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By Lydia Patrick
Life & Trends Reporter
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A young cat has captured hearts around the world after a bittersweet moment from her first birthing experience went viral online.
Leo Ching Ling, 24, who documents life with her cat on TikTok under the handle @lifewithmolumolu, shared the emotional journey of her 1-year-old cat, Momo, who gave birth to four kittens on June 15. The video garnered more than 18,000 likes and over 187,000 views on Instagram.
Ling said the pregnancy came as a shock. "It came as a surprise; we thought she would be due end of the week, but she suddenly found a random box and gave birth," she told Newsweek. Although they had prepared a cozy nest for Momo, she chose her own place to deliver.
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Ling wasn't home to witness the birth, but said that the labor began at around 6 p.m.
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"It seems like her first three kittens were a smooth and quick labor, around three hours, and all of them are out and drinking milk already," Ling said.
Momo's transition into motherhood was filled with learning moments. "I think at first she was quite confused about how to feed the kittens milk, as she was always in an awkward position, like half-sitting down, so the kittens can drink from the front, but we tried adjusting her a bit so she could lie down comfortably to feed, and she got that quickly. By now, I think she's doing pretty well," Ling said.
Tragically, the joy was soon followed by heartbreak. The following morning, the family discovered the lifeless body of the fourth kitten.
"We thought her labor was over by around 10 p.m., since she was feeding her three kittens and even ate dinner herself. We watched her till around 12 and went to sleep. [We] woke up the next day to find the corpse of an orange kitten in the box, and Momo nowhere in sight. She found a new hiding spot in our bookshelf nearby with all her other kittens—we were super sad," Ling said.
At first, Momo's response to the loss seemed muted.
Ling said: "We thought she didn't feel much about it as she moved out of the box after losing the kitten, but later on, after settling the other kittens down, she actually came over and sat by the empty box for a while several times, just looking into space. We don't know how she feels or whether she knows, but she was definitely mourning for a while."
The three surviving kittens are doing well, although their eyes have not yet opened.
"We haven't named them yet, but there is a waitlist of people we know that wants to adopt them," said Ling. "So far so good! They were pretty weak at first but now all doing well," the owner added.
Instagram users have been quick to offer their support and condolences in the comments.
"Oh my gosh my cat just gave birth 2 days ago as well to 4 kittens and one of them just passed away this morning. Hope y'all are doing well," wrote one user.
"Your babies are very proud of youuuuu, Momooo," posted another.
"Stay strong mama Momo! Lots of love and kisses," a third user added.
"GOOD JOB MOMO!!" wrote one commenter, celebrating her strength.
"Bless them all beautiful angels. Am so sorry for your loss of 4th one," shared another.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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