When Cinderella arrived at PAWS Chicago with her three tiny kittens, they were just two weeks old, fragile and wide-eyed, and born in a Trap-Neuter-Return colony where Cinderella had chosen what she thought was the safest place to give birth. With temperatures dropping and newborn kittens unable to regulate their body heat, this family could not remain outdoors. Thanks to quick action by one of our colony caretakers, they were brought to the Kocourek Medical Center, where they could finally rest, recover, and grow.  

Finally safe and warm at our medical center, the family received their vaccines and preventatives, helping set them up for a smooth path to their new home. Thanks to the quick action of our foster team, they were swiftly placed into a loving home where their healing could continue. 

Those first days were not easy. Cinderella was understandably scared, hiding behind furniture as she adjusted to her new surroundings. With patience, gentle handling, and consistent support, her confidence blossomed. Now, she happily sits at her foster’s feet, chirping and trilling softly to her babies as only a devoted mama can.  

True to her name, Cinderella is raising a royal litter. Each kitten is named after a prince or princess, and they certainly act the part. Aurora, the smallest of the trio, lives up to her princess name. She is bold, curious, and always ready to take on her brothers. The entire court is mastering their wobbly steps, discovering toys, and ruling their foster home with tiny paws and big personalities, with a particular fondness for attacking feet.  

The kittens are still growing in their foster home, gaining weight and strength as they prepare for their spay and neuter surgeries, an important step before they can find loving homes of their own. Proper nutrition has been a key part of their medical and developmental success. Thanks to our cat feeding partner Purina, Cinderella and her royal babies are enjoying nutritious food that helps mom stay strong and supports healthy growth during this critical stage.

Cinderella will also be spayed, making this her very last litter and giving her the chance to focus on a future of comfort and care. Because of lifesaving medical treatment, dedicated foster support, and partners like Purina, Cinderella and her royal litter are on the path to a happily ever after.