Some people worry that having animals at home with a baby might not be a good idea. However, many families have shown that pets can form strong, loving bonds with their children, proving those concerns wrong.
One such family is Amanda and Derek’s, who live with their two children, Sadie and Liam. Alongside them are two feline companions who have become integral members of their household. These cats have not only become close friends to the kids but are treated as siblings by Amanda’s children. From the moment the kittens joined their home, Amanda and Derek felt confident that they would get along well with their little ones.
Bringing a new pet into the family is always a significant decision, and Amanda naturally had some concerns when she decided to adopt two kittens, Freddie and Vito, before her second child was born. At that time, Sadie, their first child, was just a year old.
But Amanda’s worries quickly vanished when she first laid eyes on the 3-month-old kittens. She realized they were calm and would likely grow up harmoniously with Sadie. As it turned out, Sadie and the kittens became as close as siblings.
From the time Sadie was a baby, Freddie and Vito were her constant companions. Amanda and Derek enjoyed watching their daughter play with the kittens, seeing them share hugs, kisses, and even the occasional sibling squabble, only to make up soon after. Over time, the bond between Sadie, Freddie, and Vito only grew stronger.
There were even some funny moments at night when Amanda would catch Freddie sneaking into Sadie’s crib. Freddie was especially close to Sadie, and one night, Amanda noticed on the baby monitor that Freddie was making a secret visit to Sadie’s crib. The family wasn’t sure how long these late-night visits had been going on.
Freddie would hide under the crib, waiting for Amanda to leave the room before jumping up to see his best friend. “I love the secret meetings they have behind our backs,” Amanda shared with The Dodo. “And now we always check under the crib before closing the door.”
As time went on and Freddie and Vito grew into large, healthy cats, Amanda and Derek welcomed their second child, Liam. The cats continued to play with Sadie but also made sure to give plenty of attention to the new baby. Watching their children, Sadie and Liam, grow up with Freddie and Vito has been a joy for Amanda, who said, “As everyone grows up, I’m sure their relationship will mature, and their love will grow for each other. I can’t wait to continue to watch it.”
The National Park Service has a plan to potentially euthanize up to 170 feral cats under the guise of nuisance control. Demand a policy that protects these cats!
This heartwarming family story is truly delightful. If you’d like to follow Sadie and Liam’s adventures with Freddie and Vito, you can check them out on Instagram. Be sure to share this with your friends and family!