If you are a mother, you know of the instincts that draw you to protect your children. And chances are if you had a mother, then you know they can almost magically appear out of nowhere. Usually when you are causing trouble or in trouble. That’s something that is found across almost every living species on the planet. More so in the animal kingdom where the young are traversing the unknown world, learning from their mistakes. They rely on their parents to protect them, even when they have no clue they are doing so. But those motherly instincts counteract every self-preservation gene in one’s body if their babies are in trouble. 
That’s exactly what one mother cat did when she ran into a burning barn to save her kittens.
Because inside that barn was where the family called home. Being semi-feral, she had been welcomed at the farmland as a working cat. Hopefully she is/was fixed and this was her last litter of kittens. Sadly, when the structure caught fire, these kittens were inside the barn having lunch.
Mama raced in multiple times to search and retrieve her babies, but only one was able to be saved. A small black kitten with white paws is the only remaining survivor of the litter. 
Video Screenshots: @CityNewsYEG – Christine Kolton of Furget Me Not Animal Rescue
The brave mother didn’t escape unscathed however. She singed and burned parts of her paw pads, ears and entire tiny body. Smoke inhalation was also a problem for the hero. And as much as the homeowners wanted to do so, they were unable to pay for her medical costs. But they knew they couldn’t let her suffer.
So they reached out to a local Edmonton, Canada shelter, Furget Me Not Animal Rescue. Although the rescue is maxed out at capacity, there was no way they could deny helping the survivors. 
So mother and baby were welcomed into their foster program, showered with attention and care.
Video Screenshot: @CityNewsYEG
It wasn’t going to be an easy recovery with the semi-feral mama. But as she progresses, perhaps her tough exterior will fall away with the healing wounds.
Photo: @furgetmenotyeg
Mama was immediately treated for her unimaginable pain, x-rayed to assess the extent of the smoke inhalation damage to her lungs, given antibiotics, sedation, and her wounds were treated.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll continue to provide her with multiple medications & salves for her burns every 8hrs, while her ears and the pads of her paws fall off.
If you would like to help Furget Me Not help the bravest mother cat there ever was, please follow them on social media and show your support!
This is one of hundreds of cats and kittens that they have helped during this massively overwhelming year. But there was just absolutely NO chance of abandoning her in her time of need.
Photo: @furgetmenotyeg
In addition to the upfront medical expenses to stabilize this tiny family, once they’ve fully recovered and baby has grown, we will still need to spay/neuter, vaccinate & microchip them before they can move onto forever homes.
We hate asking for money, especially during these difficult times, but if you can spare any amount to help with their care, we would be incredibly grateful. Etransfers can be sent to furgetmenotyeg@gmail.com. If you prefer to make a donation by credit card, or donate goods in-kind, please send us a message.
Without your support, we couldn’t help kitties like these ❤️
Feel better soon mama cat! And we hope you find a safe and loving furever home, perhaps together with the baby you risked everything for.
