A dog who was clearly "raised by cats" has melted hearts online in a viral video.
Blue heeler Luka was caught on camera "making biscuits"—a kneading motion usually associated with cats, in a video that explained: "Luka has grown up with my cats and litters of foster kittens. Tonight I caught her making biscuits for the first time." The caption poses the question: "A dog raised by cats. Is this normal?"
"I've been watching her since she was adopted during COVID. She's with me a few days a week, so she's constantly around my cats and other foster kittens," Leah Butler, Luka's dogsitter and the person behind the viral video, told Newsweek. Currently sharing her home with four cats, Butler explained that Luka has lived among as many as seven cats at a time.
"We joke Luka is a cat, and my cats are dogs," she said. "My cats join us on walks, Luka prefers cat toys over dog toys, and they all eat, play, and cuddle together."
While Luka's feline-like tendencies are well known, the biscuit-making moment was a first, even for Butler. "I'd never noticed her doing this before, and it struck me as so unique because I've never heard of dogs doing this. We know cats are expert biscuit bakers, but rarely dogs."
For those unfamiliar with the term, "making biscuits" refers to the kneading motion cats make with their paws, which is often compared to kneading dough. The reasons for the behavior aren't fully known, but it is believed to be a sign of contentment and comfort.
With more than 460,000 views on TikTok, the comments section was filled with people delighted by Luka's cat-like behavior.
"I had this dog years ago who grew up with cats," wrote viewer Andrea Wernich. "He would make bread and would soft growl in his sleep, and we realized he was trying to purr haha."
And pet brand PrettyLitter weighed in and called Luka an "honorary cat."
"We love the reaction, and I'm happy so many people found it cute," Butler said. Luka might be a dog by nature, but thanks to her cat-filled world, she's now earned her place as a true honorary feline.
Luka isn't the only dog to take on the traits of feline friends, either.
Australian shepherd and heeler mix Kila in Southern California also has a particular tendency to act like a cat, often curling up in small spaces, sitting atop the back of the couch and even playing with a laser pointer.
And American pit bull terrier Zero also gained viral attention recently for his cat-like tendencies, including sitting in a "loaf" position.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our "Pet of the Week" lineup.
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