Jamie, the “Kittens Foster,” said, “Let the cuteness overload commence,” when she took in seven “four week old, little wiggle worms” in early May. Later, they became “The Rainbow Brite kittens.” The 80s cartoon is one of her favorites growing up.
When they arrived, the kittens were in real trouble and needed help fast. Unfortunately, the shelter that first took them in was overwhelmed with kittens as shelters nationwide are every Spring Kitten Season. So, they didn’t have the resources or employees to care for all the kittens needing help, and it was the Kittens Foster to the rescue.
“The shelter had just taken in these seven cuties and they were also going to be euthanized because they weren’t eating and have upper respiratory infections. 😣” Jamie wrote. “It makes me so sad that their lives would have ended for things that are totally manageable. But here we are! We have them and they are safe now!”
Images via Instagram/ thekittensfoster
The Kittens Overcome a Rough Start
Jamie has been fostering for over four years and has helped over 100 kittens. So she knows what to look out for with tiny kittens, acting like a “helicopter mom” in the first few days to keep an eye out for illnesses.
And, she gets help from Caroline from Baby Kitten Rescue in Los Angeles and ongoing veterinary advice.
With all that experience, the Rainbow Brite kittens were in skilled hands, receiving the care and attention they would need to overcome a rough start in life. To start, they had upper respiratory infections and likely a range of parasites, which caused vomiting and damaged their digestive tracks. (Fortunately, they tested negative for Panleukopenia.)
With syringe-feeding, the kittens would begin gaining weight. However, it was back and forth many times with these kittens. At first, they seemed to improve, only to become sick again. With very close monitoring and critical care, they would pull through.
“They’re all on antibiotics and eye meds and have all started to eat on their own and are using the litter box already! I’m so proud of them. They’re a sweet, social and VERY TALKATIVE bunch. They should be a lot of fun,,” Jamie said.
🌈 Introducing the Rainbow Brite Kittens 🌈
As the kittens grew, they received their special names.
Jamie, the “Queen of Kittens,” introduced The Rainbow 🌈 Brite kittens! 🥰 in an Instagram live video. At the time, they were five weeks old and recovering from some stomach troubles due to parasites when they first arrived. With daily probiotics, they were recovering and still full of energy.
- 🌈 Rainbow, The leader tortoiseshell girl, the biggest and healthiest
- 💜 Violet, the tiniest girl
- ⭐️ Starlight, the star girl and the timidest at first
- 💙 Indigo, Jamie’s favorite boy, inseparable from Rainbow
- 🍀 Lucky, a little boy like Violet
- 💛 Champ, a larger boy showing tabby markings
- 🧡 Hammy or Hamburgler, another boy with tabby markings and blue eyes
🍀 The Luckiest Rainbow Brite Kitten 🍀
Of all the kittens, Lucky caused the most concern at first since he was underweight and resisted syringe feeding at first.
“He would clamp his jaw shut and not let the syringe in (fosters, I know you know this type well 🤣),” Jamie said of Lucky. “In addition, he would scream at the top of his lungs (he has some serious lungs on him 😂).”
As the medications began working, Lucky’s condition improved, and a strong character emerged. As Jamie cared for the litter, he would follow her around, wanting to be picked up for love and kisses.
“For as tiny as this little dude is, he is MIGHTY. He has a strong yet sweet personality. I tend to bond most with the sickies and this guy has my heart.”
Before long, Lucky was fully recovered and even began getting “chonky.”
“Can we first just talk about Lucky’s belly?! He can barely walk with that thing. 🥰😂 Oh my goodness. For how tiny this dude is and how sick he was, he sure is a piggy. That’s how we like our babies – nice and CHONKY,” Jamie said.
As he grew, Lucky started being a dominant force in the group.
“Lucky is still only 400 grams (size of a 3-4 week old) at 6 weeks of age, but he is strong. He definitely has alpha energy. He’s often trying to take down Rainbow, who is literally twice his size. 🤣”
“Lucky is a little tank, and I cannot get enough of him. He also smells like graham crackers (all kittens do). 🥰”
After many ups and downs, the Rainbow Brite kittens are all doing fine, and the Kittens Foster will soon begin finding homes in bonded pairs.
“These babies are just so precious. I am loving every minute with them. It was a long, hard road to their recovery, but things are looking up now,” she said.
It hasn’t been easy, but they made it thanks to Jamie, her partner Geoff, and the caring people who worked tirelessly to save the kittens. For more, you can follow along on Instagram.
