Heartbreaking Find at PetSmart: Abandoned Cat Mom and Kittens with a Plea to ‘Keep Them Together’

As pet parents, our hearts ache when we hear stories of animals left behind, especially when they come with a desperate plea for care.

A Reddit user, BleachM0mmy, shared a gut-wrenching discovery made while leaving a PetSmart store: a blue shopping cart tucked away in the parking lot, holding a litter of tiny kittens and a note about their mother, Nibbler.

The note’s plea to “keep them together” has touched thousands online, reminding us of the challenges shelters face and the importance of responsible pet ownership. Here’s the story of Nibbler and her kittens, plus ways to help animals in need.

A Shocking Discovery in a Shopping Cart

On a routine trip to PetSmart, BleachM0mmy and their partner spotted a blue shopping cart pushed to the side of the parking lot. Inside were a litter of 3½- to 4-week-old kittens, huddled together with a handwritten note about their mother, Nibbler, a part-Siamese cat.

The note read: “Name is Nibbler part Siamese, eats a lot of food. Best off in a home with a dog that can keep patience with her. Did not work out so good with another cat as she is too pushy over food and it caused issues.

Kittens are about 3½–4 weeks old. Sorry to drop them off like this, but I cannot keep these cats. Please keep them together at least.”

The sight was heartbreaking. BleachM0mmy shared photos on Reddit’s r/Wellthatsucks, showing the tiny black-and-white kittens and the note, explaining, “We connected with the PetSmart and they’re keeping them overnight, they will be taken to a shelter tomorrow.”

In an update, they confirmed that Nibbler, who had initially bolted, was found hiding under a car and reunited with her babies. “My partner found her under a car, he grabbed her. Mom is safe with babies,” they wrote.

The post struck a chord, earning thousands of upvotes and over 100 comments, with users expressing both sadness and hope. “It sucks initially, but you found them and they’ll hopefully end up in good homes,” one commenter wrote, while another added, “This made me tear up, why do people do this.”

The Reality of Pet Abandonment

Nibbler’s story isn’t unique. According to Shelter Animals Count, approximately 2.88 million cats entered U.S. shelters in 2024, with 62% arriving as strays and 29% relinquished by owners.

Notes like Nibbler’s, pleading for care, echo other heartbreaking cases, such as a cat tied to a post with a note saying, “She is a good cat,” or another left outside a shelter with, “My mom can’t keep me anymore. Please take me in. I promise I will be a good cat.”

These stories highlight the emotional weight of abandonment and the strain on shelters, as seen in our Buddy the flea-covered kitten story.

Why Abandonment Happens and How to Prevent It

The note about Nibbler suggests an owner overwhelmed by the challenges of pet care, possibly due to Nibbler’s food aggression or the demands of raising young kittens. While the note shows some care in seeking a better home, abandoning pets in a parking lot is dangerous and irresponsible.

Shelters and rescues, like the one that took in Nibbler and her kittens, urge owners to surrender animals directly to ensure their safety.

Tips for Responsible Pet Surrender and Support

If you or someone you know can no longer care for a pet, or if you want to help animals like Nibbler, here are practical steps:

• Surrender Responsibly: Contact local shelters or rescues, such as North Shore Animal League or A Place for Meow Rescue, to arrange a safe surrender. Avoid leaving pets in unsafe places like parking lots.
• Foster or Volunteer: Shelters are often overcrowded, as Daisy Napoles noted in Buddy’s story. Fostering kittens, like the South Dakota couple did in Fleece and Flannel’s story, can save lives.
• Spread Awareness: Share stories like Nibbler’s to encourage adoption and responsible pet ownership. Support spay/neuter programs to reduce stray populations.
• Check for Special Needs: Nibbler’s note mentioned her food aggression and preference for dogs over cats. Be honest about a pet’s needs when surrendering to ensure they find the right home.
• Donate or Adopt: Contribute supplies, funds, or time to local shelters, or consider adopting a pet like Nibbler who needs a second chance.

For more on supporting shelters, see our guide to no-kill shelters.

A Hopeful Future for Nibbler and Her Kittens

Thanks to BleachM0mmy’s quick action, Nibbler and her kittens are now safe with a shelter, where they’ll receive care and a chance at forever homes.

The plea to “keep them together” reflects the owner’s love, despite their inability to care for them. With the support of compassionate pet parents and rescue organizations, these tiny felines can look forward to brighter days.

Takeaway for Pet Parents

If you find abandoned animals like Nibbler and her kittens, act quickly to get them to safety, and support shelters through fostering, adoption, or donations. Every small action can make a big difference for cats in need.