Thanks to the super helpful foster parents at Jackson Country Animal Shelter, an abandoned kitten found a loving mother in a doting dog named Kela. Kela, who had moved to the shelter while pregnant, gave birth to ten healthy puppies and took in the tiny kitten after shelter workers brought it back to the office for a bottle and a vet exam.
Kela, the doggy, sensed a new presence in the offices when he heard a kitten’s cries. The loving employees realized that Kela wanted to see the abandoned kitten. Astonishingly, Kela took an immediate liking to the kitten and refused to leave its side.
This heartwarming story has a happy ending.
The director of animal services placed a kitten with Kela’s puppies to help calm the dog down. The kitten was instantly accepted and Kela even started nursing and cleaning the baby cat, who has been content and happy since joining the litter.
For images of this hero dog and these super cute kitties, plus more on this story, check out Rescue Dog Mom Starts Nursing Abandoned Kitten on People.
Can a Dog Nurse Kittens? Understanding Cross-Species Nurturing
Introduction: It’s not uncommon for kittens to be separated from their mother at a young age, leaving them without the nourishment they need to survive. In some cases, this can lead to cross-species nurturing, where a different animal steps in to provide milk and care. One question that often comes up in these situations is whether or not a dog can nurse kittens.
Body: While it may seem unlikely, dogs have been known to nurse kittens in certain circumstances. This is because the act of nursing is driven by instinct, and dogs have a strong maternal instinct that can extend beyond their own offspring. Additionally, kittens may be drawn to a nursing dog’s nipples because they are warm and provide the comforting sensation of suckling.
However, it’s important to note that not all dogs are suitable for nursing kittens. Dogs with a history of aggression towards cats or other small animals should be avoided, as should dogs that are not up to date on their vaccinations. It’s also important to monitor the nursing process closely to ensure that the kittens are receiving enough milk and that the dog is not experiencing any discomfort or health issues.
Conclusion: While it may not be the most common occurrence, cross-species nurturing between dogs and kittens is possible. However, it’s important to proceed with caution and ensure that the dog is a suitable caregiver for the kittens. With proper monitoring and care, a nursing dog can provide the warmth and nourishment that young kittens need to thrive.
Can a Dog Nurse Kittens? Understanding Cross-Species Nurturing
It’s not uncommon for kittens to be separated from their mother at a young age, leaving them without the nourishment they need to survive. In some cases, this can lead to cross-species nurturing, where a different animal steps in to provide milk and care. One question that often comes up in these situations is whether or not a dog can nurse kittens.
Yes, a dog sure can nurse baby kittens! While it may seem unlikely, dogs have been known to nurse kittens in certain circumstances. This is because the act of nursing is driven by instinct, and dogs have a strong maternal instinct that can extend beyond their own offspring. Additionally, kittens may be drawn to a nursing dog’s nipples because they are warm and provide the comforting sensation of suckling.
However, it’s important to note that not all dogs are suitable for nursing kittens. Dogs with a history of aggression towards cats or other small animals should be avoided, as should dogs that are not up to date on their vaccinations. It’s also important to monitor the nursing process closely to ensure that the kittens are receiving enough milk and that the dog is not experiencing any discomfort or health issues.
Concluding Wags and Purrs
While it may not be the most common occurrence, cross-species nurturing between dogs and kittens is possible. However, it’s important to proceed with caution and ensure that the dog is a suitable caregiver for the kittens. With proper monitoring and care, a nursing dog can provide the warmth and nourishment that young kittens need to thrive.
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