A TikTok video capturing two cats’ dramatic reaction to an upcoming road trip has gone viral, gaining over 700,000 views in just 24 hours.
The clip, posted by @winstonandspooky, features Winston, a tabby, and Spooky, a black cat, as they realize their owner is packing for travel. The video starts with the cats calmly lounging but quickly shifts as they watch suitcases being packed. Their panic sets in when cat carriers appear.
Winston reacts first, rushing to the bedroom only to find the door locked. He then bolts to the spare room and hides under the bed. Spooky is less stealthy, darting around in an attempt to sneak into the bedroom. On-screen text humorously notes, “Spooky was not as good at hiding but she did try dodging, dipping, ducking and diving us.”
Eventually, both cats gather outside the bedroom door, meowing as if begging for safety. The owners finally open the door, letting them hide while packing continues.
Though the video isn’t new, the caption says, “The video that made Winston and Spooky famous all those years ago.” The cats now have over 402,000 followers on TikTok.
Cats often react strongly to travel. According to UK charity Cats Protection, many felines find travel stressful due to strange smells, sounds, and disrupted routines. The charity offers tips to make trips safer and more comfortable:
- Schedule a vet visit to ensure your cat is healthy for travel.
- Avoid feeding your cat right before the trip to reduce motion sickness.
- Plan rest stops and never leave cats unattended in cars, especially in warm weather.
- Limit daily drive time to four hours or less, taking breaks every two to four hours.
- Provide a quiet, secure space during overnight stops.
The May 22 video has over 78,000 likes and 225 comments. One user suggested, “You [have got to] put the carrier out a few days ahead,” while another said, “I keep his carrier out the whole year. He even goes inside on his own to sleep like it’s a bed.”
A third commented, “My cat foams at the mouth every time she goes in the car. Her first car ride was moving from Georgia to Michigan [a] 15-hour car ride. I thought she had rabies.”
The video highlights the common struggle many pet owners face when traveling with cats and reminds viewers how much cats value their comfort and safety.
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