Dachshund Steps In After Cat Gives Birth, and the Story Stuns the Internet

A sweet Dachshund taught a beautiful lesson in parenthood by taking in a stray cat and her kittens. In a video shared on TikTok, the owner revealed the affection the dog showed to the feline family. In an interview with Amo Meu Pet (our Brazilian website about pet news), Rebeca Cruzeiro told the details of this touching story.

Rebeca, the owner of Mequinho—the Dachshund who melted the hearts of millions online—lives in Pernambuco, Brazil. She and her pet became famous after sharing the pup’s touching behavior toward a feline family.

In the video, you can see how Mequinho helps the cat care for her five kittens—grooming them, protecting them, and even sleeping beside them. It’s absolutely adorable!

According to Rebeca, the cat—now named Pintada—had always been around the house and already had a bond with Mequinho.

“When she gave birth, he immediately became alert and stayed by her side from start to finish—even helping clean the kittens. She allowed him to stay close and interact with them,” she described.

Pintada trusted Mequinho and Rebeca with her beloved litter. From birth through raising her kittens, she stayed close. In return, both of them offered all their love and space to the feline family.

“From the day they were born until now, he’s taken ‘responsibility’ for the kittens. When they were younger and wandered off, Mequinho would get very anxious, trying to bring them back to bed,” the owner explained.

As time went on, Mequinho noticed Pintada carrying the kittens in her mouth to bring them back—and he started doing the same.

Mequinho stayed by the cat’s side at all times. (Photo: Personal Archive/Rebeca Cruzeiro)

“He saw that Pintada was carrying them in her mouth to bring them back, and he wanted to do the same—and he still does it today,” Rebeca says proudly.

Fate of the Cat Family

Rebeca said Pintada is now officially a permanent member of the household. From the moment she trusted Rebeca and Mequinho with her babies, the cat completely melted her heart.

“Pintada chose us, and I only made the adoption official the day the kittens were born. Since then, she’s become my daughter—and Mequinho’s companion.”

As for the kittens, one sadly passed away a few days after birth. The others were put up for adoption and were incredibly lucky to find loving forever homes!

“Unfortunately, I couldn’t keep the kittens due to space, cost, and time constraints. However, they were all adopted,” she explained.

Father of the Year and Dream Gift

Even at just eight months old, Mequinho gave a lesson in love and compassion. According to Rebeca, he’s very affectionate, expressive, and wins hearts wherever he goes.

“He’s been like this since he was a tiny pup—always seeking affection from anyone who comes near,” she explained.

For Rebeca, Mequinho is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. According to her, even before he arrived, the dog already had a name—and a whole future planned out.

“Mequinho was a gift from a very close friend. She gave him to me because she knew my dream was to have a little wiener dog—and that even before he existed, I had already imagined his name, his look, and even his little face,” she concluded.

Watch the videos:

Mequinho, I don’t even have words to describe how much I admire your fatherly heart! See more of this cutie here!