Cat Lets Chipmunk Loose in House in Video With 'Tom and Jerry Vibes'

Cats are famed for being avid hunters, and one cat's hunting skills have gained her viral attention this week after TikTok users were delighted by the cheeky feline's antics.

Tuxedo Tabby cat Luna has left the internet in stitches after her owner Knot Shy shared a video on TikTok in March. The video shows how Luna walked into the house with a live chipmunk in her mouth and has now gained more than 29 million views,

As she runs inside, 2-year-old Luna drops the animal on the stairs where it runs around—much to the distress of her owner.

Knot Shy told Newsweek: "This was her first time doing this. I was recording to create a compilation of her coming in the house so I wasn't expecting a friend this time."

As Luna comes into the house and drops the animal, Knot Shy can be heard shouting: "Luna! Get it. Luna, oh my God. Luna. Get it," as the cat runs upstairs without a care in the world.

Delighted by the video, TikTok users took to the comments to share their thoughts.

"This is the funniest video," said one commenter: "Your panic is so real." Another TikToker said: "She is bringing you a present."

A 2021 study by researchers at the University of Exeter in the U.K. analyzed the hunting behavior of domestic cats—looking into the proportions of wild prey captured and eaten by our feline friends.

Researchers used forensic evidence from cats' whiskers to see what regular hunters of wildlife had been eating. Results found that even in prolific hunters, around 96 percent of their diet came from food provided by their owners, while only around 4 percent came from eating wild animals.

This research suggests that it is predatory instinct rather than hunger that is the main reason for our cat's desire to hunt and catch wild prey.

One viewer of the viral video joked that it had: "Strong Tom and Jerry vibes… especially with the screaming." Another TikToker said: "That's just Alvin. Simon and Theodore are next," referencing the 2007 movie Alvin and the Chipmunks.

One commenter joked about how the cat seemed to run away from the Chipmunk after dropping it on the stairs: "Not Luna acting like she's scared of it." Another TikToker said: "This is the exact reason I don't let my cats outside."

Luckily, the story had a happy ending for all involved, Knot Shy explained: "I was able to get the chipmunk out of my window and he jumped off the roof and ran into the sunset."

Despite the drama caused by the unexpected visitor, Knot Shy is thrilled that the video has delighted so many viewers: "I love the love that Luna has been receiving," she said. "[I'm] excited to show the world how crazy yet cute she can be."

Another feline melted hearts last month when he showed off his budding hunting skills while playing with a cat iPad game.