Cat sees postpartum mom struggling to pump—and does something unbelievable

A sleepy cat has gone viral for doing something that many moms only dream of during postpartum: “helping” with pumping.

In a viral TikTok video viewed over 25 million times and liked by more than 5.7 million people, one mom captured an unexpectedly tender moment between herself and her furry companion, and the internet is smitten.

The video, shared by TikTok user @j.44.4 on April 24, shows her cat gently pressing his paw on a breast pump as she pumps milk. It’s a moment that’s part hilarious, part heartwarming, and completely relatable to anyone who’s been in the trenches of early motherhood.

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“He helped me pump postpartum.”

Overlaid text on the clip reads: “Me getting annoyed at my cat but then I remember he helped me pump postpartum.”

The cat’s rhythmic paw mimicking the pump motion feels almost symbolic—a small but meaningful act of support during a time that often feels invisible and overwhelming.

@j.44.4 my Shayla 😭😭😭 #bennythecat #postpartumjourney #catsoftiktok #firstimemom ♬ original sound – seige knows

The TikTok comment section quickly turned into a virtual mom village:

• @kaileykartrashian: “That’s not a stepdad, that’s the dad who stepped up.”
• @Andrea: “Taking the night shift, respect😞✊.”
• Nooglenini: “And I I work like a dog day and night”

For countless moms, postpartum recovery can feel isolating and invisible. In those late-night moments of pumping and sleeplessness, even a cat’s sleepy paw can feel like real solidarity.

Related: For two years, this toddler and dog watched the world together—until one morning changed everything

Emotional support comes in all forms—including fur

Research shows that positive interactions with animals can have significant benefits for mental health. According to Psychology Today, spending time with pets can lower cortisol (a stress hormone) and boost oxytocin (a bonding hormone), creating a sense of calm and connection.

For a new mom adjusting to round-the-clock feedings, hormone crashes, and the emotional intensity of postpartum life, that kind of support can make all the difference.

Sometimes, emotional support doesn’t come from your partner or your parents. Sometimes, it comes with whiskers and a paw on the pump.

The village isn’t always human

This cat probably has no idea he helped his human through one of the hardest transitions of her life—but he did. And in doing so, he reminded millions that support doesn’t have to be perfect or traditional. It just has to show up.