Ben Madilynn
A cat owner, battling a cold, has shared how her kitten mimicked her coughs in a heartwarming viral video.
Instagram user @laylalovesluna posted a clip showing her adorable feline, Laya, copying her “ahem-hems,” which quickly caught attention, amassing 452,334 likes and 4.3 million views.
“I have a little cold, and all day today, Laya has been mimicking my sniffles and ahem-hem-hems. I was finally able to get it on camera when she fell asleep on my hand. I don’t know how people without cats entertain themselves. Never a dull moment with the meows,” the cat mom captioned the video.
The footage shows Layla, a Siamese cat, clearing her throat, Laya responds with a soft chirrup, as if she’s mirroring her owner’s cough. You can view the Instagram video here.
EyeEm Mobile GmbH/iStock / Getty Images Plus
According to the Humane Society, cats can communicate with a wide range of vocalizations, from purring and meowing to growling or hissing. Chirruping, like what Laya did, is usually a sound made when a cat is excited, as if saying hello or expressing curiosity. It can also be their way of bonding with their owner in response to verbal cues.
Interestingly, studies show that cats often mirror their owners’ behavior and emotions. According to Martha Stewart, cats can adopt the personalities of their humans, reflecting qualities such as calmness or even neuroticism. Laya’s mimicry may be an example of this “copycat” behavior, as she echoes Layla’s throat clearing in what could be a form of social bonding.
Empathy also plays a role. A study published by the National Institutes of Health suggests that cats may respond to their owner’s emotional states. This research shows they can tune into human emotions. Laya’s cough-mimicking could very well be an empathetic response, signaling that she’s there for her owner during a time of need.
The video’s text overlay reads: “My kitten mimics me when I clear my throat.”
Instagram users were quick to share their thoughts on Laya’s antics. “You’re having a little echo bonding conversation, cats are so cute like that, they mimic their owners and become a cat version of you,” commented one follower, Molly.
Another chimed in with a clever pun: “Literally a copy cat.”
One viewer speculated that Laya’s chirps might be her way of showing concern. “Similar to her saying bless you, this is an empathy response. She’s letting you know she’s there in case you need her since you’re sick.”
“So adorable! Same thing here anytime anyone sneezes!” shared another fellow cat owner, relating to the experience.
Newsweek reached out to @laylalovesluna for comment via Instagram. We couldn’t verify the details of the case.
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.
