When dog and cat siblings form a bond, it’s a strong one. And even though this adorable Kitten named Mulligan might be young, the sight of the clippers taking fur from his blind and deaf Doodle brother, Bumper, was enough to cause concern.
Even though Bumper wasn’t upset, that didn’t put Mulligan at ease. With a mighty little paw, he was ready to defend the honor of his canine sibling, and it’s a moment of pure wholesome goodness you don’t want to miss.
Watch the scene unfold in this Instagram post shared by @bumpertheluckdragon on October 27:
Even though Bumper wasn’t the least bit bothered by the sound or sensation, Mulligan didn’t quite see it that way. As soon as the buzzing started, the tiny kitten was ready to jump into action and defend his big brother with a brave little paw. The sight of the clippers taking away Bumper’s fluffy fur must have looked suspicious to the kitten, and he wasn’t about to take any chances.
Related: Deaf and Blind Dog Gently Schools Stray Kitten on Boundaries, and It’s Heartwarming
Everyone needs a friend like Mulligan. For a dog who can’t see or hear, having a companion who watches out for him makes all the difference. And while Mulligan may not understand what clippers are, he clearly understands love. Instead of running away or hiding, he stayed close, standing guard as a loyal protector.
Their mom shared that Bumper genuinely likes his grooming time. He enjoys the gentle scratches from the clippers, but isn’t always a fan when they reach his back legs. She always lets him decide when he’s had enough, even if that means spreading the haircut out over a few days. That level of patience and trust between them shows how much she understands his needs, and how much Mulligan seems to share in that care.
Blind and Deaf Dogs Live Full and Happy Lives
According to the Nebraska Humane Society, blind and deaf dogs can live joyful, independent lives when given structure and consistency. They rely on their remaining senses, such as smell, touch, and vibration, to navigate their world. Things like keeping furniture in the same place, maintaining routines, and using gentle cues can all help them move through life with confidence.
You can watch Bumper’s response to his Mom asking if he wanted to go for a walk with special prompts here:
Mulligan doesn’t know about training techniques or sensory adjustments. He just knows Bumper is his brother. And sometimes that’s more than enough.
Watching the two of them together is the sweetest reminder that real empathy doesn’t need to be taught. It’s felt. And in this case, it’s a friendship that couldn’t be stronger.
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This story was originally reported by Parade Pets on Nov 4, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.