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Orange Cat Has Gone Viral for Refusing to Let His Dad Leave for Work

Britt
by Britt
Published:  February 17th, 2026
Photo credit: Muhammad Hashim 01 / Shutterstock.com

We’ve all been there. You have your keys in your hand, your bag over your shoulder, and you’re running through your mental to-do list, preparing for the day ahead. Then, you look down. Whether it’s a pair of adorable pleading eyes or a gentle rub against your leg, the guilt trip is a universal experience for pet parents.


However, few pets take this mission as seriously as Sebastian, an orange cat whose dramatic morning routine has recently gone viral online.


Sebastian’s desire to keep his father from leaving for work each morning is nothing new. However, on February 11, this dramatic morning routine was recorded and shared with the people of TikTok on his dad’s account ( @brandonnn00xx). Using every tool in his kitty toolbox, from bold physical blocks to adorable little pleas.

While the footage of this encounter is undeniably funny, it has sparked a deeper conversation among pet lovers about why our pets go to such lengths to keep us home.


If you spend any time in cat-loving circles, you’ve likely heard that orange cats have a reputation of being overly social (Velcro cats) but also highly dramatic. It’s a personality that is clearly represented in the video of Sebastian. But could this be nothing more than an example of a feisty orange cat? Or is it something more?


The internet has a way of finding meaning in chaos. Many viewers of Sebastian’s video saw his efforts as a way to protect his dad from the world beyond the front door. Commenters joked that Sebastian might have been saving him from a traffic accident or a bad day at the office by making him a few minutes late.


However, for dedicated pet parents, this behavior also serves as a reminder to be aware and alert to our pets’ emotional health. While Sebastian’s protests are entertaining, extreme clinginess can sometimes be a symptom of separation anxiety.


When a pet becomes distressed by the by seeing their person walk out the door, it can manifest in destructive behavior, vocalization, or (as in Sebastian’s case), an intense effort to prevent them from leaving. These actions are often hallmark signs of separation anxiety, a condition where your cat experiences genuine panic or fear once their person is out of sight. Understanding these warning signs is the first step in addressing the underlying emotional distress this condition causes, rather than simply viewing the behavior as an inconvenience or a cute quirk.


Supporting Your Kitty’s Emotional Well-Being


If your cat struggles when you head to the office or step out to do a grocery run, there are steps you can take to make them more comfortable. Experts often recommend:


  • Establishing a Predictable Routine: Pets thrive on knowing what happens next. This helps reduce stress and also makes it clear you’re coming home (at the same time as always).
  • Providing Mental Enrichment: High-quality puzzle toys, cat trees, cat shelves, catnip toys, or “Cat TV” (a bird feeder outside a window) can keep their minds occupied while you’re away.
  • Considering a Companion: Some pets might benefit from having a second animal in the home to help reduce feelings of isolation.


Sebastian eventually had to let his dad go to work, but his viral moment lives on as a reminder of the special bond we share with our pets.


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Britt
Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Lucifer and Willow – and their 3 cats – Pippen, Jinx, and Theia. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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