Parents know that when it comes to the health of their children, they will do anything and everything in their power to keep them safe and well. That bond isn’t unique to humans, and we see evidence every day that the animal kingdom prizes family just as highly as we do!

One example showed up at a hospital in Izmir, Turkey and was quickly seen and shared online by thousands.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the hospital’s morning shift, a thin, bright orange stray cat was weaving her way through the white-tiled lobby. Carried gently in her mouth was a young kitten, almost a newborn.

PHOTO: YOUTUBE / ÜLKE TV

He dangled above the ground as she made her way deeper into the hospital at a worried clip. Onlookers moved out of her way, and she was eventually scooped up by a staff member who recognized her. The hospital had been leaving food and water for the mother cat and other strays, as well as unhoused people.

That sign of friendly help must have made her comfortable enough to risk entering the imposing hospital building when her kittens started showing signs of sickness. In all, she brought three of her kits to the hospital, two with a bright orange coat that looked like hers, and another with dark patches and tiger-like markings.

They weren’t able to open their eyes, and seemed to be in pain. Momma cat watched anxiously from a padded box in the corner as doctors examined the kittens, called in for help from a veterinarian’s office, and finally administered a small amount of medicine.

PHOTO: YOUTUBE / ÜLKE TV

“She asked for help, meowing for a long time. We were shocked,” one healthcare worker told the Daily Mail. “Upon careful examination, we saw that the kittens were not able to open their eyes due to infection. We consulted with veterinarians and gave medicine as prescribed. When the kittens opened their eyes a short time later, we were thrilled!”

Fortunately, the difficult decision of reaching out across species for the sake of her sick kittens paid off.

Turkey has gained praise for its protection of strays and culture of support for animal rights. They are respected and can lead unorthodox but largely safe lives on the streets thanks to the generosity of strangers and the country’s “no kill, no capture” laws.

PHOTO: YOUTUBE / ÜLKE TV

Because of the follow-up care needed for these cats, they were transported to an animal hospital after receiving care.

“This is the first time something like this has happened to us. We were emotional and delighted to see that they recovered well,” added a nurse who helped. Fortunately, the good news doesn’t stop there.

As word spread, local animal lovers began to reach out about adopting the mother and her kittens and, according to Ülke TV, “The cats, which were first cared for by doctors and nurses, were adopted after they were treated at the veterinary office.”

Thanks to the kindness of healthcare workers and one mother cat’s tenacious fight for her kids, this story has left everyone involved a little happier, healthier, and appreciative of the power of family.

Watch the full video of the kitten rescue below!

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