A golden retriever raised ‘only’ with cats’ has gone viral on social media for one particular habit he’s picked up from his feline siblings, and internet users can’t cope with the cuteness.
In a hilarious Instagram video shared on Saturday by his owner, under the username @fishertheretriever, the pup can be seen perched on top of the pillows rhythmically pushing his paws in and out of the couch – or simply “making biscuits” like his cat brothers taught him.
“When your only dog has cat brothers so now he is a part of the biscuit making business,” the caption says.
“What can I say, his brothers taught him well! Thank you for all the love everyone have shown our boy on my TikTok! he is truly a natural.”
VCA Animal Hospitals says that while most common in cats, kneading is completely normal in both dogs and cats, and it’s an inborn behavior that kittens and puppies sometimes carry into adulthood.
Adult kneading can happen for several instinctive reasons rooted in early development and ancestral behavior. Puppies and kittens knead their mother’s abdomen to stimulate milk flow, and the motion remains comforting as they grow.
Adult cats may knead to mark territory using scent glands in their paws, while dogs may be repeating territorial behaviors inherited from wild ancestors. Both species also knead to prepare a resting place, a behavior linked to patting down grass or creating nests, and pregnant animals may knead while preparing a birthing area.
Kneading can also function as a stretch or appear when pets are content. Although the behavior is normal, disruptive kneading can be redirected by offering toys or using treat‑based training.
The video quickly went viral on social media and it has so far received over 10.9 million views and 1.1 million likes on the platform.
One user, The.shy.mortician, commented: “I’ve seen many things in my life, but this I’ve never seen.”
Canifosterwhyyesican wrote: “I love how he’s also perched on top of the pillows like a cat would do.”
Sese.akb said: “The dog probably thought ‘yo this is much more chill than digging.”
Newsweek reached out to @fishertheretriever for comment via email. We could not verify the details of the case.
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