Tijuana, Mex. – Seven kittens were found in a trash can by animal rescuer, Luz Maria Morgan. Evidence indicates they were literally thrown into the trash – maybe by someone who didn’t want the “nuisance” of having to deal with kittens. Whatever the reason, tossing out animals – even helpless babies – is not unheard of. In this neck of the woods, it’s actually quite common.

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7 kittens dumped in a trash can were rescued and fostered by the Morgan sisters

Their mama – with teats full of milk – likely grieved deeply. Like human mothers, animals also mourn the sudden loss of their babies. At barely a month old, they were weaned way too soon. Actually, there was no weaning process at all, given their young age. According to The Nest, “[K]ittens are usually fully weaned when they are between 8 and 10 weeks in age.” There are adverse effects of weaning too soon that can continue into adulthood, according to The Nest.

Morgan and her sister, Mara Morgan-Mandri, rescued and fostered them. Morgan-Mandri contacted Crossing Guardians, which, in turn, reached out to its rescue network for reputable cat rescues willing to take one, two, or more of these very young babies.

Chela Landau, founder of Starfish Animal Rescue, contacted Jan Irwin, a 16-year volunteer and foster of Life Animal Rescue, a wonderful rescue in Agoura Hills, Calif. Irwin was willing to take all seven kittens! The kittens lucked out, big time.

Logistics were worked out and a transport plan was set in motion. They were on their way!

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Transport Day / Mara Morgan-Mandri meets Crossing Guardians state-side near the border

One of the kittens’ saviors decided to keep one of the kittens, so 6 of the 7 kittens arrived safely at their destination. They are all being fostered by Irwin, who reports that they are all doing very well. Each precious nugget is named after a soup. She also sent follow-up photos. In just a week’s time, it appears they’ve already grown so much.

(Hover over the each photo for their names)

Their lives essentially began in a trash can. But, thanks to compassionate independent animal rescuers whose work never ends, and a group of beautiful-hearted people willing to step up and lend a hand, these babies escaped a dismal fate.

Have a happy life, Chili, Chowder, Miso, Bisque, Campbell and Gumbo!

If anyone would like to make a tax-deductible donation to Life Animal Rescue, click here for its donation page