Every now and then, a story comes along that reminds us just how powerful love and empathy can be, even among animals.
One such story recently melted hearts across the internet after a Seattle woman captured an incredibly emotional moment between her young cat and a sick kitten.
The woman behind the viral video is Ashley Saldana, a real estate agent who also volunteers as a foster mom for rescue kittens.
Her home often fills with tiny paws and hopeful meows.
But what unfolded one day between her 3-month-old cat, Poppy, and a fragile newborn kitten named Journey was something she’ll never forget.
Ashley had taken in a litter of kittens that were just days old.
Among them was Journey, a 10-day-old ginger kitten who wasn’t doing well. He was weak, barely moving, and unresponsive despite her best efforts.
Ashley feared that he didn’t have much time left.
Not knowing what else to do, she decided to try something that came straight from the heart.
She gently placed Journey next to Poppy, her young cat, hoping he might find comfort in the warmth of another animal. She later shared in an interview:
“I decided to put him with Poppy to see if she could at least provide him comfort, knowing he didn’t have much time left.”
What happened next left Ashley speechless.
The moment Journey was placed beside her, Poppy, still just a kitten herself, instinctively curled around him.
She began softly licking his tiny head and nuzzling against him as if she somehow understood he needed care.
It was a simple act, but one that carried an incredible amount of tenderness.
To Ashley’s amazement, Journey began to respond.
His small body, which had been still and cold moments before, started to move ever so slightly.
His little paws pressed against Poppy’s fur as he began to knead, a comforting instinct kittens usually reserve for their mothers.
Ashley watched in awe, realizing she was witnessing something truly special.
“It was incredible because not only did Poppy fully embrace him and comfort him immediately, but Journey also perked up and was even making little baby biscuits on her“.
Even though Poppy was barely out of kittenhood herself, her maternal instincts kicked in effortlessly.
She became calm and gentle, licking and guarding the tiny kitten as if she’d been doing it her whole life.
Ashley was deeply touched. “Poppy is just a kitten herself at only 12 to 13 weeks old, but she has fully stepped up as a foster mom to these kittens. She is so gentle and nurturing“.
Sadly, the story took a heartbreaking turn.
Despite all the love and care he received, little Journey passed away the next day from a condition known as fading kitten syndrome.
Still, Ashley found comfort in knowing that in his final moments, Journey wasn’t alone.
He had felt love, real, pure love, from another little soul who gave everything she could to make him feel safe.
“I am thankful he was able to experience that moment,” Ashley said.
The video of Poppy comforting Journey quickly spread across TikTok, gathering over 247,000 likes and thousands of emotional comments from people around the world.
Viewers were deeply moved by the connection between the two cats, with many saying the moment brought tears to their eyes.
One person wrote, “He definitely felt the love, without one doubt,” while another added, “They love better than humans.”
Others shared stories of their own pets showing compassion and comfort, reminding everyone that animals often express empathy in ways that are raw and deeply touching.
It’s rare to see such emotion captured so beautifully, a young kitten comforting another in his final hours.
And even though Journey’s life was brief, he left behind a message that resonated with millions: love doesn’t need to last forever to mean something profound.
As for Poppy, she continues to thrive in her foster home, helping Ashley care for other kittens who come through their doors.
Her gentle nature and nurturing spirit have made her something of a tiny guardian to every new arrival.
Ashley often shares updates on her fostering journey and people continue to follow along.
In the end, this story is about more than loss, it’s about love, connection, and the quiet ways animals remind us what it truly means to care.
Journey may be gone, but the kindness he inspired will linger for a long time.
@soccercatmom ♬ Simply The Best – Billianne