When Salami, a stray cat, decided it was time to deliver her kittens, she ran to the only place she knew she’d be safe: her mother.
After observing Floreak’s cat hanging out on the backyard stoop, Salami began visiting Ida Floreak’s house in the early fall of last year.
Floreak, a New Orleans-based painter, told us, “She came by and she really loved him.” “They’d sniff around each other, and she seemed to be more interested in him than he seemed to be in her.” It was obvious that she had come to visit him, which was wonderful.”
Floreak began placing food out for Salami, and the little black cat soon began to appear at her door every morning, meowing. Salami was excited about the free supper, but she was wary about Floreak.
The small black cat then began to develop a tummy. Floreak explained, “My aim was to be able to take her in to get mended and vaccinated.” “But she was clearly pregnant before she was comfortable enough for that.”
Salami began to spend more time near Floreak throughout her pregnancy, letting herself to be handled and rubbed. Salami then arrived earlier than usual one morning in early April.
“She came by at 5 a.m. and was squeaking quite loudly in an out of character manner,” Floreak added. “So I allowed her in, and about 8 or 9 a.m., she started having her kids.”
“I was startled since I imagined I wouldn’t see her for a couple of weeks once she got them,” she continued.
When Salami gave birth to two kittens, Floreak had just enough time to lay down covers and make her chamber quiet. Salami appeared satisfied, and Floreak believed she had completed giving birth to her children.
Floreak was on a Zoom conversation with friends later that night when Salami gave birth to two additional little kittens. Floreak said, “I was really nervous since I had never seen or done anything like this before.” “However, it was evident from watching her that she understood precisely what she needed to accomplish. It was a harrowing experience.”
Salami and her babies had Floreak’s exclusive attention for two months while New Orleans was quarantined, and the tiny family is doing well.
Floreak described her mother as “wonderful.” “She’s really kind and attentive.”
