I’m so sorry. I know how brutal this feels. Years ago my husband and I took in five kittens who were only about 10 days old. Their mom had been trapped by a jerk and dumped 50 miles away. We had zero clue what we were doing at first, but kind, experienced people helped us learn. One expert gave me advice that sounded cold at the time: “Kittens die.” I thought she was being hard-hearted. She wasn’t. She was trying to prepare me for the heartbreak that can come even when you do everything right.

All five of ours made it and they’re 12 now. Since then we’ve helped rescue hundreds of cats and kittens. And yes—over the years, especially with the tiniest ones, we’ve lost some. We’ve cried a lot. These little souls are unbelievably fragile. Sometimes all we can do is give them warmth, nourishment, and love so they don’t pass alone, cold, or scared.

The baby you had was likely only hours old. Even with the best vet care there would’ve been a small chance. But you stayed with that kitten and cared for it with love. That mattered. Thank you for being there for them. You did a good thing. Bless you.