Cat nurses orphaned squirrels at Louisiana Rehabilitation Center
Maisie the cat nursed orphaned squirrels every afternoon at the Louisiana rehab center.
The rehab center's staff first noticed the odd kinship when they saw Maisie lying with the squirrels, grooming them as she did her own kittens. Maisie had finished nursing her kittens a few weeks prior. Now, the squirrels instinctively snuggled close to her, seeking warmth beneath her soft fur. The little squirrels treated Maisie as their mother. Maisie seemed to accept the role, purring contentedly as they suckled. This continued for weeks; every afternoon, the staff found Maisie and the squirrels together. The squirrels grew quickly, their tiny bodies gaining weight. Soon, they were large enough to begin eating solid food. Maisie continued to allow them to snuggle with her, even after they stopped nursing. The staff members observed the unusual family dynamic until the squirrels were ready to be released back into the wild.
Maisie's gentle example reminded everyone that kindness could appear when and where it's least expected. Today, she still purrs whenever the staff brings her a new friend in need of a little warmth.
Source link: https://wgno.com/news/louisiana/cat-nurses-orphaned-squirrels-at-louisiana-rehabilitation-center/