#20. Onlookers Were On Edge
In 2000, zookeepers and guests were admiring an Asiatic bear named Mauschen at the Berlin Zoo when they found themselves completely taken aback by a cute stray cat that wandered into the bears habitat.
They feared the cat, later named Muschi, was going to meet its maker that day!
#19. The Bear Was Very Popular At The Zoo
Mauschen the bear was one of the favorites among the Zoo's visitors and workers.
Despite the countless different species residing at the zoo, everyone came to see the gorgeous animal, so when they saw Muschi in the same enclosure, they watched with wonder.
#18. The Cat Was Wandering Around The Enclosure
A zoo employee first spotted Muschi early in the morning while preparing the bear's breakfast.
The cat was sitting on a branch, and since the zoo didn't have any cats, they were wondering where Muschi came from. But they never thought the cat would enter the enclosure.
#17. Suddently The Cat Jumped Into The Enclosure
Mauschen eventually noticed the cat in the tree and became interested. Everyone watching wasn't sure if the bear was just curious or looking for a quick snack.
Mauschen made her way to where the cat was, and the cat then jumped from the branch and onto the ground inside of the bear's enclosure.
#16. Everyone Was Astonished
Everyone was amazed to see that the opposite of what they had feared happened.
Mauschen wasn't aggressive at all, she was quite enamored by the cat. The two soon became inseparable friends.
#15. They Were Separated For A Short While
In 2007, It was necessary to expand Mauschen's enclosure to improve her quality of life, so she would have to be moved for a while.
But the decision posed a problem. While the enclosure was under construction, the bear and cat would have to be apart.
#14. They Actually Missed Each Other
Neither of them understood that the change would be for the better and that they would soon be together again.
The zookeepers felt awful when Muschi would sit outside Mauschen's cage all night and refuse to leave.
#13. Their Suffering Finally Came To An End
The two had a hard time being separated from one another, but they were finally reunited as soon as Mauschen's enclosure was finished.
They were overjoyed to be back together in their improved home. And their relationship began to attract a lot of attention.
#12. Where Did Muschi Come From?
People were coming around from all over to see the unique pair, but they soon began asking questions.
One of the most popular questions was: where did the cat come from in the first place?
#11. Studying Their Extremely Unlikely Relationship
Everyone was curious about how Muschi made its way into the zoo, but they never got a solid answer. What was more fascinating was the couple's unlikely friendship.
How did a cat and bear become best buds, when the two animals would normally never be seen together?
#10. A Unique And Adorable Friendship
Nobody would have thought that a cat and bear that didn't grow up together could become best friends.
It turns out friendships can blossom in the most unexpected places. Another bear and cat couple was also found in California!
#9. Another Bear And Cat Couple
At the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, another unexpected friendship was found.
There were many similarities with Muschi and Mauschen, which could help researchers understand this strange pairing.
#8. Another Cute Black Cat
The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary workers named the black cat Little Bear.
The cat found its way into the bear enclosure and the two appeared to enjoy being around each other.
#7. The Zookeepers Were Amazed
Jill Faust, senior lead zookeeper in Folsom City, says it's unlike anything she has ever seen.
Everyone was shocked by the odd pair, but the zoo wanted to do its best to foster their relationship.
#6. Sequoia The Black Bear
Little Bear made an interesting choice for a friend.
It took interest in one of the zoo's biggest animals, a 500-pound black bear named Sequoia.
#5. They Helped The Zoo
Most zoos and sanctuaries need all the help they can get to mantain the grounds and animals.
Sequoia and Little Bear became so popular that they increased foot traffic at the zoo. People really wanted to see a small cat and a 500-pound bear hanging out with each other.
#4. Little Bear
The cat might be a fraction of the size and weight of the black bear, but she never seems intimidated by anything
. She seems really happy around her new bear family.
#3. Just Another One In The Group
Little Bear usually spends her days relaxing in the shade provided by the trees at the black bear enclosure.
Meanwhile, Sequoia and the other black bears mind their own business.
#2. Little Bear Actually Likes The Attention
The cat seems to love the attention she's getting from the visitors.
She doesn't mind living around animals that could easily kill her at any second.
#1. BFFs
Both Muschi and Mauschen and Little Bear and Sequoia are definitely the strangest bears and cats.
Their relationships are unique and have proven that we may not know as much about animals as we think.