here kitty-kitty
So I have to post an update about my stray kitten who is now a bona-fide member of the family. She is still a scrawny little thing with long, long limbs. Boy can she eat she goes at it till her tummy puffs up like a balloon then she will come and curl up on my bed (or my person) and groom herself until she falls asleep.
My other cat has taken to her as if she was his long lost baby. Note the word HIS. He follows her around, giving her instructions and bumping or growling at her when she does the wrong thing. You can see that he has already taught her how to hunt and they spend hours playing together.
Here is the funny part. The baby is still at that age that she has a desire to suckle. She tried sucking on my fingers but they are too big. I was shocked to one day notice her suckling on my other cat. My MALE cat. I always feed her when I see her doing this but I realize its not about food. Its about comfort. Even with a full belly she will find him and suckle until she falls asleep.
What gets me is the patience with which my other cat accommodates this activity. You can tell sometimes that it hurts and he'll growl and push her away. Poor guys his nipples are sore from this little baby rooting around and pushing on him much as she would her mom. But mostly he just chills out and lets her do it. Sometimes he will groom and lick her until she falls asleep.
I just think this is amazing. Once again my pets teach me about being loving.
My other cat has taken to her as if she was his long lost baby. Note the word HIS. He follows her around, giving her instructions and bumping or growling at her when she does the wrong thing. You can see that he has already taught her how to hunt and they spend hours playing together.
Here is the funny part. The baby is still at that age that she has a desire to suckle. She tried sucking on my fingers but they are too big. I was shocked to one day notice her suckling on my other cat. My MALE cat. I always feed her when I see her doing this but I realize its not about food. Its about comfort. Even with a full belly she will find him and suckle until she falls asleep.
What gets me is the patience with which my other cat accommodates this activity. You can tell sometimes that it hurts and he'll growl and push her away. Poor guys his nipples are sore from this little baby rooting around and pushing on him much as she would her mom. But mostly he just chills out and lets her do it. Sometimes he will groom and lick her until she falls asleep.
I just think this is amazing. Once again my pets teach me about being loving.
Replies
Awwww, will wonders never cease? When our dog, Lucy, was still a puppy she was very sick --- horrible rash on her head and back. Our two older male dogs would take turns licking her ouchies.
It\'s just spectacular to learn about instinct. I\'m sure these animals know that this lost little one, is not a puppy, cat, whatever, but they know that it\'s a baby and they know they need to protect it! I\'ve heard phenominal stories about odd, odd combinations of animals that have stepped up to feed and nurture another species. If only we could learn from these animals. RIght???
parenting is an equal opportunity venture.........so awesome that he is helping his new baby along...........so loving and endearing and sweet........i was raised primarily by my dad.......and he did the cooking and the mowing. he did the repairs and cleaned house.........
this adoptive daddy cat has gone above and beyond to help the new baby along and it\'s wonderful...........hugs!