Owner Pays $350 for Vets To Check Growling Cat—Unprepared for Diagnosis

A first-time tortoiseshell cat owner took her feline to the veterinarian for a general exam only to find out a shocking diagnosis.

Brandy Mink of southern Illinois told Newsweek that she decided to bring her cat Remi to the vet for a general exam since her cat was also experiencing some skin problems. Mink also wanted to test if Remi was feeling any pain since she'd be "sassy" when picked up.

"She would tense up, growl, and swat," Mink said. "But it wasn't every time. So we thought maybe we picked her up wrong and it was hurting her?"

There's nothing wrong with double-checking to see if anything is wrong with your pet, but after a $350 trip to the veterinarian, Mink's TikTok video posted to the account @_toe..beans_ in October revealed that her cat was diagnosed with "tortitude."

Remi came out from that appointment silently screaming with attitude. Although her squinty eyes in the TikTok video made it seem like she was angry about getting dragged to the vet, Remi was secretly laughing on the inside. She knew her attitude was the reason for the vet visit and she'll do it again.

This is a whole new wheelhouse for Mink. She wrote in the comments section that she started with a long hair tabby who is the sweetest, then she brought home Remi. "She is sweet but also very spicy," she said.

TikTok Users React

The hilarious TikTok clip has reached over 2.2 million views, 223,300 likes, and 633 comments as of Saturday afternoon.

"She looks so proud of herself at the end," one user commented.

Another added: "Tortitude is a lifelong condition, unfortunately."

While some were surprised by the diagnosis, most tortoiseshell cat owners would be the first to say that the "tortitude" is real. Between the meows, the side eyes, and the sassy walks, they aren't afraid to show off their attitude.

One user wrote: "As a Tortie Mama I'm howling, that's full-on tortitude right there. They are adorable little demons."

"My tortie is the queen of sass and it's her way or the highway," commented another.

"What I've learned from all of this is, enough love and compassion can turn a 'bad cat' into the purrfect fur baby," Mink said. "She is loving, playful, and will probably forever have a small side of sass we call 'tortitude,' but I wouldn't have it any other way."

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.