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Cat Struggling to Understand How New Bookshelf Works Delights Internet

A cat owner has amused TikTok fans after sharing a video of their cat struggling to understand how to get around the new bookshelf.

In a post shared on the social media platform on Wednesday, under the username @shvdowvlchemist, the cat tries to find the glass shelf he used to stretch out on, getting ready to jump on it before slipping off and quickly realizing there isn’t actually any glass.

At that point the cat does his best to regain balance, but he still ends up on the floor, next to his sibling who had the same fate.

“I’m building a new bookshelf and my cats don’t understand the glass on the old shelf is gone,” the post says.

A caption added: “Also my stupid laugh. Couldn’t hold it back tho, this went on for 15 minutes straight.”

Cat on a shelf. TikTok can’t stop laughing at a cat who hasn’t grasped how his owner’s new bookshelf works.

Getty images

Thanks to their highly developed inner ear system, cats usually have an excellent sense of balance. They also have a very flexible back and lack a true collarbone, which according to VetStreet helps them turn and always land on their feet.

When a cat loses their balancing ability, there are usually three main possible causes. It could be a problem with the brain, including tumors and traumatic injury among others; a problem with the spine; or a problem with the inner ear.

“Cats with this can become nauseous and vomit, as well as go off their food. Conditions that can affect the vestibular system include,” explains VetHelpDirect.

The video quickly went viral on social media, getting viewers from across TikTok. It has so far received over 1.6 million views and 288,600 likes on the platform.

One user, Diala, commented: “The black cat trying different angles to see if it will change.” And The Christine said: “The gray one slipping on air and gripping for his life had me giggling.”

Clem wrote: “OK but can we take a moment and talk about their agility? the second one realizes it and instantly grips the side, I love cats.”

Oliflowerfang added: “You know when there’s an extra step you don’t see and you get jarred? I feel like this is the cat equivalent.”

Newsweek reached out to shvdowvlchemist for comment via TikTok comments. We could not verify the details of the case.

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