Senior couple rescues kittens barely surviving dangerous heat

LOUISA, VA (WWBT) - A senior couple in Louisa rescued a litter of kittens this week that barely survived in the sweltering heat. Virginia and Alex MacDonald reached out to NBC12 for help after they said all the no-kill shelters they contacted were full.

The MacDonalds say the kittens' mother was having trouble taking care of her eight newborns. Alex, 77, crawled underneath his neighbor's shed to coax them out, just days ago. The kittens are about seven weeks old.

"We came around the corner and they were all in one big ball," described Virginia of the kittens piled on top of each other, under the neighbor's shed.

The couple is caring for the kittens while they search for permanent homes. The kittens are playful, rambunctious and loving, constantly climbing up the sides of their large enclosure. Virginia and Alex are keeping them underneath the house's crawlspace in a large, mesh crate since it's cooler. They already keep seven rescue cats inside.

A neighbor suggested Virginia call NBC12 for help.

"She said, 'I see them help so many people all the time… Call Channel 12 On Your Side… They'll help you," continued Virginia.

While NBC12 was visiting the couple, they received a promising phone call. C.A.R.E. (Cat Adoption and Rescue Efforts) based in Henrico, is making sure the kittens receive their shots and are put up for adoption this weekend.

The kittens will be made available for adoption on Saturday at the Petco in Richmond at 9051 Staples Mill Road. The news brought Virginia to tears. She's now praying families will come forward to give these kittens fur-ever homes.

"I feel like I'm going to cry. I really do... because I believe in God," exclaimed Virginia, elated that the kittens have a chance to be adopted.

Anyone interested is asked to visit the Petco store on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m., or call Virginia and Alex MacDonald at 804-556-5233.

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