Why do cats carry their kittens to human cribs? Why do they cover their human babies with licks and cuddles? Old wives tales say they are after milk, or worse, want to steal a baby’s breath. We can’t say for sure, and we would love to hear your ideas and theories on cats and babies in the comment belows. Enlighten us please.!
Here we have a compilation of videos of cats doing just this. They bring their kittens to cribs and tend to human babies as they would their own kittens. It’s adorable, but some would say unsafe or dangerous even. We offer a few ideas, however someone out there may have the real answer. If you do, please share! (see the kitties with their babies, human and kitten below).
Video: Cats Bring their Babies to Meet Our Babies!
Supposed Reasons Cats Bring Their Kittens to Cribs
Mother cats might bring their kittens to a human baby crib if they think it is a safe and protected space for her kittens to enjoy. In this instance, she is effectively combining her instinct to shelter her litter with her deep trust in your family.
Why Do They Do This?
- Safety and Elevation: Human cribs usually offer a high, enclosed, and secure environment that satisfies a mother cat’s instinct to keep her vulnerable babies off the ground and away from potential predators.
- Deep Trust in You: Cats are incredibly selective about where they nest. By placing her babies near your baby’s sleeping space or in it,she is acknowledging that she trusts your family completely and views you as an extension of her pack or colony.
- Babysitting / Co-Parenting: In the wild, female cats often raise kittens in communal groups. She may be bringing her kittens to the crib because she views you as a trusted “co-parent” and wants you to watch them while she takes a break to eat or rest.
Comfort: Cribs have soft bedding that mimics the comfort and warmth mother cats naturally seek to keep their litters bundled together.
Why Do Cats Lick Babies?
Your cat is likely licking your baby to show her affection to you and your baby. In the feline world, grooming (or allogrooming) is an instinctive maternal behavior used to nurture relationships when caring for kittens. We all know cats have an innate desire to keep themselves and their kittens clean, protecting themselves from predators.
- Bonding & Mothering: Your cat may have adopted the baby into their social group and views them as a kitten. Licking is a way to pass on the “pack” scent and making the baby feel safe as part of their family.
- Grooming: Cats have an innate drive to keep themselves and their loved ones clean, licking is how they do it.
- Tasting Residue: Babies often have food, breast milk, formula, or lotions on their skin. Cats can be naturally attracted to these smells and tastes.
Notes From One Cat to Me About Cats in Cribs:
Licking other cats and our favorite people, is a sign that we love you. From the time we’re kittens, we lick to groom each other, especially those spots that are hard to reach on our own. Petting us is just like being groomed by our mother’s rough tongue. It just feels great, and we like to return the favor with our favorite humans and their babies.
Further Thoughts on Cat Parenting
Maybe cats are just co-parenting. Some people’s thoughts on cats suggest that our caring for them, keeps them in a semi-kitten state. They may feel they need our help to care for their young, and bring them to our “nests” for safety. Without the need to hunt for food, they may be so reliant on us that they consider us an alpha predator or pack member to care for their young.
