Finding a helpless orphan kitten on the cold pavement is a heartbreaking experience. When rescuers brought a tiny stray indoors, they knew they needed to find a way to soothe his intense fear.
Young felines crave warmth and comfort more than anything else during their first weeks of life. The solution to his loneliness came from the most unexpected and fluffiest member of the household.
Searching for comfort in a strange place
The tiny kitten spent his first night hiding under a soft blanket in the laundry room. He mewed constantly. He missed his mother. The shelter team knew that early isolation can slow down a kitten’s development. They decided to introduce him to a very special resident pet to see if it would help.
Meeting a giant mountain of white fur
Volunteers placed the small kitten near their senior Great Pyrenees dog named Barnaby. The giant dog was a mountain of calm white fur. According to the Great Pyrenees Club of America, these giant dogs possess a natural instinct to protect helpless animals. But the tiny kitten’s reaction took everyone in the room by surprise.
Climbing onto the softest bed in the house
The little cat did not run away from the massive canine snout. Instead, he wiggled his way directly into the dog thick white fur. Pure bliss followed. He treated the giant animal like a living security blanket. He buried his face deep in the fluffy coat and finally stopped crying. But there was another sweet behavior the dog showed next.
The massive dog acts as a mother
Barnaby gently nudged the kitten with his nose and curled his body around him. He stayed perfectly still on the rug. He was careful not to crush his tiny new friend. Dr. Katherine Houpt of Cornell University states that some dogs can develop strong maternal bonds with other species. This cozy relationship quickly became a daily routine.
Finding pure comfort during daily bottle feedings
The owner fed the kitten warm formula while he sat perched on the dog’s back. Having his giant protector nearby made the kitten feel secure. He ate without panic. This physical closeness helped the young animal gain weight rapidly over the next two weeks. But this unusual bonding habit soon led to a funny physical development.
Learning to walk by copying giant steps
Our growing kitten began to mimic the dog’s slow, heavy movements around the living room. He even tried to follow his giant brother outside into the backyard for short walks. Watching a small kitten copy a giant dog is a hilarious sight. But there is a deeper reason why this pairing works so well.
The healing power of absolute safety
A loving companion can help a traumatized rescue pet heal faster by providing constant warmth. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. Your dedicated care and patience can turn any lonely stray into a happy and thriving family member.
Featured Image: Photo by Anastasija Puskas on Unsplash
