Some kittens were found abandoned inside a cupboard in a house in Indianapolis, USA.
The people who found them took them to the IndyHumane rescue centre.
The kittens' mother was nowhere to be found.
Well-fed kittens
However, the little ones were clean, healthy, and clearly well-fed. Everything suggested that a devoted mother had cared for them until the very last moment. The rescuers placed the kittens with foster families so they could receive all the care they needed.
River, an energetic little male, and his sister Turtle, a sweet and watchful kitten, went to live with foster carer Penny. Their first few days in their new home went smoothly. Sadly, though, Turtle developed a urinary tract infection that required special care.
The volunteers eventually realised that River had developed a habit of suckling on his sister. This is a common behaviour in some orphaned kittens, but it had caused the infection. To allow Turtle to heal completely, the two little ones had to be separated for about a week.
A beautiful reunion
When River and Turtle were finally reunited, their close bond returned instantly. Thanks to the care, love, and patience of their foster family, the two kittens overcame all their difficulties.
Today, they are in perfect health and are getting ready to start a new chapter in their lives. Even though they grew up without their mother, River and Turtle never lost what mattered most: their precious bond.
