Tears As Tiny Kitten Says 'Hi' to Other Felines but It Doesn't End Well

A TikTok video capturing a tiny kitten standing on her hind legs and waving to her fellow cats has amassed an impressive 9 million views.

The October 20 clip shared by a feline foster carer (@kittenlittles) shows the moment a white Persian kitten attempts to make friends with three cats but fails.

The text layered over the video reads, "When you try to say hi, but no one cares."

The clip has gathered 1.8 million likes and nearly 6,000 comments, with many viewers relating to the kitten's mix-up. After all, who hasn't experienced that awkward moment—waving back at someone who wasn't actually waving at us, or mistaking a stranger for a friend and giving an unintended wave?

"Me entering any social setting," said one comment with 46,300 likes.

Other users have sympathized with the kitten and another popular comment has received more than 87,000 likes.

It said: "I care." "I'm not crying you're crying," said another user.

A stock image of a white fluffy kitten raising its paw. The photo is similar to the scene that has gone viral on TikTok. Ayliz Akgun/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Guide to Introducing Cats or Kittens

According to the U.K.-based charity Cats Protection, many cats and kittens are returned to shelters because they struggle to adjust to living with an adopter's other pets. To help create a smooth transition and positive start for introductions, the organization offers the following tips on its website:

1. Create a Sanctuary Room: Set up a quiet, private space—such as a spare bedroom—where the new cat can have everything they need. This space allows them to feel secure and adjust to their new environment at their own pace.
2. Scent Swapping: Gently collect scent from one cat by wiping a cloth around their cheeks or forehead, then place this cloth in the other cat's area, ideally in the middle of the floor. This gives each cat the choice to explore the other's scent without feeling pressured, helping them get familiar with each other's smell.
3. Visual Interaction: Once both cats seem comfortable with each other's scent, introduce visual interaction through a glass barrier, like patio doors. This setup allows them to see each other but prevents direct contact. Let them approach the glass on their own rather than forcing interaction. If this goes well, try using a mesh barrier or baby gate, so they can see and smell each other up close while still separated.
4. Face-to-Face Meeting: After plenty of successful introductions through the barrier, it's time for the first face-to-face meeting. Let the cats or kittens approach each other naturally, ensuring they both have places to retreat to if they feel the need. Keep the initial interactions short and positive, rewarding them with treats and toys. If any tension arises, help break eye contact and give each cat space to withdraw.

Newsweek reached out to @kittenlittles for comment via TikTok.

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