URGENT UPDATE: A heartwarming TikTok video featuring a cat named Mama Skunk has taken the internet by storm, racking up over 3.3 million views and 585,300 likes just hours after its release. The video, posted by user @emookitkats in August, captures the emotional moment when Mama Skunk, while feeding her own kittens, is unexpectedly handed a small orange kitten that is not hers.
The reaction that follows has left viewers across social media in tears. In the video, Mama Skunk instinctively takes the orphaned kitten under her care, grooming and nurturing it as if it were her own. The poster’s caption reads, “Adding Mama Skunk to the wall of super cat mom’s with Harriette, Moggy, Boggle, and all the other amazing cat moms I’ve had. Skunk is now a step-mom! One big happy family.”
In an exclusive interview with Newsweek, Dr. Carly Fox, a senior veterinarian at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, explained that this behavior, known as alloparenting, is not unusual among feline mothers. “Caring for newborns is often hormonally based, so it’s likely that this plays a strong role in this instinct,” Dr. Fox stated. She elaborated that having an extra kitten can actually improve the survival rates of other kittens in a litter by diluting risks and stimulating maternal instincts.
Further insight from Dr. Liza Cahn, a veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance, indicates that while cats can identify their biological offspring primarily through scent, their maternal instincts often lead them to care for orphaned kittens as well. “As long as mom is willing and there are enough resources, fostering is not harmful to any of the cats involved,” Dr. Cahn said.
The emotional weight of the video is palpable, with comments pouring in from viewers. One user, Holly Carter, humorously noted, “Mama Skunk: I’m keeping this, I don’t have one this color.” Another user, Alexis, drew a parallel to human experiences, stating, “Imagine if you just gave birth to twins and someone just drops a third random baby off with you… and cats are just like, oh cool, I got this!”
Veterinary experts advise that when introducing an orphan kitten, it’s crucial to warm the kitten first, as chilled kittens struggle to digest milk. Dr. Peter Rakestraw from TelaVets.com emphasized that most cat mothers will readily accept a new kitten if introduced properly. “If the queen growls or hisses, take the kitten out and try again later. This kind of cross mothering is vital for orphaned kittens’ survival,” he added.
As this touching story continues to circulate, it highlights the incredible capacity of animals to nurture and adapt. Mama Skunk’s story is a reminder of the beauty of compassion in the animal kingdom, resonating with viewers and animal lovers around the world.
Stay tuned for more updates on this viral sensation, and if you have your own adorable pet stories to share, send them to [email protected] for a chance to be featured!
