A friendly and gorgeous pregnant cat, Cricket was found living as a stray and taken to Animal Services in the Toronto and Lake Ontario area. The beauty with bright chartreuse eyes gave birth in safety when foster mom Stephanie took her in.
At first, the mama cat had lots of tummy troubles and a nagging cough. But with veterinary care and a special diet, she improved. She was a cuddly Diva with ‘caviar tastes.’ But it seems her tummy didn’t agree with anything except the more expensive food. And she had probably been used to eating trash on the streets that made her sick.
Cricket the stray mama-to-be in Ontario. Images via Instagram/kittenkazoodle_fosters
As anyone could see, Cricket was ready to pop with ‘ little kitten-bugs’ at any time. Now that she had a safe place for kittens, she wouldn’t let Stephanie out of her sight.
“Cricket always has to have one paw on me to make sure I don’t leave. She’s getting quite round, so I can’t imagine it’s much longer now. She doesn’t like me to touch her belly so I can’t feel movement and under her fur it’s hard to see movement. I’m sure soon enough we will have little kitten bugs 💕 🦗 💕,” she wrote.
Images via Instagram/kittenkazoodle_fosters
Cricket and Her Bugs
On the last week of July, Cricket’s little bugs arrived, and her maternal instincts kicked in despite still feeling sick.
“Baby number 1 is here. Cricket did a great job and seems rather calm right now. Hopefully, the others come soon and easy 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 ,” she shared.
Cricket and her first bug.
The four bugs got cute names: Caterpillar, Grasshopper, Ladybug, and Firefly.
“Crickets bugs have names. We have 2 boys and 2 girls. 🪲 🦗🐞🪰”
Image via Instagram/kittenkazoodle_fosters
The Eyeball Fairy Visits the Bugs
Two weeks later, the Eyeball Fairy had visited all the Bugs, and Cricket was the best mama, keeping her insects in the nest.
“All the bugz have their eyes open. Firefly’s are still not fully open but should be any day now. Doesn’t Ladybug have the best bed head ever 🐞 💕🐞.”
Video via Instagram/kittenkazoodle_fosters
Cute as a Ladybug’s Wings
From the tiniest critters to fat caterpillars, the Bugs looked relatively huge at three weeks old. By this time, they graduated to a new play area and Cricket was relieved to have a little more room.
In the blink of an eye, the Bugs were seven weeks old and cute as a ladybug.
“This is 7 weeks. These bugz are adorable and fluffy and so very sweet. 🦗🪰🐞🐛”
Cricket Returned to the Carefree Life
By late September, Cricket had a big day. She was the best, patient mama, but now she could finally be free in a foster home of her own. This would be her last litter.
“Cricket has been by far one of the best moms – very doting and loving to her kittens and still patiently allows them to climb all over her and nurse. But I can tell she’s frustrated and will happily dump all her babies for some human love and affection,” Stephanie said.
Meanwhile, the Bugs kept growing so fast, and would be ready to fly away at any moment.
“Bed bugs 🤣🐛🐞🪰🦗”
The Bugs Spread Their Wings
After a ‘brutal year’ for rescues, with non-stop hurdles, there was bittersweet relief in seeing the Bugs fly away home. They all made it through their spay and neuter day, although there was concern if Ladybug would make it. Thankfully, she and her siblings passed the milestone and could begin new lives.
Ladybug makes it through her spay day with some difficulty.
A Bug’s Life for Grasshopper and Firefly
When their new mom saw Grasshopper and Firefly, she fell in love.
“Two of the bugz have flown the coup. Grasshopper and Firefly went to their home at last tonite. Their mom was so excited, and I know they’re going to be very spoiled and loved. As always, I’m gonna miss them, but the goal is goodbye. 🦗💕🪰”
Grasshopper and Firefly find a home and start a new life together.
Ladybug Flies Away Home with Caterpillar
Then, Ladybug flew away home with Caterpillar to find new places to climb together.
“Caterpillar and Ladybug went to their home at last tonite. They get to stay together, and they have some human older siblings and a very exciting new mom. Going to miss their sweet faces around here. Have a great life, baby bugz. 🐛🐞”
For more, you can follow and support this wonderful fosterer on Instagram and Home At Last Rescue in Ontario on Instagram and Facebook.
