Here’s a rare rescue story that happens almost never: a one-in-a-million rescue of a mama cat and her kittens in San Bernardino, California. Why is it so rare? Because this outdoor mama cat put up zero fight when rescuers approached her in a thicket of foliage.

When the kitty saw a gloved hand coming for her, she just went with the flow and was soon cuddling in the arms of her rescuer while others scooped up her tiny kittens. It looks like she had a big smile. Wouldn’t it be amazing if it was always this easy?

As we all know, mother cats are generally fiercely protective of their litter. Even if the cat is familiar with being around people, you can assume there might be a sudden scuffle in most cases. But here’s the delightful exception to the rule in the TikTok from Cats of San Bernardino below.

Over the years, these rescuers have shared countless videos of rescuing mama cats and have seen it all. (With battle scars to prove it!) So they know this is an ideal rare rescue. (Well, the ideal would be not having to rescue, but you get the point.)

First, they reach in with a gloved hand. Then, the mama reacts in a friendly, calm manner. Next, they simply lift her out and wallah! Four adorable golden kittens are gently collected to reunite with mama in safety.

We see Jaina walking with mam cuddled in her arms. Then, the kittens, eyes still closed, are seen with their mama, who is as happy as can be.

All the kittens appear healthy, another rarity, and we see them grow into the most beautiful, playful kitties. They’re purrfect. Everything went purrfectly smooth!

In the comments, the rescues clarified that the mama cat “was most likely left behind by a previous owner” and “was relieved to be rescued.”

Next, we’ll contrast the rare rescue above with more common scenarios. This time, the San Bernardino rescuers approached a nursing mama cat who wouldn’t let them anywhere near her babies.

Undeterred, they still got her out and saved the kittens. Later, the mama realized she was safe and had nothing to worry about. But most people would probably be terrified to get near this cat. So you see, these heroic rescuers don’t let anything stop them from helping the animals they love.

“We named her Mustang. All her kittens grew up and ended up getting adopted,” they shared.

Later, a content and happy Mustang helped raise another littler of kittens found near a liquor store.

Looking back at this rescue after two years, they shared, “it reminds us how important our work is. We not only save cat lives, but we also touch human lives. We hope that our hard work can inspire others to also take action and make a difference in their community. Whether it is helping a stray cat, feeding a colony, doing your first TNR, or donating. It takes all of us.”

In another not so rare rescue, a spicy one-eyed mama cat named Creekside fiercely defended her babies in a flower bed. They named her for the apartment complex where they found her and said she was “one of the spiciest” cats they have ever encountered. There was no carrying this mama to safety; she had to be carefully deposited in a drop trap.

For years, Creekside remained aggressive to people but loved other cats and kittens. Later, she helped care for another littler of sick kittens. Then, she started life in the rescue’s protected indoor/outdoor catio and became a favorite Queen for the rescue and followers. One day, they think she’ll be ready for a furever home but whatever happens, she’ll always be loved.

“Creekside was extremely feral, but when it came time to release her back, we didn’t think the area we got her from was a safe return area. She had already lost one of her eyes, and she has been living essentially in a parking lot. We decided to keep her. She is now the ruler of the catio. I still hope one day she will let us love her,” they shared.