Social media viewers are obsessed with heartwarming footage of the moment a group of farm cats appeared to herd sheep on a farm.
In a video shared by the owner of Southern Nature Farm in Elberton, Georgia, a group of farm cats are seen skillfully helping out on the farm with a flock of sheep. Posted on the @southernnaturefarm TikTok account, the video has been viewed 1.8 million times and has captivated animal lovers from around the world.
The cats in the clip act almost like feline sheepherders as they diligently lead the way for an obedient flock that follows in a near-perfect line.
Sheepherding has a long history, with the earliest evidence of domestication of sheep dating back to 9,000 B.C. Humans using animals for help with herding sheep has a long history too. Herding dogs—particularly those used for sheep—can be traced back to around 6,000 years ago in the territories of modern Turkey, Iraq and Syria.
The use of sheepdogs is mentioned in the Old Testament, and dogs were first used to assist sheepherders in the 1570s.
Usually, herding dogs include the border collie, Australian shepherd and German shepherd, but cats rarely come into the fold.
Despite this, a feline presence on farms isn’t uncommon. Farm cats, also known as barn cats, are domestic cats that live primarily outdoors and are feral or semi-feral. Usually sheltering in outbuildings, they are used to hunt and control the farm’s unwanted rodent population and are given food, shelter and care.
klauspeters/Getty Images
The video’s comment section was flooded with expressions of joy and amazement.
Viewer Stef wrote: “The fluffy tail, the lil ones trotting, the bleating and meowing…heaven on earth.”
“This is what heaven looks like,” agreed LoversLaneBerkshires, while TikToker Katherine Meyer said: “‘Meow’ ‘bahhhh’ – this makes me so happy.”
Another viewer joked: “The cat overlords have organized their sheep minion army.”
Viewer Abi expressed her admiration, calling the scene her “dream life,” and Jaylynn mused, “This is what heaven must be like.”
While a collaboration between cats and sheep might seem unusual, these two species sometimes form remarkable bonds. Cats are known to appreciate the space and independence that sheep provide and are even drawn to the fluffiness that defines these woolly animals.
Newsweek reached out to @southernnaturefarm via TikTok for comment.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to [email protected] with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Tyler Fields is your internet guru, delving into the latest trends, developments, and issues shaping the online world. With a focus on internet culture, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, Tyler keeps readers informed about the dynamic landscape of the internet and its impact on our digital lives.
