A woman who visited a pet store looking for a fish tank walked out with a much-bigger surprise—a new feline companion.
The TikTok video, shared by user Kadrien (@k.e.t.a_), shows the 21-year-old putting her finger through a small hole in a glass enclosure to pet a tabby cat. Moments later, the clip cuts to the cat sprawled out in her new home after being adopted. The text overlay says the user “went to Petco for a fish tank and ended up going home with a 5-year-old cat.”
The video, captioned “Welcome home Ruthie Roo. [Five] months in the shelter and an unknown amount of time in a previous shelter before transfer, forever in our home,” has more than 829,000 times, at the time of writing.
One viewer commented: “I find it absolutely insane that pet shops in America sell full grown animals like cats and dogs. Here they sell fish, maybe guinea pigs.”
Kadrien clarified in response: “At the Petco we frequent there’s always a constant flow of cats form shelters and they get adopted fairly quick so it’s always nice to see!”
The poster also shared that she was pleased the adoption fee went directly to the shelter. “The only money that we spent for her to go to Petco was for food and such,” she wrote.
Another user said: “I work at a Petco and [right now] we have like 6 cats that are the sweetest I’ve ever seen. They are all so loving and playful. I always wonder if they go to a good home that will nourish that lovingness and playfulness. It makes me happy seeing stuff like this.”
Kadrien replied: “She’ll be so spoiled, there’s even been talk of clothing is she likes it.”
While Petco sells pet supplies, fish, and small animals, its website says that the retailer “does not sell cats or dogs. In partnership with Petco Love and local animal welfare organizations, you can meet adoptable dogs and cats at your neighborhood store.”
Newsweek reached out to Petco for comment.
Settling Into Her New Home
Though Ruthie looked content in the viral clip, Kadrien has posted updates showing the cat initially kept to herself. Ruthie hid in a cabinet near the oven, prompting her new owner to order food delivery for three days so the animal wouldn’t overheat.
Since then, the feline has grown more confident, exploring the kitchen and bathroom, though she remains wary of the household’s dogs.
In a video shared on August 16, Kadrien said: “She’s taking strides today, especially since we’ve been [doing everything] on her time. I feel like it’s building a lot of trust as well.”
How To Help a Fearful Cat
Indeed, experts say patience is key when welcoming a feline into a new environment. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) offers the following guidance for helping a fearful cat adjust:
- Start Small: Confine the cat to a quiet room with essentials and safe hiding spots. Avoid removing them from hiding by force.
- Gradual Introduction: Once confident, allow the feline to slowly explore the rest of the home.
- Considerate Approach: Stay calm, avoid looming or grabbing, and offer treats or toys at their level.
- Let Them Choose: Stop interactions if they show stress and let them initiate contact.
- Visitors: Ask guests to ignore the cat until it approaches on its own.
Newsweek reached out to @k.e.t.a_ for comment. We could not verify the details of the case.
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