Peterborough Collision Center employee Megan Rand admits she shed a few tears on Wednesday when she was able to help reunite a stray cat with her almost newborn kittens.
The three kittens – estimated to be about two to three weeks old – were found in a vehicle donated by the Peterborough Collision Center to Peterborough Fire and Rescue for training purposes earlier in the month, Rand said.
“I teared up a bit when the mom started snuggling her kittens,” Rand said. “I’m very happy. I’m happy mom got reunited with her kittens. I’m happy the kittens wont be living off mice; they will go to a real home and get real food.”
Rand said one cat – presumed to be the mother – jumped out of the vehicle when the vehicle was being loaded up on April 19. Rand said not much was thought of the cat jumping out of the truck until it was delivered and the three kittens were found.
The kittens were brought to the Monadnock Humane Society in Swanzey, Rand said. A few days later the Humane Society called and asked if anyone had seen their mother on the property.
“I told them to come and do whatever they needed to do. Come on the property after hours for all I care,” Rand said.
Rand said it is believed that the cats – which includes another cat found on the property Wednesday – are all strays, though none of the cats appeared to be malnourished.
Rand said that between grain and other things being stored behind Agway and the dumpsters for Pizza Barn and the other businesses in the area, it is likely that the strays were getting enough to eat.
“In all honesty, out back is like a smorgasbord for cats,” said Rand, who is still on the lookout for the male cat.
The Humane Society is working to adopt the three kittens, Rand said., but she wasn’t sure if the mother was going to be adoptable.
“It all depends,” said Rand, when asked if she had plans to adopt any of the cats. “In all honesty, if [the mother] isn’t adoptable, she will be returned here. She probably won’t live in the shop but she will at least hang out here. I will make sure she has food and water.”
Nicholas Handy can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 235 or nhandy@ledgertranscript.com.