This is the amusing moment a monkey kidnapped a family's kitten and refused to release her.

The affectionate pet primate named Puteh snatched Oyen, the hapless ginger cat, for a cuddle in Penang, Malaysia.

Footage shows the 16-year-old macaque clutching the motionless kitten like a prized teddy bear, all while locking eyes with its calico mother, Tompok, on August 12.

Tompok can be seen sitting anxiously, seemingly ready to charge should the monkey dare harm her baby.

Their pet owner said: 'They were just playing at the time. Sometimes Puteh even hugs the mama cat, too — and surprisingly, the cats seem to enjoy the attention.'

Domesticated monkeys are known for forming strong attachments to both humans and other animals. They can be extremely affectionate, often mimicking behaviors they observe, such as cuddling or grooming.

However, experts caution that while such bonds may appear harmless, monkeys are still unpredictable by nature and may unintentionally stress or injure smaller pets.