A former emergency veterinary worker has gone viral after sharing a list of strict safety rules she follows to protect her 11 cats—rules shaped by years of experience treating preventable pet injuries.
Emily, 27, who lives in the Midwest, worked nights, weekends, and holidays in an emergency vet clinic. She has seen everything from minor infections to life-threatening injuries and surgeries. These experiences now guide how she cares for her pets.
“I will never let my cats do certain things because of what I saw in the ER,” Emily told Newsweek. “I’ve worked on cases that still stick with me.”
In a now-viral TikTok video, Emily shared the five rules she follows:
- Her cats are not allowed outside.
- She never leaves them alone for several days.
- They are not allowed in the laundry room.
- They must always be in carriers while in the car.
- She closely monitors them during trips or changes in routine.
“These aren’t just random ideas,” she explained. “Most are based on actual cases I treated or stories from coworkers. A lot of those situations were avoidable.”
One of her rules comes from personal heartbreak. In 2023, her cat Taco mysteriously broke his femur overnight. Thankfully, Emily found him the next morning and got help. “If I’d been away, he would’ve suffered for days,” she said. “That changed how I think about leaving pets home alone.”
Though she has since left veterinary medicine to focus on family life, Emily now uses social media to educate pet owners. “So many people came to the ER simply because they didn’t know better,” she said. “I just want to help even one person become a better pet parent.”
Her video has received more than 320,000 views since it was posted. While some commenters praised her approach, others disagreed—especially about keeping cats indoors. One wrote: “All animals should feel the sun and fresh grass.” But another supported her, saying, “They are like toddlers. I always have someone stay with them.”
Emily says the attention is a bonus, but it’s not why she shares her tips. “Even if only one person watches, it’s worth it if it means their cat stays safe.”
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