A viral TikTok video shows a New York City cat exploring the outside for the very first time, and her reaction to it has captured the hearts of social media users.
The clip shared in November by @cleothecitykitty, shows the Persian cat Cleo, who has spent her entire life in a city apartment with her owner, enjoying the nature around her as she roams freely in her spacious East Hampton yard.
“POV: your indoor cat goes outside for the first time,” says the caption.
The poster, 29-year-old Caelin Smith, told Newsweek that while they were there, Cleo was mesmerized by the birds, the greenery and the pool outside.
“I decided to let her explore the fenced-in backyard while keeping her under very close supervision (she stayed within a foot of me the whole time!). She absolutely loved it, and it made me so happy to see her enjoying herself,” she said.
While spending time outside is fun for cats, it can also be quite dangerous if not strictly supervised. That’s why most veterinarians suggest keeping them safe indoor, unless you are out with them.
The outdoors exposes cats to dangers like traffic, fights, predators, exposure to toxins, and the risk of getting lost or stolen.
A Better Vet article medically reviewed by Dr. Laura Fontana, explains that an outdoor cat’s lifespan is estimated to be significantly shorter than an indoor cat, averaging just 2 to 5 years, while indoor cats can live around 17 years or more.
You can still allow your cat outside in safe enclosed areas, like catios, which are a great enrichment to their life. Keeping your cat up to date with vaccinations, micro-chipping them, and teaching them to call when called can help them stay safe outdoor.
Letting cats roam out by themselves is also not safe for the local fauna, according to a Vet Explains Pet post by Dr. Jess Kirk, which explains that it can contribute to the decline of bird and small mammal populations.
@cleothecitykitty
The video quickly went viral on social media and it has so far received over 558,300 views and 56,800 likes on the platform.
One user, Lola and Boomer, commented: “I did this mistake with my cat once and now she wants to go outside every waking moment.”
Vaniajoewono said: “Ever since my indoor cat went outside, he tried grass and liked it, now he always find ways to eat green veggies from the kitchen.”
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
