Unexpected Nursing: When A Kitten Mistakes A Male Cat For Mom

Under the impression that an older cat was his new mother, a family's newest kitty addition quickly learned that he overstepped boundaries, as seen in a viral TikTok video. The delightful clip, shared by owner @jerizzl, captures an adorable moment between his two cats that took an unexpected turn. Initially, the older feline wrapped his paws around the new kitten, grooming him gently. This tender interaction appeared to be a cozy cuddle session, but things escalated when the little one attempted to nurse from the older cat.

The kitten, likely confused and believing the older cat to be his mother, made a bold move to get nursed. The startled older cat swiftly reacted, placing a paw in the kitten's face as a clear signal that this behavior was not acceptable. It was a moment of feline communication demonstrating that nursing was off-limits—not just because he wasn’t the kitten's mother, but also because he was male.

The humorous caption of the video reads: “Gotta teach him somehow.” This lighthearted approach to pet parenting highlights the importance of boundaries between pets and the amusing situations that can arise in a multi-pet household. The interaction has since garnered millions of views and comments from amused TikTok users.

When asked if the kitten tries this behavior often, the owner shared, “No, to be honest, I feel as though he tried it a few times and my older cat can’t establish his boundaries very clearly.” Fortunately, the older cat does not hold any grudges when he pushes the kitten away from nursing. Instead, they have developed a close bond, with the owner noting, “Now, they cuddle, sleep, and play together all day. They’re true brothers now.”

TikTokers' Reactions to the Viral Clip

The TikTok video showcasing this amusing incident has amassed over 2.1 million views, 394,600 likes, and more than 1,060 comments. Viewers couldn’t help but chuckle at the older cat’s reaction. Many commenters speculated what must have been going through the older cat's mind, with one stating, “He said, ‘Absolutely NOT.’” Another user quipped, “He said, ‘We don’t do that around here.’”

One user expressed appreciation for the older cat's correction, writing, “Love that he corrected that behavior.” Others chimed in with their own experiences, sharing similar stories: “Same thing happened with my boy cats, but my younger one successfully convinced my adult one to allow nursing FOR A YEAR.” This highlights the adorable and often humorous dynamics that can occur in a multi-pet household.

Can Male Cats Actually Nurse Kittens?

It may come as a surprise, but male cats can nurse kittens, even though it is not a common occurrence. According to a ZooNerdy article by veterinarian Chyrle Bonk, there have been rare instances of male cats exhibiting lactation and nursing kittens. The mammary glands, which are responsible for milk production, are generally undeveloped in male cats. However, in certain cases, these glands may develop due to hormonal imbalances or other health conditions.

While it is technically possible for male cats to nurse kittens, their ability to provide adequate milk may be limited. This limitation in quantity or quality could potentially lead to malnourishment and developmental issues in the kittens. If an owner notices any signs of lactation in a male cat, it is advisable to visit a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause, as treatment may be necessary.

Additionally, if kittens are being nursed by a male cat, it may be wise to supplement their nutrition with formula to ensure they receive the proper nutrients needed for healthy growth.

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