Long Island animal rescuer John Debacker is known for his dedication to helping animals in need. So when he received a call about a litter of newborn kittens struggling in a nearby yard, he didn’t hesitate to act. What he discovered when he arrived at the scene was heartbreaking yet hopeful.
A Shocking Discovery
Debacker arrived at the location and immediately spotted a small group of gray-and-white kittens huddled next to the sidewalk. They were newborns, only a few hours old, and their tiny bodies squirmed helplessly in the grass.
After assessing the situation, Debacker deduced that the kittens likely belonged to a feral cat who had taken shelter in an outdoor fireplace nearby. Feral cats, unlike stray cats, are born and raised outside and tend to avoid human interaction. Knowing this, he quickly devised a plan to ensure their safety.
Returning the Kittens to Their Mother
Understanding that newborn kittens have the best chance of survival with their mother, Debacker carefully picked them up and placed them inside the fireplace where their mom had been living. He waited at a distance, hoping she would return quickly to care for her babies.
“Newborn kittens have the best chance of survival with the mom,” Debacker later told The Dodo. “I felt hopeful.”
A Heartbreaking Turn of Events
When Debacker returned the next day to check on the kittens, his heart sank. They were still alone, cold, and abandoned. Their mother, likely unaware of how to care for them properly, had not returned.
Time was running out for these tiny kittens, and immediate action was necessary. Debacker quickly and gently gathered them up and transported them to someone who could help—his friend Deb Oliver, a seasoned caretaker with vast experience in bottle-feeding orphaned kittens.
A Second Chance at Life
With Oliver’s help, the kittens are now warm, fed, and receiving the care they need to grow strong. Over the next few months, she will continue to nurture them until they are big enough for adoption.
If everything goes as planned, in about three months, these rescued kittens will be ready to find their forever homes, where they will live the happy life they deserve.
The Joy of Animal Rescue
Despite the initial sadness of finding the kittens abandoned, Debacker is relieved that they now have a chance at survival. Stories like this highlight the importance of dedicated rescuers and animal lovers who go out of their way to help animals in distress.
As Debacker puts it, “When you save an animal, there is no better feeling in the world.
These kittens are proof that with a little kindness and effort, even the most vulnerable animals can be given a second chance at life.
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