Different animals adopted from shelters will have different reactions to their forever homes. Some nuzzle right in while others need time to decompress and heal from their past.
One cat owner, known on TikTok as @kiiim90, shared in a video earlier this week about how she waited months until her adopted 15-year-old cat Pete came around to her. The feline was terrified when he was first brought to his forever home, hiding under the furniture.
They tried playing with Pete and offering him toys, but nothing piqued his interest. He just sat and stared at the toys. They thought maybe his heart was too broken. Despite this, the family continued to show him love day-in-and-day-out.
Months later, he started to turn a corner and show interest in playing again, and would chase around a ball and play like “a little kitty again.”
Pete finally started showing his personality again after months. His transformation in the TikTok video shows that there’s no specific timeline for how long it takes for adopted animals to adjust. Some will feel at home instantly while others need space. All an owner can do is continue showing them love and be patient.
Newsweek reached out to @kiiim90 via TikTok for additional comment.
TikTok Users React
The video touched the internet’s heart, reaching 19,400 views, 2,160 likes, and 198 comments as of Friday afternoon.
“I think his heart was broken. Thank u for having him,” one TikTok user wrote.
Another added: “Thank you for showing this sweet king the love he deserves.”
A third user commented: “Cats need to decompress when they get to a new home. The older they get the longer. You love him. He knows it.”
A fourth TikTok user simply wrote, “Second life.”
@kiiim90/TikTok
Why Isn’t My Cat Playing?
Playtime is an important part of keeping a cat physically and mentally healthy. It gives them much-needed exercise, lessens anxiety and destructive behaviors, and stimulates natural instincts. But, sometimes, owners might notice their furry felines aren’t in the mood to play.
One reason why cats might not show interest in playing is age, according to the website, Hepper. It is natural for older, more mature cats to play and explore less. However, it never hurts to have your older cat checked by a vet to confirm there is not an underlying medical problem.
A sudden decrease in playing or lack of interest from your cat could mean they are feeling under the weather. Similarly, a cat might have injured themselves. In both incidents, owners can monitor their behavior for a day or two and if the cat’s interest does not return, a vet visit should be scheduled.
Other reasons why your cat might not want to play anymore could be due to stress like a change in environment, boredom from lack of toy variety, their specific cat breed, the time of playing, and a weight increase.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to [email protected] with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our “Pet of the Week” lineup.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.