A post showing a cat demonstrating protective behavior toward her sibling and her kittens has warmed hearts on Reddit.
The post, shared by u/PDSnowden on March 13, has garnered 29,000 upvotes and highlights the remarkable bond between two feline sisters, Banana and Pumpkin.
The images in the post show Pumpkin, a black cat, sitting attentively on top of a cardboard box with a cut-out entrance, where Banana, the mother cat, sleeps with her newborn kittens.
The caption accompanying the post reads: “Ever since Banana has given birth, whenever she leaves the box, her sister, Pumpkin, will stand guard on top.”
Veterinary experts say Pumpkin’s actions are more than just affectionate—they reflect a deep-seated feline behavior.
Dr. Matthew McCarthy, the founder of Juniper Valley Animal Hospital in the New York City borough of Queens, told Newsweek: “I think what these cats are demonstrating is matrilineal support within a colony structure, which is a natural behavior in free-roaming cats. Unlike the solitary image we often associate with cats, they actually exhibit strong social structures when resources allow.”
A study published in September 2019 in Current Biology notes: “Research suggests we may be underestimating cats’ socio-cognitive abilities.”
The study said: “Cats, like dogs, can be found living in social groups or solitarily, depending on early developmental factors, resource distribution, and lifetime experiences such as human interaction.”
McCarthy explained that in colony settings, female cats often develop preferred social partnerships, particularly with their direct relatives.
“Research has shown that cats form matrilineal social groups, meaning related females—mothers, sisters and daughters—tend to stay together and cooperate in raising young,” he said.
This cooperation can even extend to communal nursing, where related female cats help care for each other’s kittens.
Pumpkin’s vigilance over Banana’s nesting area is part of this cooperative caregiving role.
“This behavior isn’t just about physical care—it’s also about protection,” McCarthy added. “So Pumpkin isn’t just standing guard over Banana’s box for fun—she’s fulfilling a biological role of cooperative caregiver, making sure no one messes with the kids.”
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Dr. Nita Vasudevan, a veterinary consultant for Embrace Pet Insurance, echoed these sentiments, explaining that this type of protective behavior is common among closely bonded cats.
“It’s not uncommon for cats to show protective behavior towards close family members, especially after one has given birth,” she told Newsweek.
Vasudevan emphasized that even in a safe home environment, instincts remain strong.
“This guarding instinct helps keep the vulnerable mother and her newborns safe from perceived threats—just as they previously would have had to in the wild or in a feral cat colony,” she said. “It’s a beautiful example of how deep feline bonds can be—Pumpkin likely senses Banana’s vulnerability and is stepping in to support her.”
‘This Is Precious’
The Reddit community was quick to respond to the post, with many users expressing admiration for Pumpkin’s protective nature.
One, u/woolbunny, commented: “I just can’t——— this is precious… I am hoping Banana and Pumpkin will always be together.”
Another Redditor, u/Rueger777, simply noted: “So adorable, what a good sister.”
Others saw Pumpkin’s role as more than just a sibling. User u/dv8njoe called her “a great aunt,” while u/Dana07620 summed up the sentiment: “Two moms are better than one.”
Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via the Reddit messaging system.
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