Cats often have a reputation for being independent and self-centered, but a viral Reddit post challenges this perception, proving they can show genuine care for their owners.
Racking up more than 55,000 upvotes, a January 12 post features a cat named Pastis sitting on his owner's chest. While this may seem ordinary, it is a rare sight for the 7-year-old feline and his owner, Emma (u/Proper-Ad-8829). She shared: "I've been really struggling with the flu lately, and out of my three cats, the grumpiest and most standoffish one has taken charge of being my primary doctor."
Emma, 28, told Newsweek: "While I was sick, he came to sit on me seven or eight times a day. Usually, Pastis is quite grumpy and independent. When he decides to gift you with attention, it's sudden—he'll sit on your chest and stare into your soul."
Typically, Pastis invades his owner's personal space only every few days. But while Emma was housebound with headaches, a fever, and a cough, he became a constant presence.
Emma said that her other two cats, who usually love cuddles, didn't get a chance to comfort her as Pastis had the situation under control.
She added: "Usually, he sits on my or my husband's chest every two days or so.
"When he does, you're not allowed to pet or touch him much. He doesn't particularly enjoy being petted, picked up, or fussed over, unless he initiates it."
The caption accompanying the viral photo humorously suggests that even Pastis looks "surprised" by his own actions. Emma described the rescue cat as more like a "roommate" than a traditional pet.
Why Some Cats Are More Social Than Others
Studies have shown that kittens frequently handled by humans between their second and mid-seventh week develop lifelong friendliness and trust toward people.
Factors such as the frequency and duration of handling and the number of handlers are significant. Experts recommend keeping kittens with their litter until 10 to 12 weeks to ensure proper socialization. Early socialization also influences how cats interact with humans later in life.
Well-socialized kittens adapt quickly to new environments and maintain trust despite negative experiences, while poorly socialized cats require more patience and positive interactions to build trust.
Reddit Reacts
The post has amassed more than 1,300 comments, with the top comment receiving 7,900 upvotes.
It read: "He looks like he's looking after you while judging your life choices."
Another said: "He's probably thinking, 'I swear, if you leave me and I have to feed myself, I'm going to haunt you in the afterlife.'"
A third added: "Clearly, you're at the level of illness that needs constant monitoring, and he's taking that very seriously."
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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