Cats have unique ways of playing with their toys, and not all of them approach it the same way. A TikTok video shared by cat owner Faith Poschwatta showcases a heartwarming moment with her black and white rescue cat, who treats a new toy squirrel as her own baby.
Despite growing up in the same environment, Faith’s two cats have very different reactions to toys. While one cat is mostly uninterested and prefers napping or scratching the scratching post, the other can’t get enough of toys, particularly those that involve catnip. But the cat in the video takes playtime to a whole new level.
In the footage, Faith’s rescue cat can be seen gently caring for her new toy squirrel as if it were her kitten. She even tries to share her food and water with it, showcasing her nurturing instincts. “I got my rescue cat a new toy squirrel yesterday, and this is the first toy she’s ever treated like a baby,” Faith shared in the TikTok caption. “I just looked over to her trying to share her food and water with it.”
This display of gentleness and care has melted hearts everywhere. While some cats simply play with toys, this cat has taken it a step further, treating her toy like a baby to care for.
As cat behaviorist Tom Kirby notes on his site, Kitty Help Desk, some cats form strong attachments to their toys, often pretending the toy is their baby. This behavior is especially common in cats who may not have received much socialization in their early life. “The toy essentially fills a gap in their world and comforts them, much like a stuffed toy comforts a child,” Kirby explains.
The cat in the video has found a forever home, where she will likely continue receiving the love and attention she so clearly deserves. Her nurturing behavior with her toy squirrel is a reminder of the unique ways cats form bonds, whether with their owners or their favorite toys.
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