Cat owners are just beginning to understand a new way to help their pets feel safe—and it's stirring up a lot of emotions.
The touching video has left viewers emotional as it captures the cat's reaction as she appears to be recalling memories of her mother.
In the viral video, the owner gently brushes the cat's head with a wet toothbrush, causing her to cry, as if taking her back to her kitten days.
A Reddit post with over 42,000 likes claims: “Using a wet toothbrush to groom your cat reminds her of her mother.”
Users were deeply moved by what they saw, with one writing: “My little brother is going through this right now.”
Another shared: “I'm not crying but you are.” While a third expressed reluctance to try it on their pet: “I want to do this to my cat but if he has the same flashbacks I won't be able to handle it.” However, some viewers noted that their cats didn't appreciate the gesture, with one saying: “Mine just tries to bite the toothbrush. He can't stand it.”
READ ALSO: Three Cat Breeds That Are Known To Be Affectionate Towards Their Owners [CATS]
Using a wet toothbrush to groom your cat reminds her of her mother
byu/EddieBrock99 inEyebeach
READ MORE:
Cat Owner's 'Brilliant' Trick That Makes Pets Easily Swallow Pills [TIP]
Vet talks about one mistake you shouldn't make after surgery on your pet [INSTITUTE]
“I'm a Cat Expert. Here Are 5 Tips to Protect Your Pet from the Cold” [TIPS]
Another user described a similar experience: “We tried it once and our cat was the same, kept saying 'get that thing away from me'. First he tried to grab the brush, then the hand that was holding it. Sounds like he has mommy issues.”
Another user also mentioned trying it: “I tried this years ago and it just irritated our cats.”
Despite the sentimental reaction, Dr. Jacklyn Ellis, director of behaviour at the Toronto Humane Society, suggests that the cats probably don't perceive it as abandonment.
Dr Ellis offers an alternative explanation, suggesting that cats simply enjoy the sensation and have developed a “conditioned positive association” to it. He noted: “In all the videos I've seen, cats are being petted in areas where they have scent glands, and these tend to be their favourite areas to be petted.”
This means that pleasure may be more related to the places of caress than to the tool used.
For those interested in this, Dr Ellis advises focusing on scent gland areas and monitoring the cat’s body language, stopping if it shows negative reactions. Cats Protection supports this view, stressing the importance of paying attention to a cat’s body language and behaviour during interactions to avoid harm to both the animal and the person.
SUBSCRIBE Invalid email address
We use your registration to deliver content in ways you have consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include advertising from us and third parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
In trend
They advise: “When petting your cat, pay close attention to her body language and behavior. If she doesn't pull away and shows contented, relaxed body language, she's enjoying the interaction. You can continue petting her. If she doesn't pull away but shows anxious or tense body language, she's just tolerating the interaction. She's not enjoying it. Stop petting her and walk away.”
“If the cat leaves, stop petting it and don't follow it. You can try holding your hand out in case it changes its mind and comes back for more. If the cat tries to attack or bite your hand, try to remain calm. Slowly move your hand away from it and give it plenty of space.”
Sourse: www.express.co.uk
