'All seven survived!' Former zookeeper finds a litter of 7 kittens in a building set for demolition, rescues them, nurses them, adopts 3 of them and makes sure the other 4 are in ameowzing homes

Author image for Mariel Ruvinsky
Mariel Ruvinsky • Writer and Editor
Dec 14, 2025 9:00 AM EST

You know how sometimes people say that the word "rescue" is inaccurate? You didn't rescue a cat, you just walked into a shelter and picked on out. Some people say that. And while we think that there is space for debate there, we can say with utmost certainty that sometimes, the word "rescued" is not enough. "Saved," maybe. "Heroically defended from certain doom," might be even more accurate. Because sometimes, it really is that true. And we think that very much applies to this story.

This person found seven kittens - abandoned and alone in a building that was set to be demolished. Momma was nowhere to be found, and the kittens were not in any condition to save themselves from what was about to rain down on them from the sky - literally. So, this person, despite being a regular person with a life of their own - put it all aside and rescued these kittens. Sorry, not rescued. This person saved them, heroically defending them from absolutely unquestionable certain doom. 

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    "The day the CDS changed my life"

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    10 weeks ago I found a litter of seven newborns in an abandoned building that was slated for demolition. Mom not around, locked building, but gaps in the bay doors meant that a raccoon or fox or whatever could've easily made a meal of the babies.
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    I'm not made of money, but I took them home and raised them the best I could (to be fair, zoology degree, former zookeeper, and experience with orphaned neonates, if not kittens).
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    All seven survived! I kept three, and the other four are being treated like kings and queens in excellent homes with trusted friends. Meanwhile, my life now revolves around the kiddos and I couldn't be happier about it.
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    ains age HOBBIT THE ean Auel OF THE KING THE RETURN TOWERS THE TWO New York Times Bestselling Author New York Times Bestselling Author C K
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  • If this is not a Christmas miracle, than we don't know what is. Thank goodness you found them. We can only imagine the horror they would have been through had you not. And the fact that all seven of them were strong and healthy enough to not only survive but thrive… a miracle. 

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    cturtl808 You were literally in the right place at the right time.
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    OP onlyforanswers Exactly this! I'd been wanting to get a kitten for YEARS, but always talked myself out of it because work, responsibility, etc etc...so the CDS gave me a litter. I cried terribly when the last one left with my wonderful trusted cat- mom friend. It's been an absolutely transformative experience, and I would die for my babies.
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    VintageLunch Meat Those are ... particularly fine kittens!
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    OP onlyforanswers Thank you! I agree, though I'm obviously biased.
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  • We agree as well, and we are not biased. Although we suppose we are kind of biased about cats in general. Still, all seven were adopted, none ended up in a shelter somewhere, waiting for their turn, and that, we think, means that they are indeed very high quality kitties. 

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    CrazyCatLadyNL Perfect timing and adorable kittens Did you keep the three in the last picture? Edit: I meant the 7th picture.
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    OP onlyforanswers Yup, the two mackerel tabbies and the seal point are my forever babies. The other four are also my forever babies, they just happen to have other moms and dads who are giving them their best lives.
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    Cats EatGrass All kittens are adorable and precious, but there is something about a void kitten that just floors me.
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    OP onlyforanswers I wanted to keep at least one of the voids, but finding them homes was more important, and the voids were the first to be claimed!
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    tubesocksnflipflops Box full of fuzzy antidepressants
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    OP onlyforanswers They have been AMAZING for my mental health!
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    Rutabaga No8376 Wow. They are cute. Names please?
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    OP onlyforanswers The seal point is Trout, and the two tabbies are Sardine and Sprat.
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    Tina-Tuna I see you like fish I too like fish lol Awww they are gorgeous thank you for saving them, did you ever go back to look for the Mom i'm feeling sorry for her after all her hard work?
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    OP onlyforanswers I couldn't. I was there for work, and it's a locked building. I did feel guilty for abducting her children, but seeing how winter came early in Chicago, and considering I had no evidence that she was still alive, it was a pretty time-sensitive decision. If she is still alive, she runs a better chance of surviving winter herself without the added energy requirements of nursing kittens.
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    Nellasaura Pointed cat coats aren't limited to pure-bred Siamese. Its just a pointed domestic.
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    OP onlyforanswers THANK YOU.
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    OriginallronDan Adorable little ones! I like your taste in reading material, too!
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    OP onlyforanswers Thank you!!
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    DarkHorseAsh111 Oh my goodness they're so cute. How did you possibly get anything done when you could just be in a pile of kittens lol
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    OP onlyforanswers IT'S HARD
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aww wholesome cat adorable adoption heartwarming cute adopted story Cats rescue
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