In a viral Instagram video, a cat owner revealed that she choose to get a pet kitty because she thought they’d be independent—then the feline immediately changed her mind.
The hilarious video shared on Wednesday by @midnightcalledricky, shows the black kitty following his mom around all day, in bed, in the kitchen, at work, and even in the bathroom—turning out to be even needier than a dog, contrary to what the poster had envisioned.
“Getting a cat because they are independent,” the caption says. “I wanted a cat, I got a follower.”
As detached and aloof as they may appear to be, cats actually do need to spend time with their owners for their mental and physical well-being.
Pet MD explains that play-time with their humans is a crucial part of a cat’s life, which helps them express natural hunting instincts like stalking, chasing, and pouncing. Regular play also helps keep muscles toned, prevents obesity, and reduces stress and anxiety.
For indoor cats especially, structured play combats boredom and decreases the likelihood of behavior problems such as aggression or destructive chewing. Playtime also supports bonding between cats and their pet parents.
In terms of duration, most cats benefit from several short bursts of activity rather than one long session. A practical guideline is to interact with your cat two to three times a day, with each session lasting about 10–15 minutes.
This approach matches how cats naturally expend energy: in short, energetic bursts. Kittens, who have high energy levels, may require more frequent and intense playtimes.
Individual needs can also vary with breed, age, personality, and overall energy—high-energy breeds may want more time, while more laid-back cats may be content with less.
Choosing the right toys matters too: interactive wand or feather toys simulate prey and can keep your cat engaged, while puzzle toys or treat dispensers provide stimulation when you’re not available.
Signs your cat is getting enough play include contentment and fewer behavior issues, while boredom or frustration may signal a need for more engagement.
The video quickly went viral on social media and it has so far received over 731,000 views and 64,500 likes on the platform.
One user, Wintermissy90, commented: “Is it black cat specialty or is it yours and mine only.”
Astridmenendez619 said: “I got two black dogs in cat form.”
Holdmyzima added: “Having a velcro cat is like getting doubly blessed. They’re rarer, and all the more special—which in turn makes you feel like “Meeee?? You choose me?”
Newsweek reached out to @midnightcalledricky for comment via Instagram. We could not verify the details of the case.
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