Internet users are captivated by a shy orange cat named Spaghetti Pete, who has a special way of telling his owner when he’s hungry.
Vicente Marin, 33, a DJ in Los Angeles, adopted Spaghetti Pete three years ago as a kitten. He named the cat after a neighbor’s cat, Muffins, who went viral for eating spaghetti on TikTok. Since the shelter had already named the cat Pete, Marin simply added “Spaghetti” to the start.
Unlike his chatty brother, Captain Morgan, Spaghetti Pete is very shy and easily startled. Marin said Pete rarely meows and usually relies on his brother to get attention.
A video posted on Marin’s TikTok account on May 19 shows how Spaghetti Pete asks for dinner. The cat approaches an armchair, stands on his hind legs, and gently taps Marin’s shoulder. When Marin looks, Pete licks his lips, clearly asking for food.
Marin explained, “Spaghetti does meow sometimes, but mostly he chirps or taps when it’s time to eat.” The “chirp” is a soft, high-pitched sound cats use to greet or thank their owners, according to PetMD.
Spaghetti Pete started tapping about a year ago, Marin believes it began after daylight saving time changed, shifting his feeding schedule.
The video has gone viral, gaining over 10 million views and nearly 3 million likes. Viewers called Pete “polite” and “adorable,” with many expressing love for the shy cat’s gentle way of asking for meals.
Marin says he enjoys sharing moments of his cats online, feeling a connection to Spaghetti Pete’s shy personality. He hopes the video encourages others to adopt pets from shelters, where many “Spaghetti Petes” are waiting for loving homes.
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