Do you ever get the eerie feeling that someone's watching you? One cat owner didn't just feel it—he caught his feline in the act.
A TikTok video of an orange tabby named Nacho has captivated millions after he was caught spying on his owner in the most human-like way. Joshua Paiva (@jpaiva) shared the now-viral clip, which has racked up 8.4 million views and 1.3 million likes.
The video begins innocently enough, showing a curtain swaying gently. Then comes a single orange paw stretches forward, slowly drawing back the fabric to reveal Nacho's intense stare.
"Why is bro checking on me like this," reads the on-screen text layered over the video. The caption below sums it up perfectly: "This cat is basically human."
Viewers flooded the comments section with reactions ranging from hilarity to admiration for Nacho's expressive timing and near-humanoid behavior.
"Are you sure, he's a cat?" asked one user and another joked: "He walks on two legs when [your] not around."
"That would freak me out a bit honestly," said a third user and a fourth wrote: "Waiting for you to leave so he can be mischievous and chaotic."
Why Do Cats Like to Hide?
Even though they've been domesticated for thousands of years, cats still carry many instincts from their wild ancestors. According to Feline Behavior Solutions, one of those instincts is the tendency to seek out secluded, secure places — perfect for avoiding predators or caring for young. So when your cat dives into that empty cardboard box from your last online delivery, it's not just cute — it's instinctual.
Sometimes, hiding can be a sign your feline is feeling anxious or overwhelmed, says ASPCAPro. But more often than not, your cat is just unwinding in a spot that feels cozy and safe. Hill's Pet Nutrition has shared a few favorite feline hideaways — and why they're so appealing.
They are naturally drawn to snug, secure spaces, which is why cardboard boxes—no matter the size—are a go-to hiding spot. They provide warmth, a sense of safety, and a great vantage point for spying on their surroundings. Similarly, the space under the bed offers a dark, quiet retreat that smells like their owner, making it ideal for when they need a break from noise or guests.
Laundry baskets, whether filled with warm clean clothes or familiar-smelling dirty ones, also attract cats looking for comfort and warmth, making them another favorite feline hideaway.
Newsweek reached out to @jpaiva for comment. We could not verify the details of the case.
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