Lola arrived into care only recently — heavily pregnant and wonderfully trusting. On Friday night, she delivered three gorgeous, healthy kittens. Over the next day, more kittens arrived – but despite everyone’s best efforts (including emergency CPR and a heartbreaking trip to the vet in the pouring rain), three didn’t make it.

Lola’s journey into motherhood has been as beautiful as it has been heartbreaking. Watching her care for her babies has been truly magical. She remained calm, strong, and so incredibly trusting — letting us support her through the most difficult moments.

Just when we thought the hardest part was behind her, only four days into motherhood, Lola developed mastitis — a painful and dangerous infection of the mammary glands. She stopped eating, became lethargic, and had a fever of 40°C. We rushed her to the vet on Tuesday night, where she was treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories.

Since then, things have sadly worsened. The affected gland has now swollen to the size of a golf ball, and despite gentle hand expressing, it’s producing very little milk. Lola is clearly uncomfortable and struggling — but through it all, she continues to show love and care for her babies.

The good news is the kittens have found other nipples and are now feeding well, and Lola has happily welcomed them back. We’re syringe feeding as needed and doing everything we can to keep her comfortable and supported while she heals. We’re monitoring her closely with the vet, but if things don’t improve, further treatment — including possible surgery — may be needed.