A viral TikTok video has left millions in hysterics after a pet owner welcomed a stray cat into her home during an extreme winter storm—much to the dismay of her resident ginger cat.
The clip, posted by TikTok user @kellijc, shows the black‑and‑white neighborhood cat comfortably lounging on the family couch while icy conditions raged outdoors. Meanwhile, the owner’s ginger cat can be seen sitting nearby, appearing deeply unimpressed and unsure about the new arrival.
In the days since the video was shared online, it has amassed over 7.4 million views and 731,600 likes on TikTok, as internet users can’t get enough of the resident cat’s confusion.
Newsweek has contacted @kellijc via TikTok for comment. We could not verify the details of the video.
The owner explained in the caption layered over the footage that she’d “let the neighborhood stray come in because of the ice storm.” Needless to say, her own cat was “not happy” about the decision.
Alongside the video, @kellijc wrote on TikTok that her cats have been friendly with this particular stray for “over six months” and she noted that they all appear to be in good health (to address some online concern about the spread of fleas and infections).
Although her ginger cat certainly didn’t look impressed about the temporary new addition, @kellijc joked, “What was I supposed to do, let him freeze?” The comment drew support from many, with others noting that the ginger cat’s expression seemed to suggest a different answer.
Helping Stray Cats During Extreme Winter Weather
Animal‑welfare organizations emphasize that extreme cold poses serious risks for outdoor cats, including frostbite, dehydration and hypothermia. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), providing insulated shelter, keeping areas free of snow, and offering extra food and fresh water can be life‑saving for community cats.
Residents looking to help can donate storage bins to provide shelter with straw for insulation and bedding. Experts also note that wet food requires less energy to digest—helping cats preserve body heat—but freezes quickly, making insulated or heated feeding stations helpful. It’s also recommended to avoid using toxic salts to melt snow and ensuring cats have clear access to shelter entrances after snowfalls.
How Did TikTok Users React?
The reaction to @kellijc’s compassionate gesture has generated over 4,900 comments on the viral TikTok post so far. While many applauded her decision, others couldn’t resist joking about the ginger cat’s disapproval. Commenters debated whether the ginger cat looked jealous, territorial, or merely confused to find his outdoor playmate suddenly enjoying prime indoor real estate.
One viewer wrote: “You know he’s not leaving, right?”
Another joked: “Your cat says you were, indeed, supposed to let him freeze.”
A third person quipped: “They just let anyone in here.”
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