A pair of orange cats named Almond and Cashie went viral after their owner shared a video of their relationship evolving over time, and internet users can't cope with it.
Shared on TikTok in January under the username @almondandcashie, the video shows Almond's reaction to meeting her little brother Cashie for the first time, followed by a series of clips of the two becoming closer and closer every day.
"When we adopted a new young cat, we didn't know just how much our elderly cat's life would change. She had a hard time at first. She wasn't sure how to play with him, so she chased," reads layover text in the clip.
"As they grew up, they got closer. I believe he thinks of her like a mom. He loves to groom her. Sometimes, he doesn't understand she is older. She doesn't always wanna play, but he knows how to comfort her." Newsweek reached out to @almondandcashie for comment via email. We could not verify the details of the case.
The post quickly went viral on the platform, where it received over 2.6 million views and almost 400,000 likes, and internet users shared their own experiences of how new kittens changed their seniors' lives.
One user, JRabbit, commented: "I swear my younger cat kept my older cat clean in his older years. He probably never would have been able to make it to 22 if it wasn't for her."
Aenni posted: "We also got a kitten for our older cat. It was hard at first but it's worth it."
Jenny added: "Wish my senior would get along with our new rescue, it's been 7 months and she can't stand her."
A Catster article medically reviewed by Dr. Luqman Javed says that getting a new kitten can be beneficial to your adult cat.
Because they are so young and full of energy, kittens can be great motivators for seniors, boosting their health by engaging in physical activities together, such as chasing or playing. They can also help improve the seniors' cognitive abilities, which naturally reduce as they age.
Getting your cat a companion is also a great way to keep them entertained when you are out, and can even help with separation anxiety.
However, not all cats like other felines, and some seniors may particularly dislike the difference in energy levels with their younger siblings. So, before you bring a new kitten in, assess the situation with your cat, and, if unsure, ask your vet for advice.
The way you introduce the two felines will play a very important role in their future relationship, and if not done correctly, it could damage their chances of ever getting along. You can read more about how to introduce kittens to adult cats here.
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