Marmalade is a male creamsicle cat. His dog sister, Maple, recently gave birth to a litter of puppies. You might think the young cat would shy away from the new puppies. The opposite is true. Marmalade has decided that puppies need a dad, and he is stepping into that role. As cat Dad to at least six puppies, Marmalade rules the roost.
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Marmalade supervises feeding time, ensuring all the pups have enough to eat. After meals, naps are a must, with the cat lying near the pups in case they awaken. Then it’s bath time, followed by playtime. Marmalade takes an active interest in everything the little puppies do throughout the day. The responsible cat Dad helps bathe the puppies and comforts them.
Watching the puppies grow, the cat Dad adjusts to his changing role. As they wean to solid food, he keeps a watchful eye. When the humans decide to play, Marmalade ensures they don’t play too rough with his little charges. The puppies move to supervised outside play as they grow, and the cat stays beside them.
Marmalade is gentle as the puppies learn to roughhouse, even though they will soon be bigger than him. The cat tolerates his puppies, even as they begin the “chew everything” phase, and try to eat his face.
Playing with dogs is not new to this cat. He is accustomed to sparring with the puppies’ mom, Maple. Marmalade grew up under the gentle care of Maple, so it seems the cat is repaying the favor by helping her raise her puppies.
Watching Maple and Marmalade co-parent these puppies is beautiful. When the cat has the puppies, it gives Mom Maple a chance to rest.
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