A Puppy And A Cat: Unlikely Best Friends With A Unique Playstyle

A puppy and a cat have become unlikely best friends, with a rather different way of playing together. Penny, the golden retriever puppy, is just 4 months old and joined Morgan Drum's family in August, gaining two lively cat siblings along the way. Her sisters, Cricket and Clover, are two-year-old black cats with big personalities. Morgan, a 23-year-old from Kansas City, Missouri, told Newsweek that they had always wanted a dog, but were aware of the potential risks when introducing a new pet into a household.

However, Penny and Cricket hit it off brilliantly right from the start. “Like typical sisters, they have their moments, but overall enjoy chasing each other around the house, barking and meowing at each other, and of course, play fighting,” Drum explained. A video of their playful antics recently went viral on TikTok, garnering more than 2.7 million likes and over 12.6 million views since its posting on October 13. The caption humorously stated, “Penny has no survival skills,” as it shows the puppy grinning up at the black cat, who playfully slaps her face.

Interestingly, Cricket doesn’t use her claws, and Penny seems to take the playful hits in stride. Drum expressed her excitement at capturing this moment on camera, noting that her pets frequently engage in this kind of playful behavior. “They both enjoy the slap fighting,” she added. Morgan also has another cat named Clover, who is still warming up to Penny and often watches the playful duo, ready to jump in if needed!

Responses from TikTok Users

TikTok users found the video hilarious, with comments like, “That dog got Stockholm Syndrome,” and others expressing shock at the loud thuds during the playful slaps. One user said, “Damn baby fight back!” while some worried about Penny’s well-being, thinking she might be getting hurt. However, a clever observer pointed out that the lack of claws indicated that Cricket wasn’t trying to harm Penny at all.

Drum mentioned how amused she was by the reactions, saying, “It was cracking me up how many people thought Cricket was being mean.” She also noted that some commenters labeled her a terrible pet parent for allowing her puppy to be “bopped” by a tiny cat. Morgan found the negative comments silly and focused instead on the laughter and joy her pets brought to millions of viewers.

With her husband not being active on social media, Drum was astounded by the video’s success. “When I told him how many views it was at, his mind was blown,” she shared. Knowing that so many people were enjoying her pets' antics was a delightful surprise, and Morgan has loved sharing their goofiness with a wider audience.

Understanding Play vs. Aggression in Pets

Recognizing whether your cat is playing or fighting is crucial for pet owners. According to a vet-reviewed report from Catster.com, a cat's silence during interactions usually means they are playing, as they don't vocalize during playtime. If a cat's ears are upright and their body language appears relaxed, it indicates they are comfortable and not stressed during these moments of fun.

Additionally, owners should be attentive to the lack of claws during play. If your cat is using claws, it may be a sign of aggression rather than play. Monitoring these behaviors can help ensure that interactions between pets remain safe and enjoyable for everyone involved. It's essential to foster an environment where pets can play freely while being aware of their body language and vocal cues.

If you have adorable and funny videos or photos of your pets, consider sharing them! You can send your submissions to life@newsweek.com. Your furry friends could be featured in our Pet of the Week lineup!