Hi, I'm Alex and 3 months ago I unexpectedly and urgently took in a stray mother cat and her 4 kittens, after their welfare was being threatened in the area they had been residing.

Unfortunately, at the time, all animal shelters in my area were at full capacity (they constantly are), so the cats had to be placed on waiting lists. I was told it would likely take months before there was availability.

Since the kittens clearly needed medical attention quickly, I made the decision to begin taking them to the vet for microchips, medications and vaccinations. They've come so far in the last 3 months, not only in terms of physical health. One by one I've gotten to see them come out of their shells and replace anxiety with curiosity. It has sincerely been such an amazing thing to witness.

Their mum, in particular, was absolutely petrified in the early weeks. Couldn't be touched, would hiss if you were within 5 meters of her and startle at the drop of a leaf. With plenty of time she became comfortable enough to sniff hands and, eventually, allow me to pet her. She has since realized that she really loves being pet, actually, and now rubs up against me, purrs, licks, playfully bites and gets suuuuch nice neck scratches. She is such a sweet and playful girl.

2 of the kittens were born with abnormalities due to their mum having some kind of sickness whilst they were in the womb. One cat, Porridge, has eyelid agenesis (underdeveloped eyelids) and another, Satsuma, has microphthalmia (underdeveloped eyeballs, leaving her blind). Both of which will eventually require surgery to keep them safe from infections.

I received a call back from a shelter last month, but obviously at that point our situation had changed a bit too significantly to go through with surrendering them.

So far I have spent $2,310 AUD on vet appointments, medications, vaccinations and an eye specialist consultation for the kittens, all out of my own pocket. This does not include food costs or desexing fees (which I also plan to have done asap).

They are worth every single cent, but unfortunately I work a minimum wage job and have two cats of my own, one of which will be receiving major dental surgery this month, and I would greatly appreciate any support that I can get.

Money raised will help me immensely in continuing to care for the kittens and saving for their future surgeries, as well as helping fund the surgeries and medications of my own cats.

Thank you so much for reading <33333