A shy blue-eyed cat named Bo has captured hearts on TikTok after slowly warming up to his new sitter, Julie Nashawaty, thanks to a little patience—and a soft toy.
The viral moment, shared on Wednesday under the username @julienashawaty, shows Bo emerging from his hiding spot behind the dryer and approaching Nashawaty for the first time. In the clip, he affectionately rubs against her and accepts gentle pets, signaling a big breakthrough after several quiet visits.
“I’m Bo’s new cat sitter, and on day four, he’s done hiding behind the dryer,” Nashawaty wrote in the video caption.
The change in Bo’s behavior came after Nashawaty brought him a plush toy named “One Brain Cell.” The gift seemed to help build trust. “Day Four is when he really showed his true colors,” Nashawaty told Newsweek. “He finally trusted me enough to play, show affection, and truly relax. It was such a sweet moment.”
Bo had initially hidden during her visits, remaining out of sight on the first two days. Nashawaty explained that she used a gentle, quiet approach, allowing Bo to come out on his own terms. She emphasized that every cat has its own timeline for building trust and that respecting their space is essential.
“Bringing gifts never hurts,” she joked in the caption. “Always let them come to you.”
According to Union Lake Veterinary Hospital and Pet Services, winning over a shy cat requires consistency, patience, and an understanding of feline behavior. Experts recommend creating a predictable routine, minimizing loud noises, and using calm, reassuring tones. Above all, they stress the importance of giving cats space and never forcing interaction.
Bo’s story resonated with many online. The video has garnered over 136,000 views and more than 28,000 likes. One TikTok user commented, “Still suspicious, but needs some attention.” Another wrote, “Being accepted by a cat is a whole level of trust.”
Nashawaty, an experienced cat sitter, looks forward to seeing Bo again the next time his owner travels. “Earning a cat’s trust is always a privilege,” she said.
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