Three tiny kittens named the Fireworks Boys were born in a California construction site about to be demolished! They were incredibly lucky a rescuer found them, but unfortunately, their mama ran off. As a trapper tried to find her, the brothers went to foster mom Allie, who was willing to spend many sleepless nights bottle-feeding them.
The Fireworks Boys received the names Whistle, Boom, and Cracker. At 71 grams (2.5 ounces), Whistle was the largest, but still quite tiny since healthy newborns tend to be more like 99 grams or 3.5 ounces. Their foster mom suspected they were slightly premature, but she was hopeful since they were active and able to latch when she fed them.
Whistle the kitten, Images and media via Instagram/halfway.crate
The Fireworks Boys Avoid Demolition Day
The rescuers saved this trio just in time, as the construction site was demolished the next day! Nevertheless, the trapper continued trying to find their mom for a reunion.
Video via Instagram/halfway.crate
The kittens rapidly gained weight and were developing ‘avocado bods’ by four days. That’s when Allie learned the trapper caught what they thought was the kitten’s mama! But then the story took a plot twist (see next).
Cracker
“Four days old and building those avocado bods 🥑 Cracker is doing much better after some antibiotics and breathing treatments. He’s able to nurse again and isn’t sneezing much anymore.”
Whistle the Fireworks Boy
Boom
A Scared Mama Named Ducky
The rescuer brought the feral cat from the construction area to the foster home for what everyone hoped would be a reunion. However, the cat named Ducky was a 10-month-old, confused, and wanted nothing to do with the kittens!
Then, when removed to a separate carrier, the very scared Ducky gave birth to more tiny kittens and one underdeveloped fetus.
Ducky, a feral 10-month-old kitten rescued near the construction site.
Ducky Shows Why Spaying and Neutering is So Important
Frightened, exhausted, and too young to have kittens of her own, it didn’t go well. The umbilical cord tangled around the babies, and three people had to work to free them. Worse, one kitten’s foot was injured. Then, the rescuers had to separate Ducky from her kittens after she turned hostile towards them.
That left the foster mom with a difficult battle to save them, but they sadly didn’t make it despite every effort. It was heartbreaking but is not uncommon when kittens have kittens of their own: a prime example of why spaying and neutering is critical.
“I wanted to document Ducky’s entire story because it’s one of the many poster children of why spaying and neutering is so important,” Allie shared.
In the end, the silver lining was that Ducky was spayed and could return to life as a kitten, never to have another litter.
Note: Video Below May Be Disturbing for Some Viewers
Happy Fireworks Continue
Thankfully, Whistle, Boom, and Cracker continued to do well, although Cracker had some problems with pooping for a while. So, it was a happy day when he finally pooped a mountain, and he was in the best hands, receiving vet care. And his foster mom was super-experienced and not squeamish which helped save Cracker’s life.
As we’ve shared before, Allie shared a wonderful educational video on how easy it is to express a kitty’s bladder. We’re thrilled to see that the featured cat, Millie, found her forever home on Allie’s birthday!
Millie all grown up
Poof! Look at Them Now!
All of a sudden, the Fireworks Boys were seven weeks old, growing up in a flash, as kittens do. As you can see, they became the fluffiest little fellows and extremely affectionate and sweet.
“They’re all so sweet. In fact, it was difficult to get pictures of them because they kept wanting to rub on me,” Allie shared.
Of the trio, Boom became “the sweetest, calmest kitten” ever.
“What’s the best thing about this video? Is it:
A) Whistle’s pointy tail? B) Boom sitting like a gentleman? C) Cracker thinking my reflection is the real me? D) Millie yelling in the background?”
The Fireworks Light Up in Loving Homes
And, just like that, the Fireworks Boys grew up and took their show on the road. All found loving homes, the best reward for all the love their foster mom gave them.
Cracker
“My sweet boys all went to their forever homes today! Whistle has an older female cat who is a former stray mama to show him the ropes, and Boom and Cracker have each other, a human sister, and a big senior dog brother. Fostering these guys has been an adventure and I’m so happy they’ve gone to homes that are ready to spoil them. This is the best part of fostering 🥰” shared Halfway Crate.
Boom
You can follow and support Allie at Halfway Crate on Instagram.
Whistle
