A mother alley cat and her two kittens snuck into the basement of a Bronx apartment building one day. At first, residents though she belonged to someone because she was friendly; however, when no one claimed her, it became clear that she was a stray. The landlord couldn't let them stay there, so the person who found them took them to a shelter.
Jess Thoren, a volunteer with Animal Care Centers of New York City offered to foster the little family. She named the mother Claudia and the kittens Cassia and Iggy. The three soon settled into their new home.
Two weeks later, an orphaned kitten that needed fostering was brought to the same shelter. Thoren accepted the kitten, knowing she would be better off with an adoptive mom.
Claudia took to the waif right away and began caring for her as she did her own offspring.
This little blended family now has a bright future as beloved pets rather than strays wandering in the streets.