An 11-year-old cat named Reno has become an internet sensation after his priceless reaction to a toddler's tantrum was captured on video. The clip, shared on TikTok by his owner Vail Shoars, has amassed 9.7 million views since it was posted two weeks ago.
In the video, Reno is seen stopping dead in his tracks, his pupils dilating and head bobbing as he tries to make sense of the commotion. 'His genuine level of confusion is killing me,' Vail joked in the caption. She added: 'My cat's first time experiencing a toddler meltdown.'
The footage prompted thousands of responses from amused TikTok users. One commented: 'He is so confused and so concerned at the same time.' Another said: 'My cats are traumatised. Every time they hear toddler voice they’ll be running and hiding!' A third recalled: 'My cat put himself between the air mattress and the wall at my brother’s house. He was so distraught from the crying.'
Some users suggested that cats may perceive a crying baby as a distressed kitten. This theory is supported by Kid Friendly Pets, which explains that mammals can recognise the cries of other mammals. 'Cats will inspect and sometimes rush to aid a crying and distressed baby,' the site notes, adding that this instinctive response shows cats can recognise an infant on a basic level.
