A family adopted two kittens then came back for their mother cat, leading to the sweetest reunion.
Buttercup and her kittens, Inigo and Westley@buttercupandherboys
It all began when Heidi Shoemaker, founder of Foster Kitten Mama (a volunteer-run rescue), took in a cat and her four kittens from a shelter several states away.
The mother, named Buttercup, was painfully thin, having poured all her energy into nursing her hungry babies. Upon arrival, the curious little quartet began exploring their new space and even tried scaling the sides of their playpen.
Buttercup quickly settled in, enjoying the extra room, soft blankets, and the all-you-can-eat buffet.
FosterKittenMama
“Buttercup is one of the thinnest cats I’ve ever had. She is so gentle and sweet despite all she’s been through,” Heidi shared. “I’m so glad she and her babies are here with me. Only the best for her now.”
With two tabbies, a gray kitten, and a “house panther,” the room was constantly alive with the pitter-patter of tiny paws.
FosterKittenMama
Inigo, one of the tabbies, was clearly a mama’s boy. While his brothers (Fezzik, Max, and Westley) zoomed around, chasing toys and each other, he stayed close to Buttercup, always within paw’s reach. Even during play, he never strayed far from her side.
Knowing how often mother cats are overlooked, Heidi started looking for a home for Buttercup early, hoping the right family would come along soon.
Buttercup and Inigo, a mama’s boyFosterKittenMama
When the kittens were old enough for adoption, Fezzik and Max were the first to find a home together. Soon after, a family searching for a companion for their cat, Gracie, adopted Inigo and Westley when they realized two kittens were better than one.
To keep Buttercup from feeling lonely, Heidi’s daughter invited her to stay in her bedroom for extra snuggles.
Inigo, Westley, Fezzik, and MaxFosterKittenMama
During the day, Buttercup would wander downstairs to spend time with the whole household, curling up in their laps and quietly hoping that her turn for a forever family would come soon.
“She came from a hard life, but gave everything she had to her babies. Now, she needs someone to baby and care for her.”
Buttercup spent a lot of time with her foster family after all her kittens had been adoptedFosterKittenMama
Then came the best news Heidi could have hoped for: the family who had adopted Inigo and Westley reached out. They couldn’t stop thinking about Buttercup and decided to bring her home, too.
“Buttercup was reunited with her boys, and Inigo couldn’t get enough of his mom.”
The family who had adopted Inigo and Westley, returned for Buttercup. It was the sweetest reunion@buttercupandherboys
Inigo (the mama’s boy) followed Buttercup everywhere, his tail quivering with excitement. He even stood on is hind legs, reaching up to wrap his paws around her in a hug.
Soon, both kittens were snuggling against their mom as she groomed them one by one, just like old times.
@buttercupandherboys
“We heard Buttercup was upset and crying (after the last two kittens left),” the adopter shared. “I knew we had to go back for her. They were only apart for a few days. Now, we’re a family of eight.”
“Buttercup reminds me so much of our old cat, Deuce. He was a loving part of our family through our kids’ earliest days.”
@buttercupandherboys
Buttercup not only shares Deuce’s coloring but also his gentle, affectionate nature. “It feels meant to be.”
The trio has already met their new feline sister, Gracie, and they’re getting along beautifully. Inigo still clings to his mom like a shadow, playing with her tail, copying her every move, and wrapping his paws around her whenever he wants attention.
Inigo still follows Buttercup everywhere@buttercupandherboys
Now, Buttercup is right where she belongs, surrounded by her kittens, adored by her humans, and finally living the happy life she always deserved.
@buttercupandherboys
Share this story with your friends. More cats and kittens at Foster Kitten Mama on Instagram@fosterkittenmama and more on Buttercup and her kittens @buttercupandherboys.
Related story: Cat with a Bent Ear Comes Up to People for Help, They Get Her Indoors Just in Time for Her Kittens to Arrive
