A rescued adult feral tomcat became the sweetest mama bear for foster kittens.
Rescuer Haley “feeder of cats,” took in a sick and injured feral cat named Bear in California in 2018. She caught him in the pouring rain after begging him to go in the trap because she knew he wouldn’t make it if he didn’t.
At the time, he was limping and sometimes aggressive. Bear would swat and bite, but with lots of time, patience, and yummy treats, the cat, then thought to be around 8 years old, left the dangerous street life behind. As he recovered from his injuries, he became a treasured part of the family.
“While recovering, he turned out to be the sweetest cat in the world? Ever? Has FHV and refractory stomatitis, no teeth. Best cat award,” Haley shared on Twitter.
Images via Instagram/feederofcats
You can see below how Haley slowly rehabilitated Bear, and he became the sweetest lap cat. Later, he became a huge asset for the rescuer, helping nurture foster kittens as if he was their mama!
“Finders keepers!” Haley said after adopting Bear.
Images, media via via TikTok/jankycats
Note: Attempting to ‘tame’ a feral cat can be risky and dangerous to you and other household pets. We advise contacting local TNR (trap, neuter, return) rescuers, the Humane Society, or local experienced rescue groups for help and advice if you want to rescue feral cats.
Bear is a Natural Mama Bear for Foster Kittens
When Bear fully adjusted to the easy life of a housecat, his gentle, nurturing side came out more and more. That’s when Haley carefully introduced him to the foster kittens. He was a natural, loving each kitten, napping, and playing with them.
Daily, he provided discipline by helping nanny the furbabies, teaching them about boundaries and “how to cat.” So, when the time came for them to fly away to their furever homes, they would be better adjusted and easier to place in homes.
“Bear loves to help with the foster kittens,” Haley shared.
In one case, foster kitten Bernadette (Bern) bonded so tight with Bear that the family adopted her. Foster fail!
Bear and Bern two became like one, forming a cuddle puddle like a house panther heart! As you can see on Haley’s TikTok, they were meant to be.
Image via Twitter/@feederofcats
Bitty Meets Bear
For years, Bear was the sweetest mama bear for the foster kittens. In a final post, he mothered a little tripod tabby full of wild kitten energy named Bitty. He was so patient with the kitten’s antics.
“When your former feral male cat takes on a mothering role for the insane kitten,” the caption reads.
Bitty jumps on his mama Bear
The way this former feral cat cared for the foster babies touched thousands. Others shared that their male cats became the sweetest foster dads for their rescued kittens.
“The look on his face in the last vid 😂. Every people parent or pet parent knows that feeling,” one person commented on Instagram.
Unfortunately, the beloved former feral cat passed away suddenly in May 2023. We send our condolences and healing purrs to Haley and Bear’s many fans on TikTok and Twitter.
Today, Haley shares that Bern is doing ok and has since bonded with Bitty.
“We’re giving [Bern] alllll the attentions, and she has Bitty to play with, so she keeps busy. She’s been doing pretty well considering. And Bear will always be a part of her; it’s literally in her name 🐻🖤,” Haley tweeted.
We share this story to honor Bear’s memory. What an amazing and life he had thanks to Haley! It shows that former feral cats can sometimes make the best companions of all.
You can see more on TikTok and Twitter.
