A man has gone viral after stopping to help a cat that was struggling with a plastic bag on its head, leaving the internet cheering.
TikTok user Mohamed Abdikarim shared a video on social media (@klayma_72) showing the unexpected moment he encountered a cat wandering through a busy street with an empty chip bag totally covering its head. As a pet owner himself, the 33-year-old didn’t hesitate to stop and help the cat by removing the bag, before the feline scurried away.
Abdikarim, of London in the U.K., told Newsweek that he was “glad [he] got to help the cat” in the midst of its struggle. His clip garnered 657,700 views and more than 54,500 likes on TikTok in just a number of days.
“I came across the cat after a night out, and at first, I didn’t know what it was walking towards me. I saw a few cars drive past it, but then I noticed it moving, and as it got closer, I realized it was a cat with a bag on its head,” Abdikarim said.
The British shorthair cat with the plastic bag stuck on its head. Mohamed Abdikarim, 33, stopped to help the cat by removing the bag and letting it run free.
@klayma_72 / TikTok
“The cat seemed really confused with the bag on its head, but once I took it off, it was totally fine.”
It’s unclear how long the British shorthair cat had been walking around with the packaging on its head.
With over 800 comments on the viral TikTok video already, internet users were quick to point out just how expensive British shorthairs can be. The website PetMD says they can set people back anywhere between $500 and $4,500, depending on the location, age and pedigree.
These felines are known for their recognizable gray fur coat, known as “British blue,” and their piercing yellow eyes. They are considered very friendly and calm, with a typical lifespan of 15-20 years. They usually reach a height of up to 14 inches tall, weighing between 7-17 pounds, according to PetMD.
Abdikarim has been amazed by the response to his video online, telling Newsweek that the overwhelming reaction is something he “never expected” to happen.
He continued: “I’ve been posting videos online for the last few years because I like sharing these experiences. The recognition has been really nice and the comments are hilarious.”
Among the hundreds of comments, many TikTok users hated the sight of the cat struggling, with many praising Abdikarim for helping it out.
One comment reads: “People who are kind to animals were raised at a different level.”
Another TikTok user wrote: “The more I watch the more it breaks my heart, this is why you don’t litter!”
“British shorthair as well! there like £1K,” added one commenter.
While another internet user responded: “Thank you for being a caring human.”
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.
