A cat’s startled reaction to seeing sheep for the first time has left the internet in stitches.
Anton, a black-and-white feline, gave his best meerkat impression, standing tall on his hind legs when his owner, @funnyflufffs, introduced him to the sheep by a gate.
The amusing footage quickly went viral, garnering 288,900 likes and 1.9 million views on TikTok.
“Watch Anton’s first reaction to seeing a sheep, he looked a little surprised, don’t you think?” the owner asked in the caption.
In the video, Anton—securely on a lead—balances on his back legs, eyes wide as he stares at the flock in confusion. The playful overlay reads, “What are these, mom?”—as if Anton is silently questioning the odd, woolly creatures in front of him.
“Let’s get closer,” the owner wrote next, imagining the cat’s internal monologue, as Anton hesitantly inches toward the gate.
Cats standing on their hind legs is a behavior often seen when they are curious or feel threatened.
According to experts at Catster, it isn’t usually a cause for concern. Standing up allows cats to see more and gauge the situation. It’s a posture of heightened awareness.
Though owners can sound the alarm if it’s paired with other unusual behaviors, such as aggression or signs of distress.
Stock photo of a cat and a sheep. One cat was excited to see a flock for the first time and stood on his hind legs to get a better look.
klauspeters/iStock / Getty Images Plus
In rare cases, it may indicate a medical issue, such as a spinal or neurological problem, signs of this are if the cat seems unbalanced, struggles to walk normally, or exhibits pain. If these symptoms appear, it’s important to consult a vet.
Anton’s ability to stay calm and curious likely stems from his lead training. For those curious about harness training their own cat, Your Cat Backpack explains that it’s a gradual process that requires patience and encouragement. They advise the following:
- Familiarize Indoors: Let your cat sniff and explore the harness before putting it on, rewarding them with treats.
- Start Slowly: Put the harness on for short periods, gradually increasing the time as they get used to it.
- Ensure a Proper Fit: The harness should be snug, with space for one or two fingers between it and your cat.
- Introduce the Leash: Attach the leash indoors and let it trail behind so they get comfortable with it.
- Indoor Practice: Lead your cat around the house to get them accustomed to walking with the leash.
- Gradual Outdoor Time: Begin with short outdoor sessions in quiet areas, letting your cat explore at their own pace.
- Be Patient: Every cat learns differently, so stay consistent and patient.
Proper training allows cats to explore the world safely, as Anton does in his now-famous clip.
TikTok users found the whole interaction hilarious.
“Does she know she’s a cat and not a meerkat?” one viewer joked.
“I love when kitties do their meerkat impressions!” another chimed in.
“He looks more natural standing on his back legs than on all fours,” added another amused commenter.
Newsweek reached out to @funnyflufffs for comment via email. We could not verify the details of the video.
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