After realizing her pet wasn’t getting along with her boyfriend, a cat owner came up with a solution that has captured the hearts of social media users.
In a video shared on TikTok in January, under the username @ringodanyan, the poster, Eun Kyung Jeon, explained: “My boy cat only loves me and doesn’t get along with my boyfriend…” Footage of her 7-year-old Bengal munchkin mix, Ringo, biting her boyfriend as he tries to pet him plays in the background.
“So… I got my boyfriend a girl cat, and now she’s his new girlfriend,” the post continued, showing her boyfriend finally bonding with his new kitten, who seems just as in love with him as he is with her.
You have probably heard the theory that boy cats love female owners more, while girl cats prefer male owners. But is it actually true? And if so, why?
In an article posted on Vet Explains Pet, Georgia-based veterinarian Dr. Jess Kirk says that some male cats may prefer female owners because of their nurturing nature, but their preference ultimately depends on their specific personality and/or past experiences with previous owners.
For example, a male cat who had a positive experience with a female owner in the past is likely to prefer one again in the future.
If you think your cat loves your partner more than you, try spending more quality time with them, engaging in activities you know they enjoy. Making sure their needs are met at all times and their environment is safe and clean is also key.
It’s important that you don’t force interaction, and that you don’t punish them when they misbehave, because that is likely to break their trust in you. You can offer occasional treats to create a positive association.
@ringodanyan
The video quickly went viral on social media and it has so far received over 459,500 views and 55,100 likes on the platform.
One user, PhantomFoxy, commented: “Same with my cat and belly rubs, nobody is allowed to give her belly rubs except my dad.”
Nic wrote: “Watch him be jealous all of a sudden.”
“Let him play with the male cat at least half an hour per day and let him be the only one feeding him the next weeks and things will completely change,” wrote another user.
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.