A rescue kitten experiencing its first sunset by the beach has melted hearts online.
Ugne Paulauskaite (@pikis.the.cat), shared a video of the moment with her cat, Pikis, which has garnered 6.1 million views and 496,345 likes on Instagram.
“It was so magical; it’s definitely a memory I’m going to carry all my life. He was a bit more interested in the bugs, but he really seemed to enjoy the sunset, too. He just sat there sniffing the salty air and snacking his dry food from my hands,” Paulauskaite, a 25-year-old journalist from Lithuania, told Newsweek.
In the video, Pikis, wearing a harness and leash, peacefully admires the sunset beside his owner. “POV: you took your cat to see the sunset for the first time,” read the caption overlaying the video.
Pikis at sunset. The cat loved his first experience of the beach.
@pikis.the.cat/@pikis.the.cat
Paulauskaite explained that while she and Pikis live two hours from the beach, they don’t visit often. However, due to the heat in August, they decided to spend a few days in Palanga, Lithuania, a popular seaside resort town known for its beautiful coastline and vibrant summer atmosphere. They spent their days watching sunsets and exploring the sand dunes.
“He was a bit overwhelmed at first, I would say. It was a new environment for him, and lots of people came to us to pet him. This freaked him out. But after we found a comfy, quiet spot, he relaxed,” she said.
A Rocky Start for Pikis
Pikis had a tough beginning in life. As Paulauskaite shared, she was grieving the loss of her 13-year-old cat, Mickis, who passed away while she was traveling.
“I had constant grief,” she explained. Three months later, Paulauskaite visited a local shelter to donate pet food.
“There was a room for small kittens only. One of them crawled onto me and started purring. I wasn’t planning to adopt a new cat because I was still grieving Mickis, but I couldn’t stop thinking about that kitten for weeks,” she shared.
Pikis and owner Ugne Paulauskaite. Paulauskaite nursed her kitten back to health and now they are inseparable.
@pikis.the.cat/@pikis.the.cat
When she returned to the shelter, volunteers informed her that Pikis had been found sick and abandoned in a stairwell. Despite his rough start, Paulauskaite brought him home, nursed him back to health, and even trained him to walk on a leash.
Pikis, who is expected to turn 1 year old this autumn, is described as a curious, funny, patient cat who loves spending time outdoors, hunting bugs and watching sunsets with his owner.
Tips for Taking Cats to the Beach
Taking your cat to the beach can be a unique bonding experience, but it’s essential to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort. According to catster.com, if you plan to take your cat to the beach, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Harness Training: Just like Pikis, make sure your cat is comfortable wearing a harness and walking on a leash before venturing outdoors.
- Shade and Hydration: Cats can overheat easily, so always bring shade and fresh water so they stay cool.
- Keep a Close Eye: The beach can be overwhelming for cats due to the unfamiliar environment and potential hazards, such as other animals, loud noises or unfamiliar terrain.
- Protect Their Paws: Sand can get hot, so ensure your cat’s paws don’t get burned.
Instagram Reactions
Instagram users were captivated by Pikis’ serene moment at the beach.
“Such a beautiful post and even more beautiful cat,” said a commenter named Debbie.
Another user shared a touching story: “We took my cat out to watch the sunset the evening it became clear the time had come. He was in a blanket in my lap, too weak to stand, or even pick up his own head, but managed to find the last of his strength to pick and hold his head up long enough to watch the sun set. We both knew it would be his last, but it was still a memory of him I’ll cherish forever.”
“And to the biggest litterbox he’s ever seen in his life,” joked Yasmine.
“My cat loves the sunset. He finds a place on the balcony to watch the sun go down. It’s so beautiful,” another viewer wrote.
Do you have funny or adorable videos or pictures of your pet? We’d love to see them! Send your best ones to life@newsweek.com, and they could appear on our site.
