Mother Cat Embraces Abandoned Kitten in a Heartwarming Display of Kindness

A mother's love knows no bounds, even in the animal kingdom. New mama cat Mushu may be busy with her new litter of kittens, but when an abandoned stray came along, she knew exactly how to help.

The adorable Instagram video shared by @animalxcuties shows the moment Mushu accepted the little one into her litter and it's the sweetest thing. She's such a natural!

"We took in a newborn kitten that was found by itself," the clip begins. "She immediately accepted him. Mama Mushu has another dumpling. He was so cold when we got him, but she knows what to do."

The proud mom doesn't hesitate to take care of the new kitten, carrying him back to her litter. She plops him right in the group where she bathes and feeds him. It's as if he'd been hers all along. The baby, named Shrimp, now has a new family to call his own.

"This touching video captures the incredible bond formed between the mother cat and the orphaned kitten, highlighting the compassion and nurturing instinct of animals," the caption says, in part. "See how this new family unit begins their journey together, showcasing the beautiful side of animal adoption and the impact of kindness in the animal world."

Mushu is such a good foster mom, and everyone who follows the account agrees.

"She came right over like 'um excuse me, this one is mine, too, thx,'" one person wrote.

"This is the BEST video on Instagram today...what a wonderful mumma," another said.

"Mama was like 'gimme that baby,'” another added.

Related: Mama Cat Reunites With Her Grown up Kittens in an Epic Group Snuggle

Taking Care of an Orphaned Kitten

Thank goodness Mushu stepped in to care for Shrimp, but not everyone has a mother cat willing to be a foster parent. VCA Animal Hospitals explains there are things to keep in mind when it comes to feeding an orphaned kitten, should you take one in. You'll need to ensure they have the appropriate heat, humidity, nutrition, elimination, sanitation, and social stimulation" to grow up healthy and happy. A little preparation goes a long way.

The site suggests using a log book to record weight and milestones like how much food they're eating and when, so you'll know if they're meeting the right milestones. If they're teeny tiny, the total fluid volume fed per day should be around 180mL/kg of kitten body weight from kitten milk replacement that includes all the appropriate nutrients, fed through a nursing bottle.

Feed the baby every 2-4 hours, or four to five meals a day. And because they can't go potty on their own at such a young age, stimulate their reflex "between the anus and vulva or penis with a warm, moistened cotton ball or soft cloth" to help them eliminate the goods. And offer them a warm place to lay because little babies get cold easily.

We're positive little Shrimp will have the best life, and it's all because Mushu gave him a second chance to have it.