Person kindly feeds sweet stray cat, a week later, she brings them her kittens, leaving them with no choice but to take the whole feline family home

Author image for Mariel Ruvinsky
Mariel Ruvinsky • Writer and Editor
Jun 21, 2026 1:30 PM EDT

Cats remember the people who show them kindness, and sometimes, they repay these people with… more cats. 

Cats are way more emotionally intelligent than people give them credit for. They see cats' serious, no-nonsense expressions, and they think that cats just kind of- don't care enough to notice what we're thinking or feeling, let alone do something about it. But this is wrong. The people who think this are people who have not studied cat behavior for half a second in their lives. Cats not only recognize kindness, they remember it. And then, they shamelessly use it. 

Cats domesticated themselves, did you know that? We didn't need to do anything. They saw an opportunity for an easier life, a spoiled life. They saw that we were weak for their cuteness. And they used that. And they keep using it. Cats are so intelligent emotionally, in fact, that sometimes, they not only use our kindness for themselves, they use it for their whole families. R

eally, the person who retold today's story on r/cats should have known the risk that they were taking when they fed this stray cat. They already have cats of their own. They should know cats well enough. But they fell for the trap. Show a cat kindness once, and if that cat turns out to be a momma cat, don't be surprised if you have a lap full of kittens within the week. 

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    "Help Please!!!"

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    FRID KX FRI
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  • Oh, and isn't this a story as old as time? People tend to think that cats are just cute little goofy creatures who don't really understand the complexities of the world around them. But those people are wrong. This momma cat didn't just see someone kind, she saw an opportunity for a better future for her babies, and she took it. She took it as soon as she felt she could.  

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    I started feeding a stray cat and then a week later she brought me to her babies!
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    She is very sweet and so are the little ones, but I'm worried as we live on a busy road and my back neighbors who technically owned the yard they are in our less than savory characters.
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    The kittens look to be about a month old so they're running around and exploring the world. We have 100+ year old unfinished basement that we set up a pen for them in, but I'm wondering if it's better than them being outside??
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    I feel bad trapping them in this musty room. I am working on lining up homes for them and mom so I ideally wouldn't wanna give them to a shelter if I can help it.
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  • Of course you should take them in! The momma cat basically asked you to do it. She not only came to you and showed you her babies. She is actively letting you touch them and hold them. She knows that life out in the world is hard, and she is clearly very ready for a comfortable life in a home with free food and lots of love for her and her babies. Take them all in, she is practically begging you to do it. 

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    Lulubird9t When we adopted from a rescue group, we signed a contract to not let our guys outside because of how many issues can be caused by that. Bring them in, get them the flea/heartworm treatment stuff for mom. That's my 2 cents. Also you're going to need to clean that litter box often because its small
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    ObjectiveEnd4145 OP Mom does have a vet appointment on Saturday and I got permission to bring the babies along for the ride too! We will try to get them moved to the basement today. I think I just feel a little bad because the conditions are less than ideal.
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    Left_Fun8320 Yes, that's better than them being outside. What's the reason for putting them in the basement versus the rest of the house? Thank you for your kindness to these babies
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    ObjectiveEnd4145 OP Sorry that's a good detail to mention lol... we have a 2 bedroom apartment with the 2nd bedroom being very small and full of stuff... I would put them there if we could, but the bigger issue is that I have two indoor cats. They just got their flea and tick meds, but I'm not willing to risk close contact with six outdoor kitties.
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    FatsBoombottom Maybe put an air purifier or a dehumidifier down there if it's that musty, but either way, they are safer in the basement than the yard if you can't have them in the rest of your house. As for getting them permanent homes, look up your local TNR groups and independent rescue organizations. They can help you find good fosters or adopters who will make sure they find good families.
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    ObjectiveEnd4145 OP Air purifier is a good idea thank you! We do have a fan down there and there is a little window for ventilation (it has a mesh cover) I fully intend to make sure the people they go home with will get them vaxxed and fixed. Mom will be getting an appointment soon, but the babies are still nursing at the moment.
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    PatchyWhiskers Make sure you handle the kittens when you get the mother cat's trust. It helps them avoid growing up feral and means they can be family pets.
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    ObjectiveEnd4145 OP Oh that mission is already accomplished haha! Mom and babies are very sweet! I've held every baby at least once and pet them many times!
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    docterk Don't feel bad, that area you've set up is temperature controlled, dry, has access to food/water, and most importantly is SAFE. You're doing a great thing here. Also, please get mom spayed
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    ObjectiveEnd4145 OP Mom will be spayed as soon as possible! She's still nursing at the moment.
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