A neighborhood feral cat had apparently chosen the fenced-in play area as a safe place for her kittens. The mother cat returns several times a day to feed and check on them, but otherwise leaves them sheltered beneath one of the toy cars.
After contacting Woodbridge Animal Control, school owner and director Ms. Sally was asked to allow the approximately three-week-old kittens to remain with their mother for another week.
Ms. Sally secured the area with caution tape and explained to the school’s children, ages 2 to 5, that their new visitors needed to be protected. The children were given an opportunity to see the kittens, but were reminded not to touch them or move the car where they were sheltering.
Why the mother cat chose the Montessori school’s play yard is anyone’s guess, but the fenced-in area and covered toy cars have provided the kittens with a protected place to stay.
With two little black kittens arriving just weeks before Halloween, the children quickly came up with a fitting nickname: the “Halloween kittens.”
Animal Control is expected to return for the kittens and their mother when the kittens are four weeks old.
In the meantime, their unexpected arrival has provided the children with a real-life lesson in caring for animals, respecting their space and helping keep even the smallest visitors safe.
