Dr. Ana Costa and her assistant check on Nana. Nana was brought to Tiny Paws just hours before delivering a litter of kittens. Thanks to the "No Moms Left Behind" initiative, she too has found a home.
The Oklahoma Cat Show, held at the Expo Center on Feb. 8-9, drew cat lovers of all ages and showcased more than 72 breeds competing for Best in Show. But for one cat, the event led to something even more special than a medal—a second chance at a forever home.
Jolese Maples stopped by the Tiny Paws Kitten Rescue booth at the show and was taken by a kitten named Christina. When she visited the Tiny Paws office to complete the adoption, she met Manny, a nine-year-old male cat waiting for a home.
“They were only planning on getting a kitten,” said Renee Huddleston, Director at Tiny Paws Kitten Rescue, “but they saw him and couldn’t leave him.”
Manny was adopted as a kitten from Tiny Paws years ago but returned, along with two other senior cats, after his owner passed away. When he arrived back at the shelter, he weighed 23 pounds and was placed on a diet. Now, he’s thinner and thriving in his new home.
“Manchester” or “Manny” for short. Nine years old and a two-time resident at tiny paws, he recently found a new loving home this month after a chance encounter at Tiny Paws.
Manny was one of the lucky ones—an older cat who found a home. His two former housemates are still waiting.
No Moms Left Behind
While Tiny Paws primarily takes in orphaned kittens that cannot survive on their own, they noticed a recurring problem: kittens were quickly adopted, but their mothers were often left behind and often became pregnant again. In 2021, Tiny Paws launched the “No Moms Left Behind” initiative, ensuring that not just kittens but their mothers receive care and find homes.
One such success story is Sundara, a cat who arrived at Tiny Paws just hours before giving birth to five kittens. As is often the case, her babies were quickly adopted while she remained. Sundara also had an additional challenge. Veterinarians discovered she had a breathing problem requiring specialist care. Her chances of adoption looked slim.
That changed when Karen Watkins saw a Facebook post about “our sweet Sunny girl” from the rescue center.
“My heart went out to her and Tiny Paws because they cared about her so very much. It was obvious,” said Karen. In September 2024, Sundara—now named Nana—joined the Watkins family and their other cats.
And the new name fits her well.
“I would describe Nana as the most patient, most loving kitty we have ever seen,” Karen said. “She is every cat’s mama.”
Tiny Paws Kitten Rescue is a no-kill shelter with a 95% success rate in saving kittens. More information about adoption and their initiatives can be found at tinypawsok.org.
