Cat Waiting at Window Every Day for Dead Owner's Return Breaks Hearts

They may be more aloof than their canine counterparts, but cats are just as capable of bonding with their humans as dogs. If you're in doubt, this TikTok post might change your mind.

In a video shared by jgb.dolzer21 on August 14, a ginger and white cat can be seen sitting on the windowsill of his late owner's former home, waiting to be let in.

The footage broke hearts all over TikTok, with the post receiving almost 70,000 likes and hundreds of shares.

According to the American Pet Products Association, cats are the second most popular pet in the U.S., with 45.3 million households having a feline friend. Despite their popularity, cats' more independent nature makes them a divisive pet, with the dog vs. cat battle raging on.

A 2019 study found that cats do love their owners, with felines showing attachment responses similar to infant children. So why does the uncaring cat stereotype remain? It turns out, it's all down to body language.

Domesticated dogs have come a long way from their wolf ancestors, evolving facial muscles to create the "puppy dog eye" effect. These muscles make dogs more appealing to humans, but also allow them to communicate with their owners more effectively. Cats don't have this muscle, making them seem unfriendly in comparison.

A dog's body language—from wagging their tail to jumping up as you walk through the door—is very easy to read, whereas a cat's body language tends to be more subtle. Felines show affection through licking, sleeping on your bed, purring and rubbing their head on you. Although they lack the "puppy dog eye" muscle, they do show express their love through blinking—if your cat stares at you while blinking slowly, it's a sign it trusts you.

In a caption alongside the video, jgb.dolzer21 explains that the cat's owner died in December 2021. Prior to his death, the owner would let his pet in through the front window of his ground-floor apartment.

Ever since, the cat has returned to sit on the sill of that same window. The video shows the cat waiting patiently for his owner to let him in, from January, through the spring.

"I am sobbing," commented user Bry Walters.

"Animals have the purest love of the world," said Celina Luna.

"We dont deserve animals. Most loyal souls!" wrote Hellenis Ella.

In the comments, jgb.dolzer21 provided an update on the cat. Fortunately, he was taken in by his former owner's ex-wife, who lives on the floor above. However, he still occasionally sits by the window waiting.

Newsweek has reached out to @jgb.dolzer21 for comment. We could not verify the details of the case.