Ben Madilynn
A rescue kitten’s mixed reaction to being kissed for the very first time has left viewers online in hysterics.
The feline, named Mozart, was filmed snuggling up to his new fosterer, Grace, and responding to her sudden show of affection in a peculiar way. Grace had shared the moment to TikTok under @kittyboyandfriends on September 2, where it has since been viewed more than 2.1 million times.
Viewers were able to see Grace, a dedicated cat rescuer and fosterer, planting a tender kiss on Mozart’s head during a cuddle session. Initially bewildered, the kitten, who is affectionately called Mozzie, widened his eyes in surprise. He was captured looking deeply into Grace’s eyes as if trying to comprehend the sudden display of affection. The endearing moment is coupled with Mozart gingerly cuddling up to Grace, clearly appreciative yet puzzled by the gesture.
@kittyboyandfriends Mozart is not sure what to make of kisses 😳 Mozzie is one of the sweetest and snuggliest cats I’ve ever rescued. He is obsessed with cuddles. But in the middle of our cuddle session I broke out into aggressive kisses for the first time, and sweet boy was very confused 😅
While Mozart’s rescuer is experienced in caring for shelter animals, other new fosterers and adopters may not have as much know-how in welcoming rescue cats into their homes.
“First, ensure that the travel to your home is as stress-free as possible, this is crucial,” Dr. Julie Hunt, a veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance, told Newsweek. “Using a feline pheromone spray like Feliway in the carrier before travel can soothe the cat.
“It is also wise to withhold food for 8 to 12 hours before travel to limit the likelihood of vomiting.”
Once home, Hunt recommends initially housing the new cat in a single “safe room” to help them acclimate to their new environment.
“This allows the cat to adapt without being overwhelmed by a large space or other animals,” she said. “The cat should have access to hiding places and should never be pulled from them.
“Food, water, and a litter box should be accessible, and interactions with children and other pets should be supervised.”
The veterinarian says that if new fosterers and adopters can put these measures into place, their cat or kitten will likely settle in easier, making for a warmer bond between pet and owner. The reaction from Mozart in the video spotlights the connection that can form between humans and their pets, especially those that have been rescued.
“Mozart is not sure what to make of kisses,” she said. “Mozzie is one of the sweetest and snuggliest cats I’ve ever rescued.
“He is obsessed with cuddles…In the middle of our cuddle session I broke out into aggressive kisses for the first time, and sweet boy was very confused.”
Several viewers took to the comments section to poke fun at the cat’s mixed reaction to being kissed.
“I think he likes them, he just doesn’t know how to react,” one viewer said.
Another added: “So this is love? Mmm interesting.”
“My rescue cat reacted the same way but now he demands kisses lol,” a third viewer shared.
“I don’t usually do this on a first date,” another joked.
Another added: “He looks like he wants to like it, but yet still wants to call HR to report this offense.”
Newsweek reached out to @kittyboyandfriends for more information via email.
Getty Images
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
