Internet can’t cope with what kitten has to hug while he’s falling asleep

In a viral Reddit post, a cat owner revealed what their kitten has to hug every night before going to bed, and internet users can’t cope with it. 

The post, shared on Monday under the username u/MissVexa, shows the gray tabby tuxedo lying down on a warm blanket on the bed, hugging a white-and-blue parakeet in his paws like it is a teddy bear. “My kitten won’t sleep unless he’s hugging his parakeet,” the poster writes in the caption. 

The post quickly went viral on social media, where it has received over 11,000 upvotes and 228 comments on the platform, but it has also divided opinions among users. 

One user, Shizuma100, commented: “I thought it was a stuffed toy at first but surely it’s not good for the bird? Maybe get the cat a plushy toy instead.” 

Reynholmindustries posted: “It took me 3 times to finally see it’s an actual bird. Poor bird…” 

Calm-Medicine-3992 added: “No bird is gonna just sit there like that and take it unless they’re at least a little compliant. I’d be more afraid if the bird didn’t like and activated the cat’s predator instincts when trying to get away.” 

A Catster article, medically reviewed and fact-checked by Dr. Maja Platisa, says that, while cats and birds can share a home, it can only happen with strict planning and constant separation.  

Even calm, lazy felines can have their hunting instincts triggered by a loose bird, turning them into sudden predators. Supervision isn’t enough, as a cat can seriously injure or kill a bird in seconds.  

For safety, the two should never interact directly. A bird’s enclosure must be secure, inaccessible, and placed in a room the cat cannot enter, since felines may be drawn to areas where they sense prey.  

While some cats seem uninterested in birds, their instinctive predatory behavior means they cannot be fully trusted, making the owner responsible for the bird’s protection.  

Both pets need their own safe, comfortable spaces—felines often prefer quiet, elevated areas, while birds require a spacious, clean aviary with proper food, water, toys, and enrichment. Each animal also needs daily attention.  

Cats and birds should never be introduced, as the risks and stress to the bird are too great. 

Newsweek reached out to u/MissVexa for comment via Reddit. We could not 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.