A cat and her four newborns found themselves at an animal shelter, where the conditions were far from ideal for raising kittens.

She was incredibly friendly, greeting every visitor, hoping that someone would take her little family home. When Heidi Shoemaker, founder of Foster Kitten Mama, learned about them, she jumped at the chance to help.

“Out of over 600 fosters, I’ve never had a cat with two clear, different-colored eyes (heterochromia),” Heidi shared.

The mom cat, Bianca, arrived with four “snowflake” kittens, each with a charming little “haircut.” They were about one week old when they came into foster care, and some were just starting to open their eyes.

After a quick tour of her new surroundings, Bianca settled by her food bowl and began to dig in while Heidi moved the kittens into their new nest.

Overjoyed in her cozy room, she purred loudly as her foster mom cleaned and treated her watery eye.

After filling her belly, she lay down with her kittens nestled beside her, feeling content and secure. “I’m so happy she and her littles are here safe and sound.”

The kittens were bursting with energy and had a strong will to live. Even at a young age, they waved their little paws around, vying for the best spot to nurse. “Bianca’s babies are very spirited. They are so scrappy.”

The kittens, with their snowy white coats, closely resemble their mom, except for their adorable “haircuts.” One of them sports a different color.

Angelina has darker markings on the top of her head, making her stand out among the rest. Despite being the only girl in the litter, she holds her own with her feisty spirit whenever she wrestles with the boys.

She was the first to scream for food and attention, clambering over her brothers and even trying to scale the pen.

Whenever Heidi picked up a kitten, she insisted on being next and wouldn’t take no for an answer.

The kittens soon outgrew their nest, eager for new adventures. With more space to scamper around, they began honing their feline skills and took an interest in their food bowls.

Mama Bianca kept a watchful eye on them, making sure they didn’t wander too far or get into trouble.

Angelina was brave and independent, mastering the litter box on her own, even as her mischievous brother tried to get in her way. At four weeks old, they were finding their footing, mimicking their mom, and getting more boisterous each day.

Bianca continues to be the model mother, keeping her kittens impeccably clean, even when all four of them swarm her at once. With the patience of a saint, she dotes on them with unconditional love.

“I love the way they all gather around her. They are such a happy and playful bunch.”

Bianca is usually calm and relaxed, but she goes wild for treats. With her kittens weaned and bouncing with energy, she continues caring for them, catering to their every whim.

When she finishes raising her last litter, she will be able to focus on herself and become the one who gets spoiled and adored.

These beautiful snowflakes are growing by leaps and bounds. They’ve mastered the art of play and mischief and have blossomed into affectionate lap cats.