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The psychological benefits of owning a cat have long been documented. From reduced anxiety and stress to lower risk of heart disease and improved general well-being, there are countless ways our furballs enrich our lives.

If you have one, you know it. There’s nothing quite like a fluffy hug or a warm sit on your lap when you feel down. And cats shared in this list of pictures compiled by Bored Panda are clearly aware of their magical powers.

Call them feline babysitters or guards with whiskers, but one thing is clear, they are here for us, little and big ones, when we need them.

While it's cute to look at the pictures of cats “babysitting” tiny humans, Molly DeVoss, a certified feline training and behavior specialist on a mission to reduce the number of cats euthanized in shelters, warns that such interactions must be supervised. Scroll down below for the full interview with her.

#1

My Son Has Loved My Cat Since The Day He Was Born. She Tolerates That Love In A Way I Never Thought Possible

My Son Has Loved My Cat Since The Day He Was Born. She Tolerates That Love In A Way I Never Thought Possible

Queen_trash_mouth Report

Molly shared some very important information about the interactions between cats and children, and she is also doing a free seminar on Cats and Kids on Saturday, April 1 on Zoom. She will be talking about how to integrate cats with kids as well as what to do if you’re pregnant and have a cat, so make sure to check out her webinar.

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#2

My 1.5-Year-Old Son And 14-Year-Old Cat Had A Moment This Morning

My 1.5-Year-Old Son And 14-Year-Old Cat Had A Moment This Morning

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“Cats should always be supervised around young children. When a child is about six years of age, they should understand compassion, and have been taught how to properly interact with a cat and read the cat’s body language,” the feline behavior specialist explained.

Molly argues that the onus is on the parents to teach children proper kindness behavior and show them what discomfort looks like in a cat. “Always watch the interaction closely and separate them if either is acting inappropriately,” she said.

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#5

Our Cat Had Kittens Days After We Had Our Baby. The Kitten Climbs Into The Lounger With A Baby Whenever He Has The Chance. These Two Were Destined To Be Best Buds

Our Cat Had Kittens Days After We Had Our Baby. The Kitten Climbs Into The Lounger With A Baby Whenever He Has The Chance. These Two Were Destined To Be Best Buds

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We also asked Molly what’s the best way to introduce a baby to a cat, and it turns out that the cat should be introduced to the baby long before it is born. “A baby is a strange alien to a cat; with new smells, sounds and sights.”

Molly recommends using products you’ll use on the baby before it is born. “This way, the cat gets used to the scent of the new one and it’s not quite as jarring when the baby comes home.”

#7

My Wife Just Sent Me This Picture Of Our Daughter And Cat. I'm Crying At Work

My Wife Just Sent Me This Picture Of Our Daughter And Cat. I'm Crying At Work

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#8

My Baby Is My Cat's Most Favorite Human

My Baby Is My Cat's Most Favorite Human

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#9

My Wife Is 30 Weeks Pregnant, And This Is How Her Cat Cuddles With Her

My Wife Is 30 Weeks Pregnant, And This Is How Her Cat Cuddles With Her

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Molly’s advice is for a mom to even try carrying around a baby doll. This way “the cat gets used to the size and interaction between parent and new child.”

Moreover, “there are desensitization music tracks with faint baby sounds in them that help the cat to become familiar with the sounds.”

#11

My Son Has Learned A Lot From His Babysitter

My Son Has Learned A Lot From His Babysitter

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#12

We Forgot To Tell Our Cat That We Had A Baby

We Forgot To Tell Our Cat That We Had A Baby

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It’s also important to note that very young children inadvertently scare and harm pets by reaching and grabbing for them, Molly explained.

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“Young children don’t yet comprehend cause and effect, empathy and compassion. Every child is different in the age they develop responsibility; gauge that individually and protect both your child and pet,” the cat behavior specialist concluded.

#13

Tonight Is Their Cartoon Evening

Tonight Is Their Cartoon Evening

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Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My husband is a very early riser. Our cat Tabby is the resident “night shift patrol” in our house, so she’s always his little Buddy when he has his coffee and turns on the TV. Tabby will sometimes sit and watch a few minutes of TV. TCM had a silent Harold Lloyd movie on a couple days ago. My husband told me Tabby watched the entire movie, start to finish, which she never does. So I guess she’s now a feline Harold Lloyd fan.

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#14

Been Keeping The Cat Away From The Baby So Far But Decided To Let Him Get Close And See What He Would Do

Been Keeping The Cat Away From The Baby So Far But Decided To Let Him Get Close And See What He Would Do

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#15

My Wife Is Three Weeks Away From Her Due Date And Our Cats Love Snuggling Her Belly

My Wife Is Three Weeks Away From Her Due Date And Our Cats Love Snuggling Her Belly

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#16

Baby, His Cat And A Squirrel

Baby, His Cat And A Squirrel

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#17

My Sister Recently Had Her First Baby. I Took This Picture When She Introduced Him To Her Cat

My Sister Recently Had Her First Baby. I Took This Picture When She Introduced Him To Her Cat

RyanH129 Report

#18

I Think They're Gonna Be Friends

I Think They're Gonna Be Friends

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#19

Apparently, A Cat Is Also Suitable As A 'Babysitter'

Apparently, A Cat Is Also Suitable As A 'Babysitter'

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#20

Cat Who Hates And Attacks/Runs From Everybody But Owner Now Madly In Love With Two-Week-Old "Sister". Keeps A Watchful Eye Out When Anybody Holds The Baby

Cat Who Hates And Attacks/Runs From Everybody But Owner Now Madly In Love With Two-Week-Old "Sister". Keeps A Watchful Eye Out When Anybody Holds The Baby

Comes running every time she cries with a head bump to console her too.

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Goth Nurse
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Real talk though: Cat "hating" and running from everyone is an indicator to that the cat is not well. Google Jackson Galaxy for help in to this kind of situation.

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#22

7 Years Ago. I Will Always Treasure This Memory And Picture. Zane Is Now 12 And Lola Is No Longer With Us. She Was The Sweetest Kitty And Zane Was Always Her Boy. I Miss Her

7 Years Ago. I Will Always Treasure This Memory And Picture. Zane Is Now 12 And Lola Is No Longer With Us. She Was The Sweetest Kitty And Zane Was Always Her Boy. I Miss Her

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#23

Where Do You Find Babysitters Like This One? I'm Interested

Where Do You Find Babysitters Like This One? I'm Interested

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#24

Why Does My Cat, Whom I’ve Had For 10 Years, Lick My Baby? He Doesn’t Lick My Older 2 Kids (4 And 6), But I Can’t Get Him To Stop Licking My Baby

Why Does My Cat, Whom I’ve Had For 10 Years, Lick My Baby? He Doesn’t Lick My Older 2 Kids (4 And 6), But I Can’t Get Him To Stop Licking My Baby

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Nathalie Örling
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My cat Chloe has done this a few times with my daughter. She's always been overprotective of her too. Like if she cried, Chloe would come and stare at the person holding her. If the crying continued, she would bite the person holding my daughter. She probably believed my daughter was being hurt

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#25

Have You Ever Seen Anything Sweeter?

Have You Ever Seen Anything Sweeter?

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#28

Rin-Chan, Who Has Been Watching Over My Son's Growth Since He Was Born, Thank You

Rin-Chan, Who Has Been Watching Over My Son's Growth Since He Was Born, Thank You

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#30

Daisy Is The Best Big Sister. Daisy Purrs On Her Head Until She Falls Asleep

Daisy Is The Best Big Sister. Daisy Purrs On Her Head Until She Falls Asleep

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#31

Watching The Scenery Together

Watching The Scenery Together

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#32

Before Going To School

Before Going To School

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Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

About 30 years ago, I had a cat named Murphy. That was before I started keeping my cats strictly indoors. Murphy loved the neighborhood kids so much—-and the feeling was mutual—-during the school year, she would accompany them to the bus stop in the morning, and be there waiting for them in the afternoon. RIP Murph, you are so very missed.

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#33

I Rescued Nuka And She’s Helped Nanny My Babies For 9 Years

I Rescued Nuka And She’s Helped Nanny My Babies For 9 Years

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#35

Our Cat Is So Fascinated With Her New Baby Sister

Our Cat Is So Fascinated With Her New Baby Sister

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#36

This Is Not What I Bought This Crib For

This Is Not What I Bought This Crib For

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Ni Na
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't think this is safe. When babies are too young, they are not able to push the cat away. So there are a lot of accidents in the past - you should always supervise your cat and your baby or don't let the cat(s) in the crib. But cute image.

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#37

14-Year-Old Photos Of My Four-Legged Babysitter Watching Me

14-Year-Old Photos Of My Four-Legged Babysitter Watching Me

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#40

This Little Girl Knows How To Nap. 7 Kitty Guards

This Little Girl Knows How To Nap. 7 Kitty Guards

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#42

Cat Snugging My Wife’s Pregnant Belly. He Was Rubbing His Face On Her Belly All Evening. (Went To The Doctor Today, The Baby Could Arrive Any Day Now)

Cat Snugging My Wife’s Pregnant Belly. He Was Rubbing His Face On Her Belly All Evening. (Went To The Doctor Today, The Baby Could Arrive Any Day Now)

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Shark Lady
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Those last few days are so uncomfortable and exhausting, a purring cat will help her to relax.

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#43

My Kids With Their Fluffy Guardian

My Kids With Their Fluffy Guardian

Ok-Lawfulness8356 Report

#44

My Niece And Her Babysitter, Angus

My Niece And Her Babysitter, Angus

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#45

Rain Watching With Didi

Rain Watching With Didi

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#46

Babysitter Ding: "Although My Younger Brother Pinched Me Secretly, I Still Act Like A Baby With Him. Am I A Good-Tempered Meow?"

Babysitter Ding: "Although My Younger Brother Pinched Me Secretly, I Still Act Like A Baby With Him. Am I A Good-Tempered Meow?"

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#47

My Baby And My Cat Are Becoming Friends

My Baby And My Cat Are Becoming Friends

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#49

Babysitter And Best Friend At The Same Time

Babysitter And Best Friend At The Same Time

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#50

Our Baby Sitters Utilizing The Surround And Protect Strategy

Our Baby Sitters Utilizing The Surround And Protect Strategy

fifa71086 Report

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Louplou
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Was trying to work out what was going on with the weird, grey cat....it's a dog

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#52

Mr. Weasley, Sitter Of Children

Mr. Weasley, Sitter Of Children

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#53

My Cats Discovering They’re No Longer The Babies

My Cats Discovering They’re No Longer The Babies

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#54

When Tora Works Hard For His Treats

When Tora Works Hard For His Treats

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#56

So Adorable, The Nanny Is Reading To Him

So Adorable, The Nanny Is Reading To Him

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#57

Nanny Will Take Care Of The Baby Now

Nanny Will Take Care Of The Baby Now

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#58

How Did It Happen?

How Did It Happen?

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#59

The Babysitter That Sometimes Sits On The Baby

The Babysitter That Sometimes Sits On The Baby

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#60

Steve B’s Babysitting Service Is Not Just For Kittens, I Also Love Human Babies Very Very Much

Steve B’s Babysitting Service Is Not Just For Kittens, I Also Love Human Babies Very Very Much

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#61

The Best Babysitter

The Best Babysitter

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#62

No, I Am Not In A Prison, I Am In My Little Human's Crib

No, I Am Not In A Prison, I Am In My Little Human's Crib

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#63

Both Of My Babies Are Sleeping

Both Of My Babies Are Sleeping

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#64

Your Shift Now

Your Shift Now

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Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you have more than one cat, and either have a baby, or are in bed sick/recuperating from surgery, you will always have at least one keeping you company. They’ll take shifts, as well as relieve the other(s) to cuddle their other human(s) for a few minutes, eat, and visit the litter box. Then they’ll have some full on zoomies to stretch their legs before coming back to bed with you.

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#65

She Purrs And Takes Care Of Children. It's Hard To Dream Of A Better Cat

She Purrs And Takes Care Of Children. It's Hard To Dream Of A Better Cat

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#66

Best Friends

Best Friends

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#67

The Cutest Babysitter

The Cutest Babysitter

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#68

A Baby And A Cat. That Is All

A Baby And A Cat. That Is All

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#69

Apparently, I'm Some Sort Of A Bed For Cats And Babies

Apparently, I'm Some Sort Of A Bed For Cats And Babies

Gazelles8 Report

#70

Cat Babysitter

Cat Babysitter

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#71

The Cutie's Babysitter. Our Little Neo

The Cutie's Babysitter. Our Little Neo

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#72

Babysitter

Babysitter

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#73

Sleep Well Baby, Nanny's Here

Sleep Well Baby, Nanny's Here

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#74

Meet My Big Sister And Unpaid Babysitter. Her Name Is Eevee

Meet My Big Sister And Unpaid Babysitter. Her Name Is Eevee

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#75

Siblings Playing

Siblings Playing

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#76

Being A Good Sister And Looking After My Little Brother

Being A Good Sister And Looking After My Little Brother

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#77

Don’t Worry Ludo, I’m With You

Don’t Worry Ludo, I’m With You

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#78

Introducing Our New Family Member - His Infant Name Is Jerry. We Are So Surprised That Tom Yau Immediately Becomes The Most Caring Babysitter

Introducing Our New Family Member - His Infant Name Is Jerry. We Are So Surprised That Tom Yau Immediately Becomes The Most Caring Babysitter

tinyau_meow Report

#79

Cat Babysitting A Baby

Cat Babysitting A Baby

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#80

Just A Girl And Her Kitty

Just A Girl And Her Kitty

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#81

I Might’ve Found The Only Cat Willing To Cuddle A Human Child Who’s Perfect For My Cuddly Baby

I Might’ve Found The Only Cat Willing To Cuddle A Human Child Who’s Perfect For My Cuddly Baby

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#82

Professional Babysitter Over Here

Professional Babysitter Over Here

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Joshua Moore
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My daughter loved her jumparoo, we had a puppy who essentially did the same. đŸ˜đŸ„°

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#83

My Kid And Cat This Morning

My Kid And Cat This Morning

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#84

Cats Make The Best Babysitters

Cats Make The Best Babysitters

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#85

Cat Baby-Sitteuse

Cat Baby-Sitteuse

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#86

Nap Time

Nap Time

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#87

Our Aunt Banban Is Taking Care Of The Little Baby Very Seriously

Our Aunt Banban Is Taking Care Of The Little Baby Very Seriously

banban_catlife Report

#88

When You Have A Babysitter At Home

When You Have A Babysitter At Home

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#89

Babysitter

Babysitter

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#90

Professional Babysitter At Work

Professional Babysitter At Work

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#91

A Baby Sitter. Although, He's Not Doing A Very Good Job

A Baby Sitter. Although, He's Not Doing A Very Good Job

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#92

Babysitter

Babysitter

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#93

Of Course, My Full-Time Job Is A Professional Napper And Treat Eater, But I Offer Babysitting Services On The Side

Of Course, My Full-Time Job Is A Professional Napper And Treat Eater, But I Offer Babysitting Services On The Side

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#94

This No-Nonsense Nanny Disapproves Of Any Interruptions To Baby’s Strict Sleep Schedule

This No-Nonsense Nanny Disapproves Of Any Interruptions To Baby’s Strict Sleep Schedule

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#95

Babysitting While The Little One Is Sleeping

Babysitting While The Little One Is Sleeping

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#96

It Is Hard To Get Good Nannies In These Times

It Is Hard To Get Good Nannies In These Times

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#97

Just Miss Mustard Babysitting Our Infant

Just Miss Mustard Babysitting Our Infant

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#98

My Little Babysitter

My Little Babysitter

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#99

Play Time

Play Time

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#100

Nanny Cat

Nanny Cat

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#101

Big Brother Babysitting

Big Brother Babysitting

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