In a tearjerking video that was posted on TikTok in January, one woman shared how she went from being a reluctant pet owner to being totally devoted to her cat.
For the TikToker (@marygrxx), the notion of having a pet cat was not just unappealing—it was firmly off the table. But life, as it often does, had other plans.
She shared how the pair's relationship had blossomed in the heartwarming social media clip that has been viewed more than 3 million times to date.
The TikToker filmed herself gently stroking her new fur-child, who some have suspected may be of the American shorthair breed, while he relaxed and purred in her arms.
The sweet clip played against "My Love Mine All Mine" by Mitski, a viral sound on the app, captured the warm bond between the once reluctant pet owner and the cat.
"[Point of view] you never wanted a cat but you still gave him a chance," she said.
The post, that was shared to TikTok on January 2, was captioned: "My heart is full".
Viewers who were emotionally moved by the video have taken it as a sign that most people can open their hearts up to animals, with a small nudge or in this case meow.
Some have taken to the comments section of the post to advocate for stray or neglected animals, and speak up about the nuggets of love and joy that they can provide.
"I will never understand how people neglect or abuse these beautiful animals," one user, who goes by @idkhun_ on TikTok, wrote.
"How could someone never want a cat," another user, @athirkhalilieh, added.
"If you know how to communicate with them, they will become the most cuddly and clingy companion imaginable," a different TikToker, @b1gsbyy, shared.
"I would give him my life, not just a chance," another user, @annabfth commented.
"Growing up, my dad was never around. [My] mom worked day and night. I had animals since young. I never felt the void," a different user, @munzstar, wrote.
The video's creator started her account back in January with a short video of her cat. Her feed has since become full of cat clips that showcase the heartwarming bond between the unlikely pair.
She'd written "cat spam incoming" in the bio of the account.
Newsweek reached out to @marygrxx for more information via TikTok.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Melissa Fleur Afshar is a Newsweek Life and Trends Reporter based in London, United Kingdom.
Her current focus is on trending ... Read more
