A video capturing the moment a family cat met a newborn baby for the first time has left social media users in tears.
Posted on TikTok by user Kate (@heyheyitskatee), the clip shows a tiny newborn sleeping peacefully on a bed with the family’s cat curled up beside it.
The camera then pans around to the baby’s visibly emotional parents, who wipe away tears at the tender scene unfolding in front of them.
“Throwback to when we brought our baby home and couldn’t hold it together when my cat slept next to her,” the caption reads.
The short video struck a chord with viewers, many of whom were also moved by the quiet show of affection between pet and child.
The cat appears calm and protective, nestled closely to the sleeping infant, while the parents’ tearful reaction shows how meaningful the moment felt.
The comment section filled with thousands of reactions from TikTok users, with one writing, “So much love in that house.”
Another joked, “Everyone needs to go to bed.”
“She’s the only stable adult right now,” one contributor quipped.
While the scene struck many as adorable, animal welfare organizations advise that introductions between pets and newborns should be handled thoughtfully and with supervision.
According to the Animal Humane Society, “Never leave a baby or small child unattended around an animal. No matter how young the child or gentle the animal, too many things can go wrong, and both parties could get hurt.”
The organization also notes that preparation before a baby arrives can help ease the transition for pets adjusting to a new family member.
Experts recommend gradually introducing changes to a pet’s environment and maintaining routines as much as possible.
“Pets rely on consistency, and even small changes to their environment can cause considerable stress,” the Animal Humane Society states, advising parents to make adjustments in stages before bringing a newborn home.
For cat owners in particular, U.K.-based animal welfare charity Blue Cross says introductions should allow the cat to approach in its own time.
“Cats will usually become used to your baby if they are allowed to approach them in their own time. Never force your cat to approach, or invade your cat’s space with your baby,” the organization advises.
In the TikTok video, the family’s cat appears relaxed, choosing independently to curl up next to the sleeping infant.
Blue Cross notes that many cats adapt well to life with a new baby, adding, “Most cats are extremely adaptable and will cope well with some planning.”
Though the clip lasts only seconds, it captures a milestone moment for the family—bringing their newborn home and witnessing their pet accept the newest member of the household.
For the parents, the sight of their cat snuggling beside their daughter was enough to bring them both to tears. For millions of viewers online, it was enough to do the same.
Newsweek has reached out to heyheyitskatee for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case.
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