A video capturing a homeowner’s unexpected discovery—a cat seemingly making itself at home in a stranger’s property—has gone viral on TikTok.
Shared by user @omgilovelibraaaaaaaass, the clip has amassed over 405,000 views since it was posted on January 10.
The short video begins inside a hallway of the newly purchased home. As the camera moves toward the front door, it pans down to a small window panel beside the door, revealing a cat sitting outside.
Text overlaid on the clip reads: “So my dad’s new house comes with a cat.”
The post sparked immediate curiosity among viewers, many wondering if the feline had been abandoned by the previous owners.
In a note in the comments section of the video post, the TikTok user clarified: “guys no one left the cat it lives next door!” Text overlaid in a follow-up video added reassurance, saying: “guys don’t worry, the cat has a home but we still let it inside.”
The viral moment has prompted discussion about what to do when encountering a cat near your home.
According to The Humane World for Animals, there are no hard-and-fast rules for determining whether a cat is a lost pet or a community cat. “A cat who approaches you and is friendly toward humans is more likely to be a pet who is allowed outside or a lost or abandoned pet,” the organization explains. Feral cats, on the other hand, are typically unsocialized and remain unapproachable even after several days of feeding.
The group advises speaking with neighbors and local mail carriers to gather information, filing a found cat report with nearby shelters, and checking for any matching lost pet reports. “Socialization alone won’t tell you if a cat has an owner or caretaker,” the organization notes, emphasizing that behavior around people can help guide next steps.
‘New Bestie’
Renehrenmann said: “that’s the landlord.” Seymour agreed, writing: “Oh bless. Everyone knows it’s the cat’s house. He just got new humans.”
User @lion_heart_ryan said: “I think all house sales should come with a random animal.”
Emma Jayne Goodman noted: “he’s going to be your dad’s new bestie now.” Mari wrote: “Your dad has a step cat now.”
Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via TikTok. This video has not been independently verified.
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