A video of a cat massaging his canine companion has racked up over 170,000 views on TikTok.
The heartwarming scene shows Kevin, the orange tabby cat, kneading his best buddy Lady, a miniature Australian shepherd. This kind gesture is also known as “making biscuits,” which is when a cat uses their paws to press into and “knead” surfaces.
It’s a behavior that is learned as a kitten and often continues into adulthood. At first, they do it to get milk from their mother, but as they grow older, they may do it when they are relaxing, being petted or marking their territory, according to Cornerstone Veterinary Hospital of Clifton Park, New York.
The June 19 clip was shared in response to a previous comment that highlighted how Kevin expresses his love to his friend. The comment said, “It’s the biscuit massage that tops it for me,” likely referring to a different video of the cat doing the same thing. The page (@ladyandkevin) is dedicated to adorable content, showcases the animals playing, relaxing, and simply loving one another.
Other comments on the clip that has more than 21,000 likes include, “Massages from kevin can’t be topped,” and another said, “Kevin’s full-time job.”
A stock image of a ginger cat and dog sat on the sofa. A video showcasing the bond between a dog and cat has gone viral on TikTok.
Iuliia Bogdanova/iStock / Getty Images Plus
Their unlikely friendship is proof that dogs and cats can be friends, but bonds like this aren’t formed overnight. They can take time, but if they are introduced when they are young, the process is much easier, according to pet food company Purina. The following tips highlight what an owner should do when welcoming a dog into the family, when they already have an adult cat.
- Set up baby gates in doorways that allow your cat to pass through, but prevent the dog from following. This provides the cat with an easy escape route if a situation becomes too intense.
- Ensure your cat has access to higher areas they are familiar with, which the dog can’t reach. These quiet, elevated spaces give the cat a safe retreat to observe the dog from a distance.
- Designate quiet areas where your cat can spend time without the possibility of being intercepted by the dog. Even if the dog is friendly, these retreats help your cat feel in control and more comfortable, making them more open to forming a bond.
- If you think your dog might chase the cat, keep the dog on a lead or place them behind a play pento prevent any unwanted interactions.
- Make sure your dog gets enough exercise and mental enrichment. A well-exercised and stimulated dog is less likely to chase or bother a cat. Engage your dog in play, brain games, and frequent daily walks to keep their energy levels in check.
Newsweek reached out to @ladyandkevin for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the video.
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