A video of a senior cat being wrapped up like a baby has received 40 million views on Instagram.
The clip shows MK, a tortoiseshell tabby, waiting for her owner to wrap a baby sling made from fabric around her torso. Then, she hops onto the woman’s lap and waits to be put inside the sling so she can cozy up next to her.
MK, who was adopted last June, and her owner live in Seattle. On the @seniorcatmk Instagram account, her owner encourages others to give senior animals a second chance—and MK, an internet sensation, often goes viral on the platform.
So far, the footage of the 11-year-old cat being wrapped in a baby sling has received more than 3 million likes. Newsweek has contacted @seniorcatmk for comment via Instagram.
In the video’s comments section, one user wrote: “I did this to my cat when I first was socializing him (during our fostering time) and it’s made him the snuggliest adult cat! I couldn’t recommend this more, for the right cat who enjoys this sort of thing.”
“That looks like the happiest cat in the world,” another added.
Naturally, those seeking to adopt or buy a pet may be more inclined to select younger animals so they can spend more years together. But age doesn’t always mean a death sentence.
Jerome Delaunay/Getty Images
In another video’s caption, MK’s owner said her “chunky but healthy” cat hadn’t had any health complications. She said she took preventive health measures by giving MK supplements and regular flea and worm treatments. She also said she encouraged an active lifestyle with a run wheel.
The owner wrote: “Because of these preventatives I believe MK has a long life ahead of her! I’m looking at prob another 6 to 8 years with her which is a full life for some dogs!”
According to Purina, a pet food company, a cat’s life expectancy depends on its breed. A tabby cat’s life expectancy, for instance, is 12 to 15 years, but some cats live until they are 18 or older.
The company’s website also said indoor cats generally had a longer life expectancy because they faced fewer risks, while the life expectancy for outdoor cats was typically shorter because of environmental hazards. The website also offered tips on how to increase a cat’s lifespan, such as providing a proper diet, regular veterinary checkups and vaccinations.
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.