It started like any ordinary day at Mini Cat Town, a cozy adoption center tucked inside a California shopping mall.
Erielle Bernardo, one of the shelter’s animal care associates, was organizing supplies when she noticed a woman walk in with a small dog on a leash.
Normally, that would mean gently asking the visitor to step outside — dogs aren’t allowed in the cat area. But before Bernardo could speak, she saw the woman’s worried expression and realized something unusual was going on.
A Strange Visit Turns Into a Heartfelt Rescue
The woman didn’t speak English. Instead, she held up her phone with a translated message glowing on the screen.
The words made Bernardo’s heart race — the woman had found a cat carrier abandoned in the parking lot.
Without hesitation, Bernardo followed her through the busy mall, her mind racing with possibilities. When they reached the parking area, the woman pointed toward a small carrier sitting against the wall.
Bernardo carefully unlatched the door. Inside, six tiny faces looked up at her — frightened, wide-eyed, and pressed together for comfort.
The kittens were no older than six weeks, their soft black fur standing on end. They didn’t make a sound, as if holding their breath, unsure of what would happen next.
Six Little Lives in Need of a Second Chance
Bernardo lifted the carrier and carried it back through the mall, shielding the kittens from curious glances.
Once inside the shelter, she and her team gently examined them. They appeared surprisingly well-fed, suggesting someone had cared for them before leaving them behind.
Even so, it was clear they had been through a stressful ordeal. Their tiny bodies trembled as they huddled close, seeking warmth and safety.
Mini Cat Town usually focuses on finding permanent homes for cats rather than taking in new rescues, but Bernardo couldn’t ignore what had just landed in her care. She quickly explained the situation to her supervisors.
After a brief discussion, they agreed — the six kittens would be accepted into the shelter’s foster program.
That meant they would get the medical care, socialization, and love they needed before being placed for adoption.
As the decision was made, Bernardo felt an unexpected pull in her heart.
She had never fostered before, but something about these six little souls made her certain that she should be the one to care for them.
It wasn’t logic — it was instinct. “If not me, then who?” she thought, already planning how to make space in her home. That evening, she carried the kittens out of the shelter and into a new chapter of their lives.
Finding Joy in the Chaos of Six Tiny Personalities
Bernardo named the kittens after her favorite DJs — Toki, Kaskade, Zedd, Kaytra, Softie, and Partyboy. The names were playful, perfectly matching their growing personalities.
Within days, her home was alive with meows, purrs, and the constant shuffle of tiny paws.
Every morning began with the sound of bowls clinking and a chorus of squeaky mews demanding breakfast.
Each kitten quickly revealed a unique side.
Toki, with his powerful purr, always wanted to be the first in her lap. Kaskade and Zedd couldn’t resist cuddles and would nap on her chest whenever they could. Kaytra was bold and curious, often climbing onto the couch alone just to watch the world from above.
Softie and Partyboy, on the other hand, turned every corner of the house into their wrestling ring. Despite the mess and exhaustion, Bernardo found herself smiling more than ever.
“Their energy fills the house with life,” she said softly one evening, watching them tumble across the floor. For her, the experience was more than a foster placement — it was a reminder of how love could grow in unexpected ways.
In just two short weeks, the kittens began to flourish. Their coats gleamed, their bellies rounded, and their fear melted away.
They played until they dropped, falling asleep in tiny heaps of warmth and trust.
Bernardo documented their growth with photos and updates, hoping their stories would soon reach loving adopters. In three or four weeks, each of them will be ready to leave for forever homes — but for now, she’s cherishing every moment.
As for the woman who brought them in, Bernardo often thinks about her and how kindness can come from anyone, anywhere, even a stranger passing through a parking lot.
These six kittens — once frightened and forgotten — now have bright futures ahead, thanks to a chain of compassion that started with a single act of care.
For those in the San Francisco Bay Area, Bernardo will soon share updates on her Instagram and through Mini Cat Town’s adoption page HERE.
Her only wish is simple: that every one of these six black kittens finds a family who will love them as fiercely as she does. And for anyone moved by their story, Mini Cat Town continues to welcome donations to help give other animals the same chance at life and love.