A Massachusetts woman’s worried search for her senior cat has gone viral, capturing a heartfelt moment that resonated with many pet owners.
The video, posted in March under the username @_jrx3, shows the woman looking for her orange cat, Junior, who didn’t greet her at the door as usual. Concerned, she searches the house until she finds Junior asleep in the bedroom.
Still shaken, she gently wakes him, hugging him as he lifts his head and then playfully slaps her wrist for disturbing his rest. The caption reads: “When your cat is 16 and didn’t immediately greet you at the door,” with a note on “the slap at the end.”
Senior cats tend to have less energy and often sleep much more. According to Heron’s Crossing veterinarian website, older cats can sleep up to 20 hours a day.
Cats age about four times faster than humans and reach senior status much earlier. Typically, cats between 11 and 14 years old are considered seniors, roughly the equivalent of a 60 to 72-year-old human. Cats older than 14 are called geriatric, comparable to humans aged 76 to over 100.
As cats age, they may lose some senses like smell, sight, and hearing. They also can suffer cognitive decline similar to dementia in humans.
Senior cats may have trouble moving around. To help, owners can place food and water bowls in multiple accessible spots and use a large litter tray with low walls. Installing steps can also help cats climb onto furniture more easily.
The video quickly gained attention online, with over 5.3 million views and nearly 1 million likes on social media.
One viewer, Jessica, commented, “The relief when you finally see your cat after being worried.” Another user, NICUmamawithatoddler, said, “The fact you went looking for your cat before setting anything down shows how loved that cat is.”
Zombie Dolly added, “The relief you feel when you see they’re alive.”
This emotional video highlights the special bond between pet owners and their aging companions.
Related Topics
