After 18 years with her owner, a black cat finally decided to nap on their lap for the first time—the poster’s reaction has melted hearts on social media.
In a viral Reddit post shared on Friday under the username u/Fluid_Sky7437, the poster shared a picture of the special moment, admitting that they actually took a lot more photos than they posted because the feline’s unusual gesture just meant that much to them.
“After nearly 18 years together, my void finally curled up into my lap to nap,” the caption says. “I took so many pictures of this moment.”
Despite their reputation for being aloof, cats are actually social and affectionate animals that can form deep bonds with their human parents, though they express love more subtly than dogs.
Understanding feline body language and behavior is key to recognizing their affection. Our felines often show love through slow blinking, which is also known as the “cat kiss.”
They also show love by headbutting or cheek rubbing, transferring their scent onto you, marking you as part of their family. Grooming behaviors—such as licking or accepting brushing—also signal trust, though overstimulation can occur.
Another sign of cat love, according to Pet MD, is kneading with their front paws, which indicates comfort and contentment. Exposing their belly shows deep trust, even if it’s not an invitation for petting.
Soft meows and purring often reflect affection, though purring can also occur when a cat is nervous. Greeting you at the door, following you around, and weaving between your legs demonstrates attachment and interest in your presence.
Cats communicate with their tails, holding them upright with a hooked tip to show happiness, or gently wagging them while relaxing beside you. Bringing “gifts,” whether prey or toys, is a sign of pride and affection.
Choosing to sleep on or near you also reveals trust and a sense of security. Regular daily play helps strengthen your bond even further.
The post quickly went viral on social media and it has so far received over 22,000 upvotes and 222 comments on the platform.
One user, Filthiest_Tleilaxu, commented: “I cried when my voidbbygirl first climbed onto my lap. She was feral when I took her in.”
AN0NY_MOU5E wrote: “If reddit taught me anything, either one of you is sick or you’re pregnant.”
Hellure wrote: “Considering the circumstances, I’d schedule a visit to a vet.”
Newsweek reached out to u/Fluid_Sky7437 for comment via Reddit. We could not verify the details of the case.
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