The thing I love about cats is they never quite do what you want them to do. Josie was no exception.

One day while at work, I received an email from Susan, a wonderful woman who is very active in the animal rescue community here in Michigan. (I met her about two years ago while doing rescue photography for Allforkarma; our paths have frequently intersected since because of her rescue work, and because I donate my free time to photographing adoptables that need help finding their furever homes). She said that she was fostering a pregnant cat who was due in three days, and would I be interested in documenting Josie and her kittens from birth until they were adopted*? Um, yes! How often does this type of opportunity come up??

I made plans to photograph Josie the next day, but lo and behold, I received an email saying that she had decided to have them that night!  I was slightly disappointed about missing the chance to photograph Josie while she was still pregnant  but kept the original plans of photographing the next day, although it would be of the a now-born kittens.

I got to Susan’s place and wow, words can’t describe how amazing it was to see each of the four kittens. They are absolutely tiny! I have pretty small hands, but they barely filled the palm of my hand, and they felt so fragile. A bare dusting of fine fur covered their bodies and their little paws were so pink! They kind of reminded me of little baby rodents–kind of ironic since that’s what they prey on.

Josie, a first time mom and overall, a super affectionate and friendly cat, was a bit nervous as we handled her kittens but trusted us enough to take some snapshots of each one. What I found fascinating while interacting with the day old kittens, is that I got the distinct feeling that you could already predict what their personalities would be like. The black one mewled the most (gonna be super vocal), the calico with non-tabby markings mewled, too, but was a lot calmer, and the calico with tabby markings felt more sure… It’ll be interesting to see if my theories are right! Anyway, enough text, time for images! : )

[Kitten #1: little kitten smile, hehe.]

[Kitten #2]

(Even though they are deaf and blind, it seemed like they instinctively knew there was a big intimidating eye–camera lens– looking at them, as they refused to face the camera, instead wiggling and trying to turn around)

[Kitten #3: One of my favorite images]

[Kitten #4: Unfortunately, this sweet baby passed over the rainbow bridge a few days later :( Rest in peace.]

[Josie being a good mom and nursing her babies]