Images via Facebook
A cat named Luna has spent the entirety of her owner’s pregnancy nestled against her belly, and now that the baby has arrived, she’s taken on the role of protector 24/7.
For pet owners who become parents, the worry about how their beloved animals will adapt to a new baby can be overwhelming. You want your furry companions to feel secure and happy in their home, especially after having loved them first. However, for one mother, those concerns were significantly eased by her cat’s unwavering affection and instinct to guard her little one—even before he was born.
Emma Watts shared heartwarming photos on Facebook that captured the fierce devotion her adopted cat, Luna, exhibited towards her baby bump. In her post, she expressed the pet’s commitment, stating, “She kept him cozy for 9 months while he was in my belly, and now she’s looking out for him now that he’s here… Love knows no bounds!” And indeed, it was a sight to behold.
As if these images weren’t heart-melting enough, once baby Jake made his debut, Luna ramped up her protective instincts.
This is the essence of love. The way Luna snuggles with “her” baby while keeping a watchful eye on Emma is precisely what every pet owner dreams of when expecting their first child. Bringing a new baby home comes with many concerns, particularly for those with pets who may need time to adjust to the changes.
When my first child arrived, our dog, who was just a year old, was the focal point of our lives. I was anxious about how he would react—would he lash out or ignore the baby entirely? While I was still in the hospital, my husband brought home a beanie that our newborn had worn, hoping to introduce her scent to our dog. We feared he might turn away from the whole situation.
To our joy, he cherished that beanie for the next two days, curling up with it while we waited to come home. Initially, he was a bit hesitant around her, especially when she cried, but he loved her unconditionally. Throughout her first year, he would sleep right outside her bedroom door and follow her as she learned to crawl and walk. Witnessing their bond grow was a delight, and I can’t imagine how heart-wrenching it would have been if things hadn’t turned out so well.
The thought of a cherished pet not accepting the new baby can be distressing. There’s always enough love to go around, but convincing your furry friend of that can be tricky. Thankfully, this mother and her little one have found a beautiful harmony, and Luna and baby Jake will hopefully share a long, joyful relationship. For more insights on the journey of parenthood, you might find this piece on home insemination interesting. Also, for anyone looking into at-home insemination, check out Make a Mom, an authority on the subject. Additionally, for comprehensive information regarding IVF, the Genetics and IVF Institute is an excellent resource.
In summary, Luna’s affectionate nature and protective instinct toward baby Jake before and after his birth is a heartwarming reminder of the special bond that can form between pets and children.