Airedale Terrier Nursed Orphaned Kittens in Ames
A five-year-old Airedale terrier at an Ames farm has stepped in to care for a litter of orphaned kittens.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Dogs
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A dog named Boudica has begun nursing a litter of orphaned kittens at Terrier Tough Farm in Ames. The kittens were brought to the farm after their mother was struck and killed by a car.
Why it matters
The kittens arrived at just six days old and required immediate care for survival. The dog's ability to act as a surrogate mother provides the essential warmth and nutrition the kittens need.
Boudica, a five-year-old Airedale terrier, nurses the kittens four times daily on the 10-acre Terrier Tough Farm. The kittens were approximately six days old when they arrived at the facility.
The players
Boudica
She is a five-year-old Airedale terrier residing at Terrier Tough Farm.
Terrier Tough Farm
This is a 10-acre facility located in Ames where the kittens are being raised.
The details
The dog, known as Bo, cleans the kittens and provides them with constant warmth through physical contact. While Bo has successfully raised kittens before, she currently experiences false pregnancies that contribute to her lactating and maternal behavior.
Timeline
Three years ago, Bo previously raised a litter of kittens.
On September 16, 2026, the orphaned kittens arrived at the farm.
Culture Shift
This event follows a documented pattern of interspecies nursing behaviors in domestic animals. Such occurrences highlight the capacity for maternal instincts in pets to transcend species barriers during critical periods of need.
The farm owners intend to provide the kittens with necessary vaccinations and microchips before they are old enough for adoption. Local residents interested in pet welfare may look for future updates regarding when these kittens will be available for new homes.
The takeaway
Surrogate animal mothers can provide vital support for orphaned young during emergency situations. Owners should consult with veterinarians when managing interspecies adoptions to ensure nutritional and health needs are met.
Further reading
Learn more about pet care and companionship on our Dogs section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by USA TODAY.
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