her injuries. Preston noted that her wounds may stem from past trauma but that Kenna is functioning effectively, even playing and using the litter box like any healthy pet.
The kittens, named Kyle, Lyle, and Kayle, are also doing well. Kyle and Lyle have attracted interest from a family wishing to adopt both of them, while Kenna has a potential adoption lined up with a veterinarian in New Hampshire. Kayle remains available for adoption, with her rescuers optimistic about finding her a loving home soon.
This family was in dire straits when discovered, but they are now thriving thanks to the efforts of those who came together to save them. Interested adopters for Kayle can contact Mitchell Animal Hospital at [email protected].