When you’re expecting a baby, it’s always nice to have a friend who is also pregnant to share the experience — even if they’re not actually a human.
Two years ago, a pregnant woman took in a pregnant cat, and the two moms-to-be shared a bond — eventually giving birth at the same time!
Lauren Maners loves animals, and often volunteers to foster shelter animals in need of love. But when she was pregnant last year, she decided to take a break from caring for pets, instead focusing on her baby.
But fate had other plans. Months into her pregnancy, Lauren and her husband Kainan found a stray cat that they couldn’t turn away.
They found the stray, a white female cat they named Dove, on the side of the road, “extremely skinny and injured,” Lauren told Bored Panda.
Dove had reportedly been eating out of dumpsters. And the mom-to-be realized that the cat was also pregnant. Unable to find Dove’s owner or secure a place in a no-kill shelter, Lauren knew she couldn’t turn away a fellow expectant mother, and took her in.
“I couldn’t just leave her knowing that she was going to have to take care of her babies in the wild,” Lauren said.
“I knew that she was in bad shape and also felt a sort of connection to her due to us both being very pregnant,” she told The Dodo. “I managed to catch her by luring her up to me with our leftover food and wrapping her in my jacket, and we brought her to the vet.”
Lauren committed to fostering Dove and her future litter of kittens, and the former stray quickly made herself at home.
“She would follow me around everywhere I went, and loved sitting outside with me in the mornings in our fenced-in area and letting me rub her belly while we ate breakfast together,” Lauren said.
And in return for taking good care of the cat, Lauren got a sweet companion with whom she could share a real motherly connection. The two new friends were going through the same experience together, and Lauren joked on social media that they formed an exclusive “Pregnant Girls Club.”
“I and Dove had an instant bond,” she told Bored Panda. “It was like she also knew that I was pregnant and that I was a friend. She was not instantly trusting of my husband the way she was of me.”
Weeks went by, and soon both pregnant ladies were preparing to give birth — and it turned out their due dates were very close.
Finally, the day came, and Lauren gave birth to a beautiful baby girl named Kylie.
And after returning from the hospital, she discovered even more good news — and an amazing coincidence: Dove had also given birth!
While she’s not sure exactly what time Dove had her six kittens, she suspects the cat’s birth aligned pretty closely with her own: “They were very possibly born at the same time,” she told The Dodo.
Lauren continued to foster the cat family while caring for her newborn baby, and she continued to share a bond with Dove on their motherhood journey. She even says that baby Kylie started to bond with the kittens.
After months of fostering, it became time to find home for all the cats. Lauren helped all the kittens get adopted into good homes, and she told The Dodo that Dove was taken in by a friend of hers, so she can still keep in touch.
While caring for this pregnant cat during her pregnancy was an amazing experience, Lauren also emphasized that it isn’t something you should try to emulate: it’s important to spay and neuter your cats to help reduce the stray cat population.
What an adorable story. Thank you to Lauren for taking such good care of these cats and looking out for a fellow mom. It goes to show the real unexpected bonds that can form between humans and animals.
My Husband Told Me I Am Half the Mom His Ex-wife Was – I Was Furious and Taught Him a Lesson
When George told Sylvia she was only half the mom his late wife was and wished SHE had died instead, her world shattered. But she didn’t break. In the face of his cruel words, Sylvia made a decision that would change everything and show just how powerful a mother’s love can be.
Hey everyone, Sylvia here. I’m about to tell you a story that’ll have you reaching for the tissues and wanting to throw things at the same time. Ever wondered how you’d react if your partner, the person you built a life with, looked you dead in the eye and said they wished YOU WERE DEAD instead of their ex-wife? Heartbreaking, right? Well, that’s exactly where I find myself…
Sylvia opens up about her heartbreaking story | Source: Pexels
It all started eight years ago when I married George. He had two incredible kids, Nick and Emma, from his first wife, Miranda, who tragically passed away in an accident when they were young.
We took things slow, dated for three years, and then tied the knot in a courthouse ceremony with just close family and friends. The kids were amazing to me from the get-go. I loved being their stepmom, and when I got pregnant with our son, Mason, I officially adopted them.
Sylvia adopts her husband’s two adorable children | Source: Pexels
Nick and Emma were the best. They doted on their new baby brother, and George seemed like the picture-perfect husband and dad.
I was on cloud nine. Every day, I thanked the universe for this beautiful family.
But then, like a cruel twist of fate, everything changed when I got pregnant again with our second child. George became a different person.
Sylvia is pregnant | Source: Unsplash
Late nights at work became the norm, and weekends were spent with his “friends.” I tried talking to him, but it was like talking to a brick wall.
He missed soccer games, Emma’s birthday parties, doctor appointments — basically, everything important. It felt like I was living with a ghost.
One day, I couldn’t take it anymore.
George starts acting distant, devoting more time to work and friends | Source: Pexels
“George,” I confronted him. He didn’t even look up from his phone, just grunted a noncommittal response.
“We need to talk,” I pressed, my voice firming up. He sighed, finally setting his phone down with a clatter that echoed in the strained silence. His eyes, when they met mine, were distant… and cold.
“About what?” he drawled.
A heartbroken Sylvia confronts George | Source: Pexels
“About everything,” I said, my frustration bubbling over. “You’re never here, George. The kids barely see you, and when you are, you’re glued to that phone and your laptop.”
He scoffed, rolling his eyes. “Oh boy, here we go again. I work my fingers to the bone for this ungrateful family. Why do you have to keep nagging me like a broken record? Can’t a man have a little peace and quiet in his own home?”
George lashes out at poor Sylvia | Source: Pexels
“Providing isn’t just about money, George,” I countered. “It’s about being present, being a dad, being a husband.”
He slammed his fist on the table, making Mason flinch. “Don’t lecture me about being a husband! You wouldn’t understand!”
“Understand what, George?” I retorted.
George breaks Sylvia’s heart | Source: Pexels
He glared at me, his face contorting with anger. “You wouldn’t understand the things I’ve sacrificed,” he spat. “You wouldn’t understand what it’s like to lose someone you love.”
“Don’t you dare bring Miranda into this,” I shot back, my voice laced with hurt. “She’s not here, George. She’s gone!”
His face turned ashen. “Don’t you ever talk about her like that!” he roared, sending shivers down my spine.
George cautions Sylvia against bringing up his ex-wife in their conversation | Source: Pexels
“Don’t you see what you’re doing to us? We miss you, George. We need you,” I yelled back, tears welling in my eyes. “We want to be happy… like before.”
George looked at me, his eyes filled with a cold, bitter rage, and said, “Happy? With you? I wish Miranda was still alive. Hell, I wish you’d been the one who died instead! And you know what? Stop pretending you’re Nick and Emma’s real mom. YOU’RE ONLY HALF THE MOM MY LATE WIFE WAS! Do you understand?”
George’s words stab Sylvia | Source: Pexels
My heart shattered into a million pieces. Can you even imagine the pain? It’s beyond anything words can capture.
Tears streamed down my face as I told him I couldn’t stay married to him after what he said.
But then, he said something that lit a fire in my soul.
George leaned back, crossing his arms with a condescending smirk. “Face it, Sylvia. You can’t handle this on your own. Without me, you’re LOST. The kids need stability, and you’re NOT CAPABLE of providing that.”
George’s words cut deep into Sylvia’s already shattered heart | Source: Pexels
I felt my blood boil.
“Not capable? I’m the one who’s been there for them every single day while you’re off ‘working late’ and hanging out with your so-called friends. I’ve been the one keeping this family together, not you!”
His smirk faltered, but he tried to hold his ground. “You wouldn’t last a week without me.”
Sylvia stands her ground | Source: Pexels
Well, let me tell you something — that was the biggest mistake he could’ve made. I wasn’t going to stay and be treated like some doormat.
I decided to teach him a lesson, one he wouldn’t forget for the rest of his life.
The next day, I packed a bag, not just for myself, but for the kids too. I wasn’t just leaving George; I was taking Nick, Emma, and Mason with me. He was at work, clueless about the storm brewing at home.
Sylvia packs her things and leaves the house with her three kids | Source: Pexels
I dropped the kids off at my best friend Rosie’s place, explaining the whole situation. Rosie, bless her heart, was furious. She readily agreed to keep the kids safe while I dealt with things.
Then, with a steely resolve in my heart, I got into my car and headed straight for George’s office. I had a plan brewing, and it was time to put it into action.
I marched into George’s office. Ignoring the receptionist’s confused sputtering, I barged straight into his meeting, catching everyone off guard.
Sylvia rushes to George’s office | Source: Pexels
George’s face drained of color when he saw me. Before he could utter a word, I launched into a tirade and exposed him.
“You think I’m half the mom your ex-wife ever was?” I yelled. “Well, guess what, George? I’m taking the kids. You don’t deserve them!”
Sylvia yells at George and exposes him | Source: Pexels
The room erupted in gasps. George’s face flushed crimson.
He lunged for me, but I was quicker, pulling away with a piercing glare. “Here’s the custody agreement,” I spat, shoving a thick folder into his chest. “I’m going for full custody, and after what you said, I think the judge will agree with me.”
Panic flickered across his face. “Y-You can’t do this,” he stammered. “You have no right.”
George starts to panic | Source: Pexels
A cold anger settled over me.
“Oh, but I do,” I countered. “I’ve been a real mother to Nick and Emma, something you haven’t. And Mason? He deserves better than a father who compares his own wife to a ghost.”
Leaving him sputtering justifications to his bewildered colleagues, I stormed out, the weight of everyone’s stares burning into my back.
But I didn’t care. The only thing that mattered was getting my kids away from him.
Sylvia’s outburst leaves George utterly shaken | Source: Pexels
My next stop was the kids’ school. The principal, a kind woman with eyes that held a lifetime of stories, listened patiently as I explained the situation.
Pulling out the custody papers, I felt a sliver of hope pierce through the fog of hurt. The principal, thankfully, was understanding.
“We’ll keep an eye on the kids,” she promised, her voice warm. “We’ll reach out if George tries anything.”
The principal assures Sylvia about watching over the kids | Source: Pexels
Hours later, I picked up my precious cargo, my kids, from Rosie’s haven. Relief flooded me as their faces lit up. We drove to the small apartment I’d secretly rented that very morning.
During dinner, Mason (now 6) bombarded me with questions about his dad. Emma, my little ball of sunshine, clung to me tighter while Nick simply stood there.
“Mommy, where’s Daddy? Why aren’t we going home?” Mason choked out, his big brown eyes welling with tears that threatened to spill over at any moment.
Mason asks Sylvia about his daddy | Source: Pexels
I took a deep breath, my heart breaking. “Mason, Nick, Emma, listen to me,” I said softly, pulling them close. “Things are going to be different for a while. Your father and I… we’re not getting along right now, and it’s best for us to stay somewhere else for a bit.”
Emma’s grip tightened, her small body trembling. “But why, Mommy? Why can’t we just go back?”
Emma misses her daddy and wants to go home | Source: Pexels
Tears welled up in my eyes as I kissed her forehead. “I know it’s hard, sweetheart. I know. But sometimes grown-ups have to make tough decisions to keep everyone safe and happy. I promise you, we’re going to be okay.”
“Is it because of us? Did we do something wrong?” Nick chimed in, his eyes glistening with tears.
My heart shattered. “No, honey, this is not because of you or Emma or Mason. You kids are perfect. This is between Dad and me. I love you both so much. We’re going to be okay.”
Nick is upset and asks Sylvia if they’re away from daddy because of him and his siblings | Source: Pixabay
Their small nods and tear-streaked faces gave me the strength I needed.
Days bled into weeks. The legal battle, while draining, became a strange source of strength. George’s past behavior boomeranged on him.
His colleagues, the very people who witnessed my public humiliation, became my unlikely allies. Their testimonies painted a damning picture of a selfish, self-absorbed man.
George’s colleagues testify against him | Source: Pexels
In the end, the judge awarded me full custody, with George granted supervised visits.
Just when I thought the worst was over, another bombshell dropped. A woman named Linda, heavily pregnant, appeared on my doorstep one day, her eyes red-rimmed and her voice trembling.
“Are you Sylvia?” she asked shakily.
A heavily pregnant woman arrives outside Sylvia’s house | Source: Midjourney
Hesitantly, I cracked the door open just a fraction. “Can I help you?” I asked cautiously.
“I’m Linda,” she said, looking down. “I’m George’s lover. I’m pregnant with his child.”
I felt like the ground had been ripped out from under me. “You’re what??”
She nodded, tears spilling over. “He told me he was single. I had no idea about you, about your family. I’m so sorry.”
Sylvia is stunned when the woman reveals her identity | Source: Midjourney
A cold dread washed over me.
George? He… he had an affair?
What more could there possibly be hidden from me? Against every instinct screaming at me to slam the door shut, I found myself stepping aside and letting her in.
The jolting truth about the man she once loved and shared her life with leaves Sylvia stunned | Source: Pexels
Linda sank onto the nearest chair, her body wracked with silent sobs. As she poured out her story, a shocking truth unfolded. She, too, had been involved with George, a victim of his lies and deceit.
A strange sense of empathy bloomed in my chest. Here was another woman, her life shattered by the same man who had so thoroughly broken mine.
Linda tearfully reveals the truth | Source: Pexels
In a turn of events that still boggles my mind, Linda and I formed an unlikely alliance. We exposed George’s web of deceit, stripping him bare before everyone.
He lost his job, his reputation, and any semblance of control over our lives.
George loses his job, reputation, and everything he once controlled | Source: Pixabay
Fast forward to months now, the journey hasn’t been easy.
Picking up the pieces of my broken heart was a long and arduous process. But with Nick, Emma, Mason, and my newborn baby by my side, I found the strength to rise above the ashes.
George’s ghost still haunts me at times, a painful reminder of his betrayal. But as I look at my children, their smiles radiating pure joy, the pain recedes, replaced by an unwavering love and a fierce determination to protect them from the world’s harsh realities.
Sylvia is slowly healing, thanks to her wonderful kids and the new path fate has shown her | Source: Pexels
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