Cat Runs to Hear Voicemails From 'Dad' in 'Wholesome' Clips Viewed 4M Times

Videos showing a cat listening to voice messages from her "cat dad" have gone viral on TikTok, receiving more than 4 million views combined since they were shared.

The videos were shared to the TikTok account @hoag2292, and commenters expressed their delight with the bond that the cat, named Darla, has with her owner.

A 2019 study conducted by Oregon State University found that pet cats are capable of forming bonds with their human owners that are similar to bonds formed by children and dogs with human caretakers.

Kristyn Vitale, who served as a researcher with the university, said this was the first time researchers found that cats display these same "attachment styles."

"Of the 70 kittens that were classifiable, 64.3 [percent] were categorized as securely attached and 35.7 [percent] were categorized as insecurely attached," a press release about the study stated.

In @hoag2292's first video, viewed more than 2 million times, Darla is seen cuddling on the couch with the TikTok user's partner. In the second clip, she is perched and stares at a camera as she waits to hear an audio message.

"When your dad is your best friend and now he works out of town," the text over the first shot read. "Staring at the camera waiting for him to talk to her."

A few additional clips that followed showed Darla staring at the camera.

"I cried making this," @hoag2292 wrote in the caption. "She sits there every night waiting for her messages from her dad."

Viewers wasted no time sharing their love for the sweet video.

"She needs her emotional support human," commented @kfox9898.

"I vote he works from home," @fingergunzdown wrote.

Several other commenters joked and said he needed to find a job closer to home.

"Oh no," @nala_meets_world wrote. "Now he needs a new job."

Another video, also viewed more than 2 million times, showed the moment Darla heard one of the voice messages that is transmitted through the camera.

"Oh Darla," the message began, which lead to the cat scampering to a spot closer to the camera. "Oh hi, baby. I miss you, Darla."

The message continued as @hoag2292 continued to film Darla, who remained focused on the camera.

"I'll always come home for you," he said, concluding his message.

Once again, commenters loved the heartwarming clip.

"Omg the way she runs to his voice," @la_taliana wrote.

"He had her FULL attention from the moment he started talking," @haileyoliveraa commented.

Newsweek reached out to @hoag2292 for further comment.