Momma cat who lost her kittens adopts 4 orphaned puppies and accepts them as her own, and their bond is a beautiful reminder that family isn't defined by biology

Author image for Mariel Ruvinsky
Mariel Ruvinsky • Writer and Editor
Oct 13, 2026 9:30 AM EDT

Sometimes, family is something that you get to choose. 

Pets are the best example of that. They are "just pets", right? No, they're not. That is something that people without pets say, because they don't get it. You have to be a pet owner to truly understand that our dogs and our cats are our families. They are not families that we were born to. There is no DNA tie between us. But they are family. Chosen. We chose them, or they chose us, however you think about it. My sweet cat, Mia, is my baby. Not literally, but at heart, even when I have real babies, she will always be my first baby. 

The bond between you and your chosen family member can be just as strong, if not stronger, than the bond you have with your biological family. This is true for humans with other humans. It's true for humans and their pets. And it is also true for animals with other animals. And we're not talking about cats befriending only other cats. These friendships cross all boundaries. In our time writing about cats for ICHC, we've seen cats adopting otters, bunnies, and possums. On one occasion, we even came across a video of a cat adopting three chicks and raising them alongside her own kittens. 

When that motherly instinct hits a cat, it can apply to all kinds of animals. Yes, even dogs. And this momma cat is the proof. Except her story has a sadder start than most. This momma cat lost her litter. She was abandoned, alone, and by the time she was rescued, it was too late. She was filled with that motherly instinct because she was on her way to being a mother. And then came 4 orphaned puppies. Also abandoned. Also alone. And desperately in need of a mom. And just like that, the way was clear. And everyone was on board. The cat momma was so ready to take in these babies and give them a real chance at life. 

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    Cheezburger Image 10670476288
    via Langebaan Animal Care
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    We have a very special story to share with everyone. Meet Kathryn and her puppies.
    via Langebaan Animal Care
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    Kathryn was brought to Langebaan Animal care 3 weeks ago as being abandoned and unfortunately, her kittens didn't survive.
    via Langebaan Animal Care
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    Cheezburger Image 10670478080
    via Langebaan Animal Care
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    She was still lactating so we took her in and kept her safe till we could have her sterilized. Then came along four 3 week old puppies that were handed over to us as unwanted.
    via Langebaan Animal Care
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    Kathryn claimed the puppies as her own and has been nursing them since then and protects them and cleans them as her own.
    via Langebaan Animal Care
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    Cheezburger Image 10670476800
    via Langebaan Animal Care

  • We can only imagine how devastated she was, how much she was ready to love something with all of her heart. These puppies may have needed a mother, but this cat very clearly needed some babies to love just as much. Ugh, about to make myself teary-eyed. Stories like these always get to me, these stories where cats feel just as human and as emotionally intelligent as us. Cat owners like us know how complicated their feelings are, how strongly they feel, but somehow, a good portion of the world still believes that cats are unfeeling and aloof. Maybe stories like these will prove them wrong. And make them smile in the meantime. 

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    It has been so special to see this in real life and to realize how amazing animals are to take care of the young no matter what species they are. We could learn so much from animals!
    via Langebaan Animal Care
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    These puppies are now up for adoption as they are now 6 weeks old. They are border collie- cross pups.
    via Langebaan Animal Care
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    Cheezburger Image 10670476544
    via Langebaan Animal Care
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    Kirsten Jordaan I hope that someone adopts a puppy AND the mommy cat together. She will be heartbroken to lose another "litter"
    via Kirsten Jordaan
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    Jennifer Woods That is so precious. It would be awesome if someone could adopt Kathryn and at least 1 of "her" pups so they could be a family.
    via Jennifer Woods

  • We cannot agree more. If not all three puppies and the momma cat staying together, then at least one. Let her keep at least one of her new babies. We need an update on this story, desperately. We need to know that this momma cat is as happy right now as she was when raising these puppers. 

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    Brenda Beneke We don't give animals enough credit sometimes. This just goes to show what beautiful hearts they have. Kathryn deserves the best home ever, so hoping some caring person gets to love her like she loves 'her' puppies.
    via Brenda Beneke
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    Elsa Johnson Animals are amazing. They can teach us so much when it comes to love.
    via Elsa Johnson
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    Shelly Phillips Ah my word. My dog nursed kittens I found but I have never heard of a cat nursing puppies. Animals are so awesome.
    via Shelly Phillips
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    Brenda Beck Nature at its best... Hope they all find loving homes... They deserve only the best...
    via Brenda Beck
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    Justine Holder-Scharlach That's the cutest thing I've ever seen
    via Justine Holder-Scharlach

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aww wholesome cat dogs adorable adoption heartwarming puppy cute adopted story Cats rescue
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