Ep. 24: Sakaki learns of Maya's loss and faces a cat ambush while caring for the kitten.

24

Sakaki discovers Maya’s mother died in a traffic accident and considers veterinary school to live independently with pets. Despite Kagura’s warnings, Sakaki remains determined. On her way home with Chiyo, they are attacked by cats led by Kamineko. Maya appears, scaring the cats away with a growl but falling ill shortly after. The girls rush Maya to a veterinarian, where Chiyo wonders how the orphaned cub found Sakaki, interpreting it as a sign. The doctor advises rest and feeding. Suspecting Maya is an Iriomote cat, Sakaki claims he is a mixed breed. Chiyo volunteers to care for him until spring, while Sakaki finds her own residence. The group visits Chiyo’s house, where Osaka seeks comfort under a kotatsu and Tomo teases Mr. Tadakichi with Maya, earning a scratch and Yomi’s reprimand. Chiyo invites Sakaki to sleep over, noting Maya treats Sakaki as a surrogate mother.