After birth, woman spots change in cat—then comes realization: “the guilt”

A video of a woman rocking in a chair while cuddling an orange cat on her chest has gone viral on TikTok, racking up nearly 1 million views.

But it wasn’t so much the tender footage that struck a chord with viewers—it was the text layered over it, which read: “After becoming a mom, I started to notice how jealous and sad he became. I told myself I would make sure to give him the attention he needed and deserved again because he’s also my baby.”

The clip, shared by owner Kristin @introvertedcatlady, was captioned: “The guilt I feel for not shifting my energy to him during the brinks of motherhood makes me ill.” It has received more than 225,800 likes.

One popular response, with almost 14,000 likes, read: “People say ‘it’s just a cat’ but you’re the only mother he has too.”

Another user added: “Finally, someone was decency. I see so many people getting rid of their pets when the baby comes. Bravo ma’am.”

Kristin told a third user that she can’t think without crying about “all those poor animals that just are abandoned or forgotten.“

Parents, Pets and Guilt

The TikTok discussion reflects a longstanding tension for new parents who are also pet owners. In 2018, HuffPost reported that, out of 2,000 parents surveyed, 1 in 10 admitted they regretted getting a pet due to the extra responsibility.

Meanwhile, 12 percent said family life would be much easier without an animal, as pets often limited holidays, day trips, and even work travel.

However, more recent data from 2024 revealed a generational shift—Gen Zers are now more likely to prioritize pets over children. A report from the website Best Ontario Casino Sites found only 38 percent said they would choose starting a family over raising a pet.

Tips for Balancing Babies and Cats

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommends taking steps to ensure both pets and newborns can thrive in the same household:

• Prepare Your Cat for the Baby Gradually: Use pregnancy to acclimate your cat—play baby noises, introduce baby scents, and set up nursery furniture early.
• Shift Caregiving Duties in Advance: If another person will take over feeding, grooming, or playtime, begin the change one to two months before the baby arrives so the cat can adjust.
• Reintroduce Gently: Greet your cat calmly before introducing the baby.
• Use Scent for Familiarity: Let your cat explore baby-scented items such as a blanket.
• Keep Sleep Spaces Safe: Always keep cribs and sleeping areas cat-free by using doors, screens, or crib tents. Never allow the cat to cuddle near a newborn’s face.

Newsweek reached out to @introvertedcatlady for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case.

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