Homeowner Discovers Black Bag in Yard, Shocked to See Kittens Inside, None of Them Had Tails

In the heat of a scorching summer in Fort Worth, Texas, Meredith Bammel woke up one humid July morning. She heard a sound she wasn’t expecting. Desperate cries were coming from her front yard. Curious and alarmed, she rushed outside, only to find an unexpected and heartbreaking scene.

A Shocking Discovery on a Quiet Summer Morning

Fort Worth was quiet, as most residents stayed indoors to escape the intense heat. But that quiet was shattered when Bammel found a soft carrier in her yard. Inside were a mama cat and her three tiny kittens, all scared and crying for help. Abandoned in the yard, with no shelter from the rising temperatures, the cats were running out of time.

Laura Grice, director of Saving Hope Rescue (SHR), explained, “A friend of ours [Bammel] woke up to this in her yard. She found a carrier with a mama cat and her three baby Manx inside. They were scared and crying.”

Racing Against the Clock as Temperatures Rise

With the relentless Texas heat set to peak in the afternoon, Bammel had to act fast. Unfortunately, her home was undergoing remodeling, and there was no safe space inside to take care of the little family. Not knowing what else to do, she immediately contacted Saving Hope Rescue.

The team at SHR quickly mobilized, searching for emergency fosters to care for the cats. But as Bammel took a closer look, she noticed something unique about the kittens — none of them had tails. They were a special breed known as Manx cats, affected by a condition called Manx syndrome.

The Challenges of Manx Syndrome

The genetic mutation that causes the taillessness in Manx cats can lead to significant neurological issues. It affects the spine and nervous system. In some cases, Manx syndrome can cause problems with hind leg function. Dr. Anne E. Katherman, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology), explains, “Manx syndrome … is an array of problems. These problems involve the function of the hind legs, urinary bladder, and colon of a tailless cat. Neurological problems are most common in tailless cats, and signs depend on how severely the cat’s spinal cord is affected.

Given these concerns, Bammel and the SHR team were worried that this litter could require special care. They rushed the cats to a vet for a full checkup.

A Happy Ending: Healthy Cats and New Homes

After thorough examinations, SHR’s veterinary team was relieved. They found that the mama cat and her kittens were all in good health. There were no signs of neurological damage. “Luckily for this adorable family, they were quickly discovered before the heat of the day. They were brought to the vet for care,” SHR shared. The family found safety in a loving foster home, where the kittens thrived under their mother’s care.

Among the kittens, one in particular captured the hearts of everyone at Saving Hope Rescue. Ted, also known as Teddy Bear, was loved by all. “Ted is just the sweetest, most chill fellow,” SHR wrote. “His snuggles are the best, and his sweet stare is enough to melt anyone’s heart.”

A Forever Home for the Manx Family

It didn’t take long for the family of four to win over potential adopters. Just a few weeks after being rescued from the sweltering Texas heat, the adoption process was complete. All the cats were placed in their forever homes. “The cats all got adopted!” Grice happily reported.

Now safe and sound, these resilient Manx cats have found the loving homes they deserve. As the summer heat continues to blaze across Texas, these cats are no longer at risk. They are enjoying the shelter and care they’ve always needed.

Support Rescues Like This at Saving Hope Rescue

To help animals like this Manx family and provide vital care for those in need, consider supporting Saving Hope Rescue. Every donation helps animals find their way to safety and, eventually, into loving homes.