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The Internet Is Obsessed With This Devoted Cat and His Grandpa

Britt
by Britt
Published:  January 5th, 2026
Photo credit: sergey kolesnikov / Shutterstock.com

In the world of pet parenting, we often measure our success by the quality of life we provide for our furry friends. We invest in high-quality nutrition, regular vet care, and the latest pet care gadgets. However, a recent viral video serves as a reminder that the most powerful indicator of a pet’s well-being is the depth of the emotional bond they share with us, their humans.


The TikTok video, shared by user @shelby.donovan, quickly captured the internet’s attention, having collected nearly 200K likes and over 1300 comments at the time of writing this.


It features a gray-and-white cat perched firmly and comfortably on his favorite person’s shoulders: his grandpa. And he’s not just sitting; he is actively rubbing his head and body against the man in a display of love and devotion.


While the caption jokingly suggests finding someone who loves you as much as this cat loves his grandpa, the behavior actually offers a fascinating look into how our cats show that they love us. Seeing a cat engage in “shoulder riding” and “ allorubbing” (the technical term for cats rubbing against humans or other cats) fills our hearts with joy. This is a sign of secure attachment.

When a cat perches on a human’s shoulders, they are choosing a vantage point that is both high up (where they naturally feel safest) and close to the person who makes them feel secure. It’s a display of vulnerability and trust that is earned through consistently showing your cat love, trust, and respect.


From an educational standpoint, this behavior is more than just a sweet moment; it is a communication of scent and a declaration that they are claiming you. Cats have scent glands on their cheeks, foreheads, and flanks. When they rub against their favorite person, they are depositing pheromones, effectively marking that person as part of their safe “colony.”


For the cat in the video, grandpa isn’t just a provider; he is home.


This story also highlights the incredible benefits of the human-animal bond for seniors. Research consistently shows that for older adults and seniors, the presence of a pet can lower blood pressure, reduce feelings of isolation, slow cognitive decline, and provide a sense of purpose. In the video, “Grandpa” appears completely relaxed and comfortable with his feline passenger, a testament to the calm, steady routine the two have likely established over many years in their relationship.


As pet parents, we can take a lesson from this viral moment. While we often look for “performance” or “training” as signs of intelligence, the most impressive intelligence our pets possess is emotional. At the same time, the best way to improve your pet’s quality of life often comes down to these quiet, unhurried moments of physical closeness.


Building a bond this strong requires patience and an understanding of cat body language, recognizing and respecting their boundaries. By allowing our pets to choose when and how they interact, we create a safe environment where they feel safe enough to offer this type of deep, loyal affection.


It is a reminder that the best thing we can give our pets is our time and undivided attention.  


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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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