Man Discovers Tiny Babies Squirming in His Yard
Animal rescuer John Debacker has dedicated his life to helping stray and feral animals on Long Island. When he recently received a call about a family of newborn kittens struggling to survive, he wasted no time heading to the scene. What he found melted his heart yet filled him with concern.
A Surprising Discovery
Upon arrival, Debacker spotted a group of tiny gray-and-white kittens squirming helplessly by the sidewalk. They were so young—only a few hours old. Their fragile bodies barely moved, and their mother was nowhere in sight.
Debacker assessed the situation and quickly determined that the kittens likely belonged to a feral mother who had made her home inside an old outdoor fireplace nearby. Feral cats are known to be cautious and instinctively avoid human interaction.
A Rescue Plan in Motion
Understanding the mother cat’s nature, Debacker decided to take a careful approach. He patiently waited for the mother to leave her den before gently placing the kittens inside her shelter. He hoped that, with the youngsters tucked back into their home, the mother would return and care for them as needed.
“Newborn kittens have the best chance of survival with their mom,” Debacker told The Dodo. “I felt hopeful.”
Heartbreaking Setback
The following day, Debacker returned to check on the kittens. His heart sank. They were still there—cold, alone, and abandoned. Their mother had not returned.
At this point, the kittens faced a critical situation. Without their mother’s warmth and milk, their chances of survival dwindled by the hour. Debacker knew he had to act fast.
A New Chance at Life
Ensuring their safety, Debacker carefully collected the kittens and reached out to his friend Deb Oliver, an experienced cat rescuer. Knowing that Oliver specialized in bottle-feeding and nurturing orphaned kittens, he felt confident in their ability to survive under her care.
With around-the-clock feedings and plenty of warmth, the kittens started to regain their strength. Oliver monitored their health closely, ensuring they received the nourishment they needed to grow.
A Bright Future Awaits
Currently, these resilient little kittens are still under Oliver’s care. With each passing day, they continue to grow stronger. If all goes well, they will be ready to start looking for their forever homes in about three months.
Debacker is beyond grateful that he was able to step in when he did. Knowing he saved these tiny lives fills him with purpose.
“When you save an animal, there is no better feeling in the world.” Debacker shared.
Final Thoughts
Newborn kittens face countless dangers when left outside, especially without their mother. Thanks to the quick thinking and unwavering dedication of John Debacker and Deb Oliver, these kittens have been given a fighting chance at a happy, healthy future.
Rescue stories like this one remind us how important it is to care for our stray and feral feline friends. If you ever come across stray kittens, always remember that the best chance for survival is to ensure their mother is present before intervening. But when needed, stepping in like Debacker did can make all the difference.
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