A viral TikTok video shows a kitten bravely defending its dinner from an unexpected thief — a clever raccoon.
The video, shared by user @stevenlynn18582 on Sunday, captures the kitten eating kibble on a porch. A raccoon approaches, acting friendly at first, but quickly helps itself to the kitten’s food and water.
The kitten tries to protect its meal, and the raccoon eventually leaves. However, not before grabbing a handful of kibble and drinking some water.
Raccoons are common in both urban and rural areas across many states. They often come near homes searching for food, especially in trash cans. Although some raccoons seem friendly, they can pose risks to people and pets. Raccoons can carry diseases like rabies, which is deadly.
Not all raccoons have rabies, but those infected are more likely to attack. Since it’s hard to tell which ones are rabid, experts advise keeping raccoons away, especially if you have outdoor pets.
The Humane World for Animals recommends several ways to deter raccoons: using hot sauce, installing sensor lights, or placing a battery-operated radio in your yard. Securing trash cans with bungee cords is one of the best ways to prevent raccoons from accessing food. It’s also important not to feed raccoons, keep pet food indoors, and remove bird feeders.
If a raccoon is near your home, contact wildlife control to remove it safely and avoid health risks.
The TikTok video has gone viral with over 4.6 million views and more than 750,000 likes. Viewers found the raccoon’s gentle “robbery” amusing. One user commented, “I feel like the raccoon knows the kitten is a baby and is trying to be gentle.” Another called it “the nicest robbery ever.”
Newsweek reached out to the TikTok user for comment but could not verify additional details of the encounter.
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