A heartwarming tale of a cat’s unexpected plight has captured the affection of millions online after she found herself inadvertently shut out.
In a touching video uploaded by TikTok user @francsworld, viewers were treated to the sight of a cat pressing her tiny nose against a security camera, a silent plea to her owner that she was trapped in the garage. The footage revealed her eyes wide with shock, a clear sign of her disbelief at the situation.
The cat’s owner was taken aback when she received a notification on her phone at 2 a.m., revealing her pet’s predicament. “My poor baby,” the caption on the video lamented.
It’s easy to overlook the possibility of accidentally confining a cat, but these incidents do occur. Cats, with their elusive nature, often find themselves in spots that are out of sight and out of mind for their humans. They have a knack for moving stealthily, making it a challenge for their owners to keep track of their whereabouts.
This particular owner is tasked with the care of four cats, each with their own schedules and habits, making it all too easy for one to slip away unnoticed. However, after this early morning wake-up call, she is determined to ensure such an oversight doesn’t happen again.
Newsweek reached out to @francsworld via TikTok for further details on this heart-rending story.
Since its posting on TikTok on February 29, the video has amassed over 8.7 million views, 2.1 million likes, and 7,033 comments. Many viewers were moved by the apparent sadness in the cat’s eyes, with one commenting, “She’s holding her tears. I feel so bad.”
While it may seem as though the cat was on the brink of tears, it’s important to note that cats do not cry out of sadness as humans do. According to Pet Keen, cats communicate their emotions through meows, purring, hissing, growling, or body language such as flattened ears, dilated pupils, and raised fur. Nonetheless, tear production in cats is vital for eye health, helping to keep their eyes clear of irritants.
Perhaps the cat’s tears were not a sign of sorrow, but her overall body language unmistakably conveyed her distress over being locked out. Fortunately, the owner shared a follow-up video reassuring viewers that all was well and the cat was once again the “most spoiled of the bunch.”
Other viewers shared their empathy, recounting similar experiences. One user remarked, “Reminds me that every time I open the pantry I need to check if my cat is inside before I close it. I’ve locked her in there MANY times by accident.”
For those with heartwarming or amusing pet videos or pictures, they’re encouraged to share them at life@newsweek.com. Your beloved pet could be featured in Newsweek’s Pet of the Week lineup, celebrating the joy and laughter pets bring into our lives.