Internet users have praised a woman from Florida who bought a bassinet despite not having a baby. The reason why she bought it might surprise you, but according to internet users, it’s a “genius use of free will.”
In a viral TikTok post shared on Saturday by @cyan.nicole, she wrote: “When you buy a baby bassinet hoping your cats will sleep in there instead of taking the whole bed and they actually do.”
The video shows her two tabby cats peacefully napping in the bassinet, just like babies, as she finally gets to enjoy her big bed.
“A mama needs her space. $70 well spent,” says the caption.
It’s not uncommon for cats to sleep in baby bassinets or inside tight spaces like cardboard boxes or even sinks, but why do they always choose to curl up in spaces that barely fit them?
A Catster article, medically reviewed by Dr. Karyn Kanowski, explains that in the wild, cats hide in confined places to escape predators, and so even though our cats are safe from this threat, tight spaces still provide a sense of security for them.
They also enjoy feeling warm, and small, enclosed places are great at trapping and retaining heat, creating a cozy environment that appeals to our felines, especially during the winter months. Moreover, the feeling of being squeezed inside a tight space boosts the release of endorphins, helping them calm their anxiety.
If you just bought your cat a new bed but they won’t seem to use it, don’t panic; getting them used to it is easier than you might think.
First, ensure you’ve chosen the right bed for your cat and set it up in the correct location. A Pango Vet article reviewed by Dr. Marta Vidal-Abarca says that cats generally prefer high spots where they have a clear view of the area around them, and it is even better if they are not too noisy.
You can make the bed enticing by carrying them there to play until they get tired, hopefully prompting them to fall asleep at the desired location. Rewarding them for using their bed and discouraging them from sleeping in other spots will also help get your cat used to it.
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The video quickly went viral on social media, and it has received over 9.5 million views and 1.9 million likes on the platform so far.
One user, ZigzagMtn, commented: “This is scientific proof that cats, are in fact, just sweet little babies.”
Commenter Andrea said: “Can you imagine bringing back a date & having to explain this. Genius use of free will!”
AppleBees8258 wrote: “I feel like this is a sign and now I have intrusive thoughts.”
Newsweek reached out to @cyan.nicole for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case.
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