The Story Behind the Viral Orange Cat Incident
A video featuring an orange cat named Ludy has recently gone viral on TikTok, amassing over 1.6 million views. The clip, shared by the account @ludytooty, captures a dramatic moment when Ludy appears to be in a state of distress. The footage begins with Ludy hissing and swiping at his owner’s leg, his body tense and eyes wide as if warning them of his anger. The text overlay on the video states, “our cat wouldn’t stop hissing and growling at us yesterday after we picked him up from the cattery. He was SO angry with us.”
Despite the initial hostility, the July 11 video ends on a heartwarming note, showing Ludy curled up on his owner’s lap, enjoying gentle strokes. This change in mood highlights the importance of patience and understanding when dealing with pets who may be stressed or unsettled.
To gain a deeper understanding of Ludy’s behavior, experts were consulted. Dr. Suzanne Moyes, deputy managing director and in-house vet at Burgess Pet Care in England, provided insight into the situation. She noted that Ludy appeared clearly distressed in the first half of the video, but it was reassuring to see him adjust back to his home environment after a few hours.
Moyes emphasized that it is natural for pets to feel unsettled by changes in their surroundings, just like humans. She pointed out that the key to minimizing stress for both pets and owners lies in making the boarding experience and the return home as calm and smooth as possible.
The Emotional Struggle of Leaving Pets Behind
Many pet owners find it emotionally challenging to leave their pets behind, especially when traveling. According to a May 2025 survey by TrustedHousesitters, 56 percent of U.S. pet owners travel less since getting a pet. Additionally, 61 percent worry more about their pet’s well-being than their own vacation enjoyment. Another 33 percent spend much of their trip checking in on their pet or video-calling their sitter.
This emotional connection between pets and their owners underscores the need for careful planning when leaving a pet in a cattery or with a sitter. It’s not just about ensuring the pet’s physical needs are met, but also about maintaining their emotional comfort.
Tips for Making the Cattery Experience Less Stressful
Dr. Moyes has offered several tips to help make the process of putting a cat in a cattery less stressful for both the pet and the owner:
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Visit the Cattery Before You Book In – Consider a brief “trial stay” so your cat can get to know the carers and the surroundings. Familiar faces (and smells) can make settling in easier, so pack your pet’s favorite blanket, toy, or treat to bring a touch of home.
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Think About Your Cat’s Personality – A young, confident cat will usually thrive in a well-run cattery, whereas a senior or anxious feline might be happier with a sitter on home turf. Whichever you choose, stick to your pet’s usual diet: sudden food swaps can lead to an upset tummy, so supply plenty of their regular feed to cover your time away.
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Stay Calm – When you collect your cat, remain calm. A joyful reunion is lovely, but overenthusiasm can actually stress a pet who’s just readjusting. Some cats may spray, hide, or seem distant for a day or two; just let them explore at their own pace and gradually slip back into their daily routine.
Sharing Your Pet’s Stories
The story of Ludy has sparked interest and conversation among pet lovers, highlighting the unique personalities of our furry friends. If you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet that you’d like to share, consider sending them to life@ with some details about your best friend. Your pet could be featured in a future “Pet of the Week” lineup.
Related stories continue to capture the hearts of readers, showcasing the deep bond between pets and their owners. From a cat refusing to leave a dog’s side during recovery to a woman feeding a stray cat and being moved by its return, these stories remind us of the joy and love that pets bring into our lives.
