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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.
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#1
My Son Has Loved My Cat Since The Day He Was Born. She Tolerates That Love In A Way I Never Thought Possible
Mimi La Souris 2 years ago
in this position, it looks like they are sitting in the same way, the child’s toe becoming the cat’s leg :D
Billie Templeton 2 years ago
I remember dressing my male cat up in a baby dress and pushing him around in a child sized baby buggy. He hated it but was so tolerant! All because his little human loved him. <3
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
Brooklyn Roffman 2 years ago
They have telepathically linked, op should expect son to begin meowing
#3
Best Friends
“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.
#4
They Found Her
robin aldrich 2 years ago
I am actually surprised one of them is not trying to steal the bottle
Widdershins66 2 years ago (edited)
I'm feeling uneasy with some of these photos... Sorry, but cats have been known to smother babies.
Laura Gillette 2 years ago
"We found our other littermate. Litters gotta sleep snuggled all together!"
Shyla Bouche 2 years ago
All the kittens in the same place. Much more convenient for the mothers.
#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
John Kamau 2 years ago
When you smile, I smile... I smile along with you, when you cry I cry, I cry along with you.
#6
My Twin Cats Meeting Their New Baby Brother
Peppy 2 years ago
I read somewhere that cats meowing evolved to sound like a baby crying, I think these two are trying to work out what’s being said
Gozer LeGozerian 2 years ago
They do it to manipulate us and have different meows for different needs. And if you ignore their meows , they'll spice it up with some extra meowling to really grind your gears and give them the attention they want
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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
#8
My Baby Is My Cat's Most Favorite Human
#9
My Wife Is 30 Weeks Pregnant, And This Is How Her Cat Cuddles With Her
Goth Nurse 2 years ago
The kitty is purring, baby gets used to the sound, resulting them to be besties! Also I am sure the cat knows what's going on. They're intelligent :)
A. Starhawk Hunt 2 years ago
Don’t let anyone mess with that baby. They will be sliced and diced!
The voice of reason 2 years ago
My daughter is due in several weeks. Have two cats and I hope they are as accepting to a baby as these cats have been. Plus the same for daughter in law in August.
Lousha 2 years ago
I'm sure your daugther-in-law will be accepting to your baby :D
Load More Replies...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.”
#10
This Cat And The Child
#11
My Son Has Learned A Lot From His Babysitter
A. Starhawk Hunt 2 years ago
Honestly? If I could keep my arms from dangling, it looks mighty comfy to me!
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Heather Talma 2 years ago
Oh goodness, this reminded me of when my niece went through a phase of rubbing her head on things she liked. Absolutely serious.
#12
We Forgot To Tell Our Cat That We Had A Baby
It’s also important to note that very young children inadvertently scare and harm pets by reaching and grabbing for them, Molly explained.
“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
Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago
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.
Shark Lady 2 years ago
I think I need to start having a cartoon night with my cats, question is do I start with Tom and Jerry or Top Cat?
#14
Been Keeping The Cat Away From The Baby So Far But Decided To Let Him Get Close And See What He Would Do
#15
My Wife Is Three Weeks Away From Her Due Date And Our Cats Love Snuggling Her Belly
Goth Nurse 2 years ago
Like I commented to another preg. belly hugging cat -picture: The kitty is purring, baby gets used to the sound, resulting them to be besties! Also I am sure the cat knows what's going on. They're intelligent :)
Mabelbabel 2 years ago
Pregnant bellies radiate heat because the mother's circulation has to go into overdrive. Its like walking round with a giant hot bottle strapped to you, so the cat thinks it's a heating mat.
#16
Baby, His Cat And A Squirrel
#17
My Sister Recently Had Her First Baby. I Took This Picture When She Introduced Him To Her Cat
#18
I Think They're Gonna Be Friends
Shark Lady 2 years ago
Kitty smiles are rare, I think the new addition to the family has been approved.
Just saying 2 years ago
In my opinion, you should print this picture out and hang it on a wall.
#19
Apparently, A Cat Is Also Suitable As A 'Babysitter'
#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
Comes running every time she cries with a head bump to console her too.
Goth Nurse 2 years ago
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.
Persephone 2 years ago
Rehabbed feral cats do this with strangers tho... it can take them a while. Maybe they meant "outside of family "...
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#21
Nanny Sleeps When The Baby Sleeps
Karen Klinck Klinck 2 years ago
That is one contented cat. She trusts the little human completely.
#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
Sunshine Lady 2 years ago
Our cat died when our first kid was 2 and a half years old, the cat was only 1 year older. It was such a big loss for the whole family.
#23
Where Do You Find Babysitters Like This One? I'm Interested
Patricia Henderson 2 years ago
Soon the tables will turn when the child uses the cat as a body pillow.
#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
Nathalie Örling 2 years ago
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
ravina nimje 2 years ago
Yummy baby? Jokes apart, you cat might consider your kid as her own may be that why.
P.A. Yearsley 2 years ago
Kitty loves baby. Grooming is one of the ways your cat says I love you. You know along with the adorable slow blinks.
Moosy Girl 2 years ago
Showing affection, he loves your baby but thinks your other kids are prats, sorry. (That or you should wash your baby more often.) :p
Mabelbabel 2 years ago
Grooming other cats is a way of showing affection, but also a way to strengthen family bonds and depositing the licker's scent on the lickee to mark them as family. Also, many cats like the way we taste-there's salt in our sweat, and some cats love that. Farmers put giant salt licks in with their cows as cows like the taste too, so a baby's sweaty head is like a salt lick to cats. That also accounts for why some cats like to lick their human's feet and in between toes.
#25
Have You Ever Seen Anything Sweeter?
bottomless.abyss.of.bordem 2 years ago
I'm not a fan of babies and I'm allergic to cats. However, I think I need this as a tattoo.
#26
Cat And Baby
#27
5-Year-Old Boy, 16-Year-Old Bro
Jeremy James 2 years ago
Some of my earliest memories are of headbutts with my cat, Peter. I would crouch down on the floor and he would run at me and smash his face into mine.
Load More Replies... Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago (edited)
Bro needs a good brushing in shedding season, to get those mats out of his fur. As for Boy, not so much.
#28
Rin-Chan, Who Has Been Watching Over My Son's Growth Since He Was Born, Thank You
#29
Keeping Tabs On The Little One
Kandice Heiple 2 years ago
Our cat follows our 4 year old everywhere when they're outside together. She's done it ever since he started toddling around
Phil Green 2 years ago
My cat does this to me and I'm 64! She follows me around outside and miaows at me if I start going too far from the house. She hates me going to work!
#30
Daisy Is The Best Big Sister. Daisy Purrs On Her Head Until She Falls Asleep
miameows 2 years ago
One of my cats sleeps on my pillow and it's warm and soft and when he purrs the whole pillows vibrates. Ahhhhh :)
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#31
Watching The Scenery Together
#32
Before Going To School
Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago
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.
#33
I Rescued Nuka And She’s Helped Nanny My Babies For 9 Years
#34
This Friendship
A. Starhawk Hunt 2 years ago
Same hairstyle, but one must dye their hair. Bet the kitty bleaches.
#35
Our Cat Is So Fascinated With Her New Baby Sister
Disgruntled Pelican 2 years ago
I clearly need more coffee because it took me an alarming amount of time to figure out the there is actually a pinecone and not a very weird bushy tail behind that cat.
#36
This Is Not What I Bought This Crib For
Ni Na 2 years ago
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.
Jiminy 2 years ago (edited)
Yeah, I hope they took that photo and then removed the cats. I love cats, and cats together with kids. But SIDS and suffocation are no myth.
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Wilson. 2 years ago
Our midwife told us it's an urban legend about cats smothering babies. Never had any problems with ours: it really frustrates me so many people have this misconception!!!
Beruthiel45 2 years ago
Definitely, me too. Sheer superstition with no basis in fact.
Load More Replies... #37
14-Year-Old Photos Of My Four-Legged Babysitter Watching Me
Flying Bacon 2 years ago
I can't believe the cat tolerated the second picture, but this is the sweetest thing ever
#38
I Have The Cutest Babysitter
#39
Professional Babysitter
#40
This Little Girl Knows How To Nap. 7 Kitty Guards
bottomless.abyss.of.bordem 2 years ago
One is watching all the security cameras on the tablet. No one is getting to this little one.
#41
Nanny
#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)
Shark Lady 2 years ago
Those last few days are so uncomfortable and exhausting, a purring cat will help her to relax.
Moezzzz 2 years ago
They know! I had a Rottweiler when I was pregnant with my oldest son- his name was Nash and he was the biggest baby, just a sweet boy all the way around. Under normal circumstances, he would beg for attention, give loads of kisses, super affectionate. But when I was pregnant? He was my guard dog. Would not let any man near me (except for my husband). Wouldn't even let my dad hug me without letting out a low growl. He HAD to be by my side constantly. When baby came home, his new target was Trey (my son). He would sleep under his crib at night and whine when Trey would cry. Trey was HIS buddy. I miss Nash. He was the best dog ever. I've never had another rottie after him.
Mere Cat 2 years ago
My 2 cats knew my labour was starting even before I did. About 3 weeks before due-date they both acted weird and restless, wouldn't leave my side, snuggling and purring like crazy. The next morning, my water broke and the day after that, our baby was born (spontaneous birth), early but healthy.
#44
My Niece And Her Babysitter, Angus
#46
Babysitter Ding: "Although My Younger Brother Pinched Me Secretly, I Still Act Like A Baby With Him. Am I A Good-Tempered Meow?"
#47
My Baby And My Cat Are Becoming Friends
#48
Babysitter's Morning Kisses
Alicat Wombat 2 years ago
Time traveling to witness the birth of the old wives tale of cats stealing babies breath
#49
Babysitter And Best Friend At The Same Time
#50
Our Baby Sitters Utilizing The Surround And Protect Strategy
ThatHuskyStorm 2 years ago (edited)
The two kitties remind me of my brothers cat and then our family cat who passed a few years ago. Tortie is my brother’s cat Celeste and the other looks like my family cat Izzy did. Tortie is still alive and only a couple years old fyi. You
#51
Babysitter Cat
#52
Mr. Weasley, Sitter Of Children
#53
My Cats Discovering They’re No Longer The Babies
#54
When Tora Works Hard For His Treats
#55
My New Babysitter. We Pay Her In Catnip
#59
The Babysitter That Sometimes Sits On The Baby
#60
Steve B’s Babysitting Service Is Not Just For Kittens, I Also Love Human Babies Very Very Much
#64
Your Shift Now
Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago (edited)
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.
#69
Apparently, I'm Some Sort Of A Bed For Cats And Babies
#73
Sleep Well Baby, Nanny's Here
#74
Meet My Big Sister And Unpaid Babysitter. Her Name Is Eevee
#78
Introducing Our New Family Member - His Infant Name Is Jerry. We Are So Surprised That Tom Yau Immediately Becomes The Most Caring Babysitter
#81
I Might’ve Found The Only Cat Willing To Cuddle A Human Child Who’s Perfect For My Cuddly Baby
#82
Professional Babysitter Over Here
Joshua Moore 2 years ago
My daughter loved her jumparoo, we had a puppy who essentially did the same. 😁🥰
#87
Our Aunt Banban Is Taking Care Of The Little Baby Very Seriously
#93
Of Course, My Full-Time Job Is A Professional Napper And Treat Eater, But I Offer Babysitting Services On The Side
#94
This No-Nonsense Nanny Disapproves Of Any Interruptions To Baby’s Strict Sleep Schedule
#97
Just Miss Mustard Babysitting Our Infant
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Jods 2 years ago
Unlike the absolute git who got ‘rid’ of her cat and dog a few weeks before her due date. Staffordshire Bull Terriers were once known as nanny dogs because they were (and still are) so good with young children.
T J R 2 years ago
My staffy was so great and gentle and protective of my daughter from baby age to toddler age. When we would leave the house, my dog would pull all the couch cushions onto the floor to make a fort, then she'd go and collect a bunch of my daughters toys to put into the fort, then she'd sleep in there until we got home. It was always the cutest thing. I miss that dog.
Load More Replies... Shark Lady 2 years ago
So many of the sleep photos made me nervous, I had to keep telling myself everyone was fine and just enjoy the cuteness.
Seabeast 2 years ago
But why? Cats suffocating babies is an old wives tale that has never actually been recorded to happen anywhere.
Load More Replies...
Rainclouds Radio 2 years ago
I had 2 cats when my son was born. One was absolutely fine with him, the other ran away in protest. He came back (the cat) a week later, all dirty and a bit skinny. The baby life is better than street life...
D20 Games 2 years ago (edited)
I have a daughter(8), cats didn't want anything to do with her when she was born. Sniffed her, then said, "Nope. I'm out." My son(6), our tabby, LOVES him. Sleeps next to him, guards him, plays with him. Other two cats will rub up against him, but nothing like the tabby. He adores the kitties. My daughter prefers the dog. I think the pets know who is going to be there friend.
Shelli Aderman 2 years ago
When our kids are sick, (they’re teens now), our cat pits on her nurse’s hat and will not leave their sides! It’s TOO cute! 💕
Susan Bosse 2 years ago
Our cat would sleep next to my son when he was a baby. She would come get me when he'd start crying and then shadow me until he was taken care of. She didn't leave his side very often. He was about 10 when we had to put her to sleep. She was 18 and had had several strokes. Broke my heart doubly.
Jods 2 years ago
Unlike the absolute git who got ‘rid’ of her cat and dog a few weeks before her due date. Staffordshire Bull Terriers were once known as nanny dogs because they were (and still are) so good with young children.
T J R 2 years ago
My staffy was so great and gentle and protective of my daughter from baby age to toddler age. When we would leave the house, my dog would pull all the couch cushions onto the floor to make a fort, then she'd go and collect a bunch of my daughters toys to put into the fort, then she'd sleep in there until we got home. It was always the cutest thing. I miss that dog.
Load More Replies... Shark Lady 2 years ago
So many of the sleep photos made me nervous, I had to keep telling myself everyone was fine and just enjoy the cuteness.
Seabeast 2 years ago
But why? Cats suffocating babies is an old wives tale that has never actually been recorded to happen anywhere.
Load More Replies... Rainclouds Radio 2 years ago
I had 2 cats when my son was born. One was absolutely fine with him, the other ran away in protest. He came back (the cat) a week later, all dirty and a bit skinny. The baby life is better than street life...
D20 Games 2 years ago (edited)
I have a daughter(8), cats didn't want anything to do with her when she was born. Sniffed her, then said, "Nope. I'm out." My son(6), our tabby, LOVES him. Sleeps next to him, guards him, plays with him. Other two cats will rub up against him, but nothing like the tabby. He adores the kitties. My daughter prefers the dog. I think the pets know who is going to be there friend.
Shelli Aderman 2 years ago
When our kids are sick, (they’re teens now), our cat pits on her nurse’s hat and will not leave their sides! It’s TOO cute! 💕
Susan Bosse 2 years ago
Our cat would sleep next to my son when he was a baby. She would come get me when he'd start crying and then shadow me until he was taken care of. She didn't leave his side very often. He was about 10 when we had to put her to sleep. She was 18 and had had several strokes. Broke my heart doubly.
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