Hearts Melt As Stray Kitten Climbs on Man: 'You Are Now My Daddy'

A video of pet owners who were "chosen" by a stray kitten has gone viral on TikTok.

The clip was posted by @madison.feaster and has over 787,000 views at the time of writing.

A message overlaid on the video says: "The cat distribution system has finally chosen us." The footage shows a small kitten walking across a pavement and approaching the feet of a person.

"What do you think you're doing?" says what appears to be a man's voice in the clip. The cat is seen slowly climbing up the person's leg while staring up at the camera as the video ends.

A caption shared with the post reads: "We have welcomed Chompers to the family."

Each year, 6.3 million pets are surrendered to U.S. shelters, which is an average of 17,260 a day, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The number of cats and dogs taken in by pet shelters hit 46,807 during January 2023, an increase of 1,744 compared with January 2022, the 24Pet 'Shelter Watch Report' found. Around 920,000 surrendered animals are euthanized every year. Shelters are striving to minimize euthanasia rates by promoting adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs, and behavior rehabilitation.

Among the millions of animals that enter shelters and rescue centers across the country, adult cats and neonatal kittens (newborns aged up to around four weeks old) form a large portion of those in need of a home, according to the Humane Society of the United States.

Some are "victims of cruelty and may have behavioral or medical issues," the nonprofit states. "But many more are surrendered by loving families who can't access affordable, pet-friendly housing or veterinary care."

Dr. Jose Arce, the president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, told Newsweek in May 2022 that one should use caution when approaching an unknown cat. The feline may be fearful and any attempts to capture it could end up injuring you or the cat if they try to get away or protect themselves.

The Humane Society notes that some strays may be friendly and approach you for food or attention, while others may be too scared to let you get close. "But they will usually eat immediately if you put food down for them."

'You Are Now My Daddy'

According to a subsequent video, "Chompers is THRIVING & living up to his name," the original poster said in the caption. The clip shows the cat lying on its back on some cushions, while chewing on his own feet, with his hind feet raised up.

The cat in the viral clip has melted the hearts of users on TikTok.

Shadow said: "the kitty is like you are now my daddy."

User lizaknight208 noted: "he said you're taking me no matter what!"

User day added: "He said 'your delivery has arrived.'"

Carrie Danyel said, "Oh you were CHOSEN chosen," while user ALi wrote: "Cat said "I'm adopting you.'"

Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via TikTok. This video has not been independently verified.

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