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Viral Post About a “Criminal” Cat Stole the Internet’s Heart

Britt
by Britt
Published:  August 16th, 2025
Photo credit: zlikovec / Shutterstock.com

Recently, a seemingly ordinary rescue mission in Bangkok took a hilarious turn, capturing the hearts of animal lovers around the globe. It’s a reminder that even the best intentions can sometimes lead to chaos (of the best kind).


Nub Tang, a lost American Shorthair cat wearing a pink harness, was found by a kind-hearted stranger and brought to the local police station in the hope of reuniting her with her family. Among the officers working that day was Officer Da Parinda Pakeesuk, a Thai police officer known for rescuing stray animals.


Shortly after arriving at the station, she started scratching and biting several officers, leading to her arrest.


“This cat has been charged with assaulting police officers and is about to be detained,” Officer Pakeesuk wrote on Facebook in the first of several comical posts. “Please share this post so her owner can come and bail her out.”


The officers went on to take the wandering feline through the whole arrest process, complete with a mugshot, a fictitious police report, and even tiny paw prints to go on her record. The police report, including a statement from Nub Tang herself, stated, “I was just hungry. I didn’t mean to bite anyone.” The now-infamous mugshot went on to be the most viral of Officer Pakeesuk’s posts, bringing laughter to cat lovers everywhere.


During her stay, the department ensured that Nub Tang had the best of everything, including the best cat food, litter, and toys. She also enjoyed plenty of pets and scritches from the officers on duty.

After the post went viral, Officer Pakeesuk received many messages from people interested in adopting the mischievous cat. However, the department was determined to find her rightful family, the people who they knew were out there searching for their long-lost feline family member.


Luckily for Nub Tang, the power of social media came through, and her family saw the shared posts, arriving to bail her out. When Officer Pakeesuk handed the cat over, he also gave them a note that read, “This case must be handled properly. We cannot have other cats thinking that biting people is acceptable.”


In response to the adoption requests, the officer saw it as an opportunity to spread the word about animal rescue, writing, “If you truly love cats, feel free to adopt one of the many strays at my home or from a local shelter.”


It’s an important message and a reminder to all of us that there are countless other deserving cats just waiting for their own happy endings (minus the arrest record).


If you’re considering adding a cat to your family, adopting is an excellent way to give a pet a second chance at a loving home. Finding the “right fit” may be easier than you think. Start by looking at your local animal shelter and humane societies. Most of these organizations also have a website showcasing the cats available for adoption, often with photos, biographies, and important details about their personalities.


By choosing to adopt, you’re not only gaining a loyal and loving companion but also helping to open a spot for another cat in need.  


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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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It’s a classic feline spectacle, the tiny red dot that transforms your cat instantly into a furry ninja, chasing and leaping with unmatched intensity. But have you ever stopped to wonder… are laser toys really safe?The mesmerizing dance of the red dot has long captivated cats, from traditional laser pointers for fun interactive play with their human companions to automatic laser toys. However, somewhere amidst the playful leaps and bounds, many cat parents are now starting to express concerns about the potential risks these toys may pose.Are they genuinely harmless, or are there hidden dangers lurking beneath the surface of this seemingly innocent game? 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Laser play sessions are an excellent outlet for pent-up energy, promoting heart health, and preventing unwanted weight gain.Beyond the physical benefits, laser toys offer valuable mental enrichment, engaging your cat’s focus and problem-solving skills as they use their brain to figure out the best approach to catch their prey. The shared experience of playing together is also a great way to strengthen your bond with one another, creating moments of joy and connection.Finally, one of the major reasons these toys appeal so much to cat parents is the price point and ease of use. Rather than investing in expensive or complicated toys, laser pointers offer a quick, easy, and budget-friendly way to entertain even the pickiest cats. Plus, there’s an entertainment factor for us, too – who doesn’t love watching their cat go crazy chasing the laser across the room?Potential Risks and ConcernsWhile there is no denying that laser toys are a fun option for entertainment, it’s crucial that, as loving, responsible cat parents, we understand the potential risks they pose so we can make the best decision for our feline family members. Eye SafetyOne of the biggest dangers associated with the use of laser pointers is the risk of eye injuries. Direct exposure to the concentrated laser beam can cause serious and potentially irreversible damage to your cat’s retina, leading to impaired vision and even blindness. Never, under any circumstances, should you point the laser directly into your cat’s eyes. Behavioral Concerns Cats are natural hunters, but their instincts and desires to hunt often revolve around a set sequence – stalking, chasing, pouncing, and finally, capturing their prey. That same sequence carries over into play that mimics hunting. Laser pointers work well to trigger the first stages of this sequence, tempting them to chase the elusive, darting light around the room. However, the concern lies in the fact that the “prey” is never truly caught. While this doesn’t bother all cats, some will find the inability to complete the hunting sequence frustrating. Over time, this lack of fulfillment in their hunting sequence can lead to the development of obsessive-compulsive behaviors.  You might observe your cat becoming fixated on any small light or shadow, especially if it moves even the slightest bit. They may also engage in repetitive, seemingly aimless behaviors, or develop anxiety and create a general sense of unease in your cat. Physical Safety HazardsNot all risks revolve directly around the use of the laser. When playing with a laser toy, most cats do so with impressive focus and excitement. This can quickly override their awareness of their surroundings, opening the door for accidents and injuries. Cats have been known to run into furniture, walls, or other obstacles in pursuit of that little red dot. There’s also a risk of falls, especially if your cat tends to scale furniture, cat shelves, and other surfaces to get to their prey. Psychological Impact of Laser Toy Play Beyond the frustration of being unable to catch their “prey,” the consistent lack of a physical reward can have a deeper psychological impact. Cats experience a unique sense of satisfaction with a successful hunt, one that is deeply ingrained. After all, a cat in the wild is obviously hunting to eat or feed their young. Too many “failed hunts” can lead to a sense of dissatisfaction and even learned helplessness. In time, your cat may start to associate playtime with frustration rather than enjoyment. This can lead to several behavior challenges, including redirected aggression. When your cat cannot catch the red dot, their prey, they may redirect that pent-up energy and frustration towards other targets, such as your hands, feet, or even other pets in your home. Best Practices for Safe Laser Toy Use Do you have a cat who LOVES their laser toy, and now you’re second-guessing your decisions as a cat parent? Even with the potential risks, you can still include laser toys in your cat’s play and enrichment as long as they are used responsibly. The following best practices will help minimize the dangers and ensure playtime continues to be both safe and fun. Choosing the Right Laser Toy When shopping for a laser pointer, stick to a product specifically labeled for pet use. They are typically low-powered and designed to minimize the risk of eye damage. Avoid using high-powered or industrial laser pointers made for presentations, construction, or other purposes, as these increase the threat of eye injuries. Look for a safety rating on the packaging or product listing for any laser pointer or laser toy you are considering. If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution and choose a product specifically labeled for pet use, like the PetSafe Dancing Dot Laser Cat Toy (a hit in our house).

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