A video showing a cat trying to hide in a vet’s office has captured the hearts of viewers worldwide.
The clip, posted on May 15, features Bellini, an orange Maine Coon-Persian mix, sitting quietly in the corner of an exam room. Bellini faces the wall, as if hoping to avoid the vet’s attention.
Though Bellini had already arrived at the clinic, his final attempt to escape the visit struck a funny chord online. The video has since been viewed over 600,000 times.
While Bellini’s behavior is amusing, it highlights a common issue among cat owners: the stress and fear many cats feel during vet visits.
Bellini’s owner reassured fans in the comments: “Bellini is safe and well-loved! He walked out of his carrier on his own, had plenty of hiding spots, and chose this dramatic little corner moment himself. He’s just a sensitive soul at the vet, but he was totally OK before and after. Thanks for caring about him and showing him love.”
Newsweek reached out to @little.orange.kitty for comment but could not verify further details.
A 2024 anonymous survey of U.S. adult cat owners found that 42.6% of cats showed aggressive behavior at the vet. Cats from multi-cat homes were less likely to act aggressively. The study also revealed that most cats did not receive medication to reduce anxiety, fear, or pain before vet visits.
VCA Animal Hospitals recommend several tips to ease cats’ stress at the vet:
- Bring high-value treats and canned food to distract and comfort your cat.
- Swaddle your cat in a towel if she’s too anxious to eat, as many cats feel safer when their vision is limited.
- Schedule “happy visits” where your cat can explore the clinic, meet staff, and receive treats without exams.
- Practice gentle “mock exams” at home to help your cat get used to being handled.
- Take short, positive car trips to build good associations with the carrier and car.
- Stay calm and speak softly, as cats pick up on their owner’s emotions.
- Communicate any discomfort your cat shows to the vet team so they can adjust care accordingly.
Online viewers had fun reacting to the video. One user asked, “Did y’all ever find him???” Another joked, “There’s no cat in that room, so I guess the vet should just keep it.” A third commented, “If that wall was painted orange, this would have all gone differently!”
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