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Moms are known as multitaskers and always need an extra set of hands — or paws — when tending to their children. Mama dogs usually handle multiple fur babies at once and have to do almost everything on their own. Just like human mothers, these pooches sometimes need a break.
This Labrador looked tuckered out as she fed her litter of little ones, but got some moral support from a ‘nanny’ you’d least expect.
The Instagram video from @fabulous_doodle featured the canine mom on the job, as always, as her fur babies got their regular sustenance. Snuggled beside her was her feline fur baby brother, Rasmus, who was taking a quick snooze while one of the pups crawled over him.
The pretty kitty was offering emotional support in the video, yet Rasmus is sort of a paws-on surrogate father to these pups.
“Dad is tired,” the caption read. “Just wanted to clarify that the cat isn’t the actual father. Rasmus the Holy Birman loves puppies and will often step in to nurture and snuggle them.”
The self-designated feline stepfather is very attuned to the dog mom’s feelings and steps up to lend a paw when she gets overwhelmed.
“If Mama needs a break, he’ll be the nanny and babysit them,” the story continued, adding with a joke, “But this morning he was sleeping while Mom was doing all the work… Typical Dads.”
Why Some Cats Feel the Need to Care for Puppies
Cats still have the stereotype of being aloof, yet they are actually very loving and nurturing. Felines often have a strong maternal (and in Rasmus’s case, paternal) instinct and tend to baby animals as if they were their own.
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“Science actually says that across species, nurturing behavior can be triggered by tiny cries, baby scents or the appearance of a baby,” the caption shared. “It’s the same deep caregiving instinct that makes mothers respond to their young.”
Related: Street Dog’s ‘Resilience’ and ‘Strength’ Kept Her 6 Puppies Alive
Felines go into compassionate mode when they hear a puppy’s soft whimpers or see a kitten struggling to walk, prompting them to care for the little one.
Rasmus is a wonderful example of how cats are happy to help when needed for both frisky fur babies and tired moms.
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This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Apr 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.