Getting a cat is like adopting a new boss of your house. No matter how small your kitty is, they’ll basically act like they run the joint. And for some reason, you’ll find yourself letting them! One boy quickly realized this when his cat threw a tantrum after he left the room without “permission,” leading to a hilarious encounter that his mom, Jen, shared online.
In the video, the boy decides to leave his room and walk downstairs. This simple action did not sit well with their Bengal cat, Niko, who promptly followed him, visibly upset. The onscreen text overlay humorously reads, “Watch what happens when my son comes downstairs without his cat’s permission.”
Niko sped over to the boy and started meowing incessantly, almost as if scolding him for leaving without a proper goodbye. Jen captioned the video, jokingly writing, “Did I give you permission to come down here without me?”
The video garnered plenty of laughs in the comments section. “Cat: ‘I thought we were friends,'” one commenter joked. “The way the cat just appeared on the stairs,” added another with a laughing emoji. Another shared, “Mine had a phase where she wouldn’t allow me to leave the bed.” One person chimed in with a personal anecdote, “I love this. My cat won’t come downstairs until my daughter is ready to come down. She just sits there and waits patiently for her to get ready, then they come down together.”
Alpha Cat Syndrome
Niko’s behavior can be attributed to what’s known as “Alpha Cat Syndrome.” These alpha cats are natural-born leaders and assert their dominance in every situation. While Niko’s behavior is more amusing than problematic, some alpha cats exhibit more extreme behaviors.
Alpha cats are demanding and can sometimes bully their owners into giving them what they want. They might nip your nose or toes in the morning to wake you for food, yowl incessantly until their breakfast is served, or growl if approached while eating. These cats might also be very protective of their toys and naptime, making it clear that they own you, not the other way around.
While having a bossy cat can be endearing, it’s important to recognize the difference between being pushy and being downright problematic. If you have an alpha cat, it’s wise to consult your vet for recommendations on how to manage their behavior. There are ways to address these issues and ensure a harmonious relationship between you and your furry friend.
For now, Niko’s antics serve as a humorous reminder of who’s really in charge in many households – the cats. So, next time you think about leaving the room without giving your feline friend the proper acknowledgment, remember Niko and his demanding ways. After all, in the world of cats, it’s their house; we’re just living in it.
