In a viral TikTok video a cat owner has shared the sad reality of trying to bond with her unaffectionate feline, and internet users can’t cope with it.
The clip, shared in October by@ tippy_tokky, shows the former feral rescue, Tippy, also lovingly known as Chipoladas, lying on the couch when her mom suddenly tries to force snuggles on her.
The feline, stares at her in shock, with her mouth wide open and her fangs ready to attack, bewildered by her owner’s audacity to initiate physical contact.
“Trying to bond with your unaffectionate cat,” reads layover text in the clip,” as the poster keeps telling the cat “Just accept it.”
Not all cats enjoy cuddling and they may have different reasons for it. But this doesn’t mean that your feline doesn’t love you.
According to a Catster article medically reviewed by Dr. Paola Cuevas, there are two main reasons why some felines categorically refuse snuggles—genetics and socialization.
Breeds like ragdolls, siamese, sphynx, Scottish folds, Persians, Tonkinese, Maine coons and Burmese are the most likely to be affectionate toward their owners. Besides genetics, socialization also plays a crucial role. In fact, cats that were often held and shown love as kittens, will be more open to this kind of physical affection.
But how do you know whether your cat enjoys cuddles or not? Dr. Jess Kirk, a Georgia-based veterinarian, says on Vet Explains Pets that when you stroke your pet, you should watch out for signs of relaxation and contentment, such as purring, kneading and slow blinking. That means they’re happy with the interaction.
If your cat looks tense or uncomfortable, she suggests letting them go to avoid stressing them out, and maybe trying again later, when they’re more relaxed.
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While forcing cuddles on your cat is not advisable, there are ways to slowly get them to appreciate contact time with you.
The key to successful interaction with your pet is approaching them with friendly body language, using slow and calm movements, speaking in a soft voice. Let them approach you and once they do, offer them plenty of pets.
Once you’ve managed to pet them, give them a tasty treat as a reward, creating a positive experience, which will make them more likely to want to cuddle with you again in the future.
The video quickly went viral on social media and it has so far received over 708,500 views and 90,000 likes on the platform.
One user, Toni, commented: “She was flabbergasted at your audacity.”
Jayne____ said: “She has boundaries A LOT of boundaries.”
Glowelle added: “There’s a tiny piece of her that wants to accept it. You can see it in her crazy eyes.”
Newsweek reached out to @tippy_tokky for comment via TikTok comments. We could not verify the details of the case.
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