A black-and-white cat has stunned the internet after he mastered the art of opening doors by himself.
Shared on TikTok by @toadre_ a week ago, the video gained more than 9.6 million views as pet lovers became obsessed with the cat’s skills. Despite a child-lock-style blocker installed to deter his advances, the cat effortlessly manipulates the door handle, letting himself into the room. Owner Audrey, who shared the video, wrote in the caption: “He comes and goes as he pleases.”
Commenters on the video were quick to share their astonishment and amusement, with some initially mistaking the cat’s actions for a potential break-in.
“Maaannnn I thought someone was creeping into ur room,” posted one viewer, while another wrote: “I thought someone was trying to break in. Who knew I’d agree with the criminal lmaoooo [laughing my *** off].”
Others thought that someone was helping the cat get through the doors: “The way I was ready for someone to be carrying him like they used him to open the door,” commented one viewer.
However, in a follow-up comment, the cat’s owner wrote: “His cat tree is right outside my door so he uses that as leverage.”
Cats’ ability to learn and adapt through observation and experimentation is well-documented. Just as humans learn through trial and error, felines exhibit a similar curiosity and resourcefulness.
Known to mimic human actions to achieve goals, cats will often teach themselves to pull down on levers and open doors.
Previously, Taro the cat impressed the internet by exhibiting a unique methods to open doors—rolling over until they open. There was also Kala the cat who managed to open the door when her owner was locked out.
There are plenty of reasons you might want to keep a cat out of a room, whether it is about keeping them safe or protecting something inside a room. Shutting the door to create a physical barrier is a great solution—although understandably not as effective if your cat has figured out the door.
Ignoring behavior like scratching and yelling at the door is the best way to stop your pet from begging to be allowed into an out-of-bounds area. Some owners opt for scent or touch deterrents, too. Cats dislike the scents of citrus, mint and cinnamon so they can be put around a door to deter them. They also dislike sticky textures and will be less likely to touch them.
The best way to keep your feline happy if you don’t want them in a certain space is to ensure they have their own cat-friendly space that they can enjoy, with plenty of room to relax and feel safe.
Newsweek reached out to @toadre_ 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.