Sweet Cat Decides a Chipmunk Is Her New Baby-and They Almost Look Like Twins
When we think of cats and chipmunks (or any outdoor critters, really), we usually don't think of it ending well. That's why a lot of cats aren't allowed outside: letting a cat outside unsupervised can be bad for the natural ecosystem.
However, one cat is determined to break that stereotype. She recently saw a chipmunk who definitely needed some help. Luckily, she wasn't willing to leave him behind, and she took him in without a moment's hesitation. Honestly, they kind of look alike:
@fayrasmussen I mean they are the same colors I guess #cat#chipmunk cute animal
original sound - Fay-Lynn Rasmussen
Fay-Lynn lucked out having a cat who was so willing to take in an animal she'd never seen before. A lot of cats wouldn't be so kind! How this chipmunk came to be in the kitty's care is unclear, but one thing is clear as can be: she really loves him.
You can hardly see him when they're snuggled up at first! He blends right in with her tail, which just feels like even more proof that they were meant to be together. There is also a dog in the house, but he's probably not super interested in playing dad to a chipmunk.
Related: Orange Cat Raises Baby Raccoon With Her Kittens-and He Fits Right In
Whether they're going to keep the chipmunk forever isn't clear yet, but for now, he's getting all the love he needs. The humans are making sure he's well fed, and the cat is making sure he's well snuggled. That's a perfect combo:
@fayrasmussen Day 5 of a newfound kinship #catsoftiktok#chipmunk#pet cute animal
Sweet Heat Lightning - Gregory Alan Isakov
Don't worry: they're never alone together unsupervised, just to be safe. When they can't be together, the chipmunk is tucked away in a cat-proof place. They just get some supervised snuggle time every day!
What Drives a Cat's Maternal Instincts?
Mama cats love their babies fiercely. They would do anything to protect them, even if it meant risking their own lives. When they have babies, even their favorite humans will have a hard time getting near them!
A cat's maternal instincts are biological and hormonal. Kittens are born completely helpless, and their mothers know they need to move them to a safe place and feed them in order to keep them alive. However, cats will often "team up" and take care of kittens who aren't even theirs.
A cat may be inclined to raise a baby who isn't hers, even if they're not the same species, if:
- The baby is very young.
- It's obviously in need of her help.
- Not necessary, but if she's just had a litter of kittens, she's more likely to accept another baby.
A young, vulnerable animal, kitten or not, can trigger a cat's protective and maternal instincts. You still need to be responsible about it, but there's no harm in (carefully) trying!
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This story was originally published June 18, 2026 at 6:00 PM.