Nala, a tiny kitten, was found alone in a dark alley, vulnerable and without protection.
Her fate changed when a compassionate stranger took her to the Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service in Spokane, Washington. This abandoned kitten was about to experience a world of love she had never known before.
A New Beginning For Nala
At such a young age, Nala’s chances of survival depended entirely on finding the right foster home. Jamie Myers, who was already fostering a mama cat with her kittens, immediately stepped in to help. She believed that Nala could find comfort in her foster cat’s care.
The mama cat had recently lost some of her kittens, and Jamie hoped she would welcome Nala with open arms.
“She was about a week and a half younger than my group, so I said, ‘My mama is pretty wonderful. She’s been very accepting so let’s see if she can’t nurse.’ Nala nursed straight away and Mama took her in instantly. She started licking her, grooming her, and showing her acceptance and love,” Jamie recalled.
Not long after, the foster cat and her kittens were adopted together, leaving Nala behind once again. Though she was small, she stayed in foster care until she was strong enough to move on. While the other kittens quickly grew, Nala seemed to fall a bit behind, determined to catch up.
“She did everything later than the rest of the group. When they all opened their eyes, she still had her eyes closed, and when they started toddling about, she was still latched onto Mama, nursing,” Jamie shared.
An Unlikely Family
Soon, Jamie welcomed Izzy, a fluffy dog mom with a litter of playful puppies. Izzy’s maternal instincts were limitless, and it didn’t take long for her to treat Nala as one of her own.
“The mama dog kept trying to get Nala and pick her up and put her in with the rest of her babies. She just thought one of the babies was out and missing — she kept trying to put it back, and put it back,” Jamie said.
Watching Izzy’s loving actions, Jamie realized that it might be best to let Izzy adopt Nala as part of her family.
Jamie carefully supervised their interactions and helped in any way she could, ensuring Nala was well-cared for. Izzy adored her new baby, and Nala quickly adapted to her new home.
“Nala sure couldn’t keep a smile off her face when cuddling up with her new siblings,” Jamie added.
As Nala grew, her curiosity blossomed. She ventured out of the pen to sneak bites of cat food and explore on her own.
Yet, when it was time for a nap, she always returned to curl up beside Izzy and the puppies. Surrounded by so much love, Nala grew stronger each day.
When the time came for adoption, Izzy felt the loss of Nala deeply. But Jamie had a plan to heal Izzy’s heart. She brought home two new kittens who were in need of a mother.
“Izzy immediately embraced the two sister kittens, showering them with affection as if they had been hers all along. The house was lively again, filled with cuddles and playful paws,” Jamie said.
A Happy Ending For Nala
Thanks to Izzy’s love and Jamie’s dedication, Nala grew into a healthy, strong kitten ready for her forever home.
Her story proved that the notion of cats and dogs being natural enemies is nothing but a myth. Thanks to Jamie’s unwavering care, every little paw in need found the love and comfort they deserved.
