A cat’s attempt at playing sous-chef while its owner cooked has sent internet viewers into hysterics.
Jasmine Easton (@jasminelondonn) was stirring a sauce when her cat, Bow Bow, overlooked her from a bird’s-eye view on top of the cooker’s extractor fan, earning the video over 500,000 likes and 5.7 million views on Instagram. “POV [point of view] you’re cooking but you have a cat,” Jasmine wrote as an overlay on the video.
In the clip, Bow Bow perched atop the extractor fan, peering down at her culinary process, his belly fully visible through the transparent surface of the stove.
The video captures a reality many owners are familiar with: the curious nature of cats around the kitchen.
Felines are naturally drawn to high places and food, making the kitchen a prime target for their counter-surfing antics.
Feline experts say that a cat’s drive to jump onto counters is often a combination of wanting to be near food and craving a high vantage point to observe their surroundings. This behavior taps into their instincts as hunters and explorers.
If you are tired of having your own “sous-chef” get in the way while you cook, there are ways to redirect their attention.
Positive reinforcement is key. Instead of scolding your pet, designate a nearby high spot for them to hang out—such as a shelf or a cat tree—where they can still watch the action without being underfoot.
Reward your cat with treats when they stay in their designated spot, and they will soon learn that it is the best place to be during meal prep.
Commenters couldn’t get enough of Bow Bow’s antics, with some humorously speculating about his future culinary aspirations.
One viewer posted: “This is dangerous. He may learn how to cook and open his own restaurant.” Another added: “They are supervising your cooking. So you do everything the correct way for sure.”
Many cat owners shared similar experiences, including one user who fondly reminisced about their own feline sous-chef: “My orange boy used to help me with cooking too … RIP Renji.”
“Mom, is it done … is it done yet ??” commented Mira, who imagined what Bow Bow would say if he could talk.
Newsweek reached out to u/jasminelondonn for comment via Instagram. We could not verify the details of the case.
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A cat peers down from the top of a kitchen cupboard. One feline’s passion for cooking left internet viewers in stitches.
Ivan Skalkin/iStock / Getty Images Plus
