Some naturally caring and empathetic dogs were made to be mothers, even if they've never had pups. For one Florida rescue dog, the chance to give her motherly love came in the most unexpected way—through foster kittens.
On June 26, 2024, GrowingUpGrams ( @growingupgrams ) shared a video montage on TikTok of her rescue dog taking on a litter of kittens as her own, and it's the sweetest thing. Watch the clip below!
"Foster life with a rescue dog," the caption says. "She was made to be a mama." In the sweet clip, the new mom of five checks out each of "her" babies. Named Magic, Chubby, Purry, Pinky, and Bear, the tiny kittens wander around the kitchen before Mama takes to each of them in her cozy dog bed.
After she thoroughly and thoughtfully cleans each one just as their mother might do, the adorable family returns to the floor for a little playtime. The rescue even shares her bed and blanket with her brood because as long as they're happy, she's happy.
Not all dog moms are as accepting as this one is, but she deserves Mother of the Year for giving five kittens someone to lean on, learn from, and love.
Related: Foster Kitten’s Journey to Recovery From Birth Defect Is So Inspirational
How To Care For Foster Kittens
Many animal shelters are overrun with kittens , which is why so many are stepping up to help out and foster. According to PetMD , having a guide for fostering kittens is a must to ensure things run smoothly—especially if you have five or more and no mother dog to help out.
The guide says that, if kittens are four weeks and under, they'll need constant care, a heat source, feedings every two to four hours, and, because mother's typically groom babies to get rid of waste, you'll have to step in to do that after every meal until they can go on their own.
By four to six weeks, the'll begin exploring more and will still need heat, but can begin to wean on their own. Though the site notes not to force it. It's an important time when they learn to groom and use the litter box while enjoying wet food instead of milk—but not dry as they can't chew it.
For kittens six weeks and older, they're ready to drink water and more active and ready to play. This is a great time to have them checked by a veterinarian who can advise on what to do next.
We don't all have a sweet rescue dog willing to take on the task of helping raise foster kittens, but for the ones that do, give them all the pets!
Most Popular
Comments / 0