Cat 'Admiring' Newborn Kittens Melts Hearts

Cats used to have a bad reputation as their independence makes people believe they aren't affectionate. However, these days, the internet is flooded by videos that show felines do have a soft side.

One heartwarming clip shared on April 11 by owner Sara (@saritaxdg) shows her tabby cat named Luna showering her three kittens with love. TikTok users seem to be taken aback by the way Luna uses her paw to stroke one of her baby's heads; this is followed by the mom grooming and cuddling them. The tear-jerking video has received more than 1.4 million views and over 242,000 likes, at the time of writing.

The comment section has amassed over 1,500 comments from people who can't get over how quickly Luna has adapted to mom life.

One user pointed out, "The way she's patting them on the head," while another commented: "Nothing like motherly cat love."

A third viewer wrote: "One of the most beautiful things I ever saw was my cat becoming a mom. It was the most beautiful thing ever."

A fourth user described Luna as "a proud mother."

"The way she is admiring them," posted another.

Do Cats Have Motherly Instincts?

In short, the answer is yes, cats are indeed maternal. Some may even become aggressive after giving birth, but owners shouldn't worry as it is a natural response known as maternal aggression. An online community built by animal professionals called PetPlace says that the mother cats' hormones are enhanced, and protective instincts kick in.

It is common for a mother cat to hiss or display hostility if she perceives a threat to her kittens, and in extreme cases, she might harm her young to protect them. To support her, maintain a calm, low-traffic area where she can care for her kittens without feeling threatened or stressed.

Mother cats, or queens, care for their kittens from birth through early development. Initially, they find a quiet space for delivery, help their kittens breathe by removing amniotic sacs, and ensure they feed promptly.

As kittens grow, the queen teaches them to feed, groom, and eventually socialize. The process also includes teaching kittens to use the litter box and introducing them to humans to aid socialization.

The mother cat remains protective and nurturing throughout this period, balancing care for her litter with her own health needs.

Recently, Newsweek shared a bittersweet story about a cat called Frankie, who adopted two orphaned babies—who happened to be the exact same age as her kittens who sadly passed away.

Newsweek reached out to @saritaxdg for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case.

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.