10
Loading video...
By Lucy Notarantonio
Senior Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The phrase "double trouble" may spring to mind when watching this video of a kitten and his baby accomplice.
Newsweek spoke to mom Maddy, 28, about an old video that she re-posted on Instagram (@theyostfamily) that quickly went viral, amassing 3.9 million views.
It shows 8-month-old Emma tossing and turning in her crib. Then, seconds later, she is joined by 12-week-old Spencer, their black kitten.
Read More on Pets
Maddy, from California, said she had about four notifications from the baby camera during the now 2-year-old's afternoon nap.
...
The text featured at the start of the clip says: "Why do I keep getting movement notifications? Is she still not asleep?"
The footage shows she was far from sleepy, as Spencer can be seen whizzing around the crib while Emma attempts to play with him.
Maddy told Newsweek: "He had snuck in while I was laying her down and I didn't notice. I went and removed him from her room right when I noticed, and she fell asleep quickly after."
Indeed, cats and babies should never be left alone together, as explained by International Cat Care. Many cats enjoy being gently stroked, especially around the head and face. Therefore interactions with babies can be stressful for cats.
To ensure safety, cats and babies should never be left alone together, and all physical contact must be closely supervised by an adult. This allows for immediate intervention if needed and ensures the cat retains control over how and for how long the interaction occurs.
As babies grow stronger and more mobile, they pose a greater risk to cats by limiting the cat's ability to retreat. To protect your cat, provide accessible escape routes using vertical spaces and baby gates.
Owners are advised to always supervise interactions to prevent rough handling, and teach children to touch cats gently with a flat palm, avoiding sensitive areas.
Supporting your cat's need for safety, predictability, and control helps build a positive, lasting bond between your child and your cat.
In this instance, it was an accident that Spencer was in the room.
Speaking about their bond now, Maddy told Newsweek: "They have grown up together and are still best friends."
According to the comments section, many users have had similar experiences.
"When my brother was born, he wouldn't go to sleep without my cat, and the cat was thrilled because she thought the crib was hers to begin with," shared one user.
Another wrote: "Me and my cat also keep each other up at night."
A third commenter joked: "Hey, don't do this!! The cat and baby may form an alliance and take over the world!"
"They are up to no good together, little party animals," pointed out a fourth user.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines