When a California family brought home a kitten, they assumed their loyal Doberman would play the role of protector. But as one viral video shows, it’s the cat who stepped up to guard the dog.
Meet Diesel and Wasabi
Hanny, who lives in La Quinta, California, is the proud pet parent of Diesel, a Doberman with hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers under @diesel_dobie.
A few years later, Hanny welcomed a tabby kitten named Wasabi into the family. Though Diesel was already an adult, the gentle giant quickly took on the role of caregiver, helping raise Wasabi and his sister from just a few weeks old.
“Wasabi absolutely adores Diesel,” Hanny told Newsweek. “Diesel has raised him, and the two share an incredibly close bond.”
Viral Video: Who’s Protecting Whom?
On August 3, Hanny shared a video that has since earned nearly 600,000 likes.
The clip begins with Diesel and Wasabi sitting side by side, gazing out the window like a pair of security guards. The text overlay muses: “I always wonder, who would protect whom, but this might be a sign.”
Moments later, the scene shifts to the backyard. When a neighbor’s dog begins barking, Wasabi immediately rushes forward—placing himself directly in front of Diesel, tail flicking, ready to confront the intruder.
“Our kitty stands in front of our Doberman when a neighbor’s dog starts barking,” Hanny wrote. “Guess who is the youngest one of the two?”
Though it’s unclear if Wasabi would actually fight or flee, the stance was enough to send Instagram users into hysterics.
Internet Reacts
Viewers couldn’t get enough of the unlikely protector:
- “Cats are always ready for the smoke.”
- “Don’t mess with that kitty.”
- “The dog protects you, the kitty protects your dog.”
- “The most perfect combo I’ve ever seen.”
Why Cats and Dogs Can Be the Best of Friends
Though the stereotype paints them as enemies, cats and dogs can form incredibly strong bonds—just like Wasabi and Diesel. According to Purina, success often depends on personality and proper introductions:
- Start young if possible: Puppies and kittens are more likely to accept each other.
- Go slow: First meetings should be gradual and supervised.
- Give escape routes: Cats should always have a safe space to retreat to.
- Prevent chasing: Ensure the dog cannot overwhelm or corner the cat.
When done thoughtfully, the result can be a lifelong friendship—and sometimes, surprising acts of loyalty, like a cat guarding a Doberman.
PERGUNTAS FREQUENTES
Q: Do cats ever protect dogs?
Yes. While less common than the reverse, cats can become fiercely protective of their canine companions, especially if they’ve bonded strongly.
Q: How can I help a cat and dog get along?
Introduce them slowly, respect boundaries, and reward calm behavior. Over time, many will learn to coexist—and even thrive together.
Q: Are Dobermans good with cats?
With proper training and socialization, Dobermans can live peacefully with cats and even form strong bonds, just like Diesel and Wasabi.