A kitten confusing a pit bull for her new mom has the internet in hysterics, with the video receiving 3.8 million views.
In the viral clip shared to TikTok by user mz_blaze1169, a kitten named Gizmo can be seen suckling on Demi the dog’s nipple. Her “husband”—a male pit bull named Drippy—confusedly watches.
Despite being a completely different species, Demi doesn’t seem too concerned by the situation, letting Gizmo suckle.
“Okay, that’s the dad, that’s the mom and this apparently is her baby,” a caption read.
Is It Normal for Kittens to Nurse From Other Animals?
According to Carol Osborne – integrative veterinarian at Chagrin Falls Pet Clinic and the founder of PAAWS™ Pet Vitamins—it’s normal for kittens to bond with dogs.
“According to recent research published in Current Biology, nearly 65 percent of kittens bond with their caregiver,” Osborne told Newsweek. “The caregiver may be a cat, a dog or a person.”
Conducted by Oregon State University in 2019, the study revealed that, when given the choice, kittens will bond with people first and canines second. This is true if there are no cats around to be their caregiver.
“Kittens do not mistake other animals for their [biological] mother,” said Osborne.
“But should their parent not be present, kittens will bond with another animal or person from whom they receive affection and love,” she added.
It’s also not uncommon for kittens to try to feed from other animals, also known as “inappropriate nursing behavior.”
“It can stem from various issues. Orphaned kittens and kittens [that are] weaned too early from their mothers are most prone,” Osborne explained.
“Some do this because they feel stressed, and/or insecure. The latter has been compared to human children sucking their thumb.”
@mz_blaze1169 #catsoftiktok #pittiesoftiktok #dogsoftiktok #cutebaby ♬ original sound – lisaruffin
‘Dad Says He Wants a DNA Test’
TikTokers had a lot to say about the unusual parenting arrangement, with shannonbambi dubbing Gizmo a “pitten.”
“That’s not his mom but that’s her baby,” wrote ophelia.
“What a good mama, even if she’s an adoptive mother,” commented LaTasha iosefa.
“That cat is going to be tough. Raised on pit bull milk,” posted Chris.
“Love knows no boundaries,” wrote Dbratmom.
Drippy’s bewildered reaction also had users in stitches, with Hersh writing: “Dad says he wants a DNA test.”
“The ‘Dad’ needs u to call Maury asap, cuz he said he doesn’t make kittens,” agreed Pam.
“I don’t know how excited daddy is but that’s definitely his baby now also,” wrote Damiona.
Gillian commented: “Your dogs look so confused, but they’re not going to question their tiny new overlord.”
Dr. Carol Osborne is an author and world-renowned integrative veterinarian of twenty-plus years. After graduating from the Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Carol completed a prestigious internship at the Columbus Zoo. Shortly afterward, she launched a very successful private practice and became the founder and director of the non-profit organization, the American Pet Institute. Dr. Carol offers traditional veterinary care for dogs and cats with a softer, natural touch. Her approach highlights the importance of nutrition and utilizing holistic avenues in combination with traditional treatments. Currently, she offers holistic therapies and traditional veterinary medical care for dogs and cats at the Chagrin Falls Pet Clinic in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.
Dr. Carol Osborne is an author and world-renowned integrative veterinarian of twenty-plus years. After graduating from the Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Carol completed a prestigious internship at the Columbus Zoo. Shortly afterward, she launched a very successful private practice and became the founder and director of the non-profit organization, the American Pet Institute.
Dr. Carol offers traditional veterinary care for dogs and cats with a softer, natural touch. Her approach highlights the importance of nutrition and utilizing holistic avenues in combination with traditional treatments. Currently, she offers holistic therapies and traditional veterinary medical care for dogs and cats at the Chagrin Falls Pet Clinic in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Call our Office Today at (855) 372-2765 or complete this Form to Email our Office.