Cat Hiding From Vet in Plain Sight Leaves Internet in Stitches
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A video of a cat trying to hide in the vet's office has gone viral, delighting viewers with its relatability and humor.
The clip, shared on May 15, shows an orange Maine Coon-Persian mix named Bellini sitting quietly in the corner of an exam room with his face turned toward the wall—as if hoping the vet won't notice him.
Though Bellini had clearly already arrived at the veterinary clinic, his last-ditch effort to escape the appointment struck a chord online. The video has since been viewed over 604,000 times.
While Bellini's behavior may seem like a cute quirk, it reflects a broader issue for many cat owners—stress and fear surrounding veterinary visits.
In the comments, the owner told others: "Bellini is safe and well-loved! He walked out of his carrier on his own, had plenty of hiding spots, and chose this dramatic little corner moment himself. He's just a sensitive soul at the vet, but he was totally OK before and after. Thanks for caring about him and showing him love."
Newsweek reached out to @little.orange.kittyfor comment via email. We could not verify the details of the case.
A 2024 anonymous online survey of adult U.S. residents who own cats sheds light on feline behavior during vet visits. The study found that 42.6 percent of cats displayed aggressive behavior at the veterinary clinic.
Interestingly, cats from multi-feline households were less likely to act aggressively at the vet. However, the study conducted by researchers from University of California, Davis also found that most cats did not receive medications to reduce fear, anxiety, or pain before the visit.
Stock image: An orange cat hides behind furniture.
Stock image: An orange cat hides behind furniture.
Outback to Coast/iStock / Getty Images Plus
Tips for Reducing Your Cat's Stress During Vet Visits
VCA Animal Hospitals website has provided the following tips:
Bring high-value treats and canned food— Use them as distractions during the exam; your vet team can offer them to help comfort your cat.
Use them as distractions during the exam; your vet team can offer them to help comfort your cat. Use a towel to swaddle your cat— If your cat is too anxious to eat, gently wrap her in a large towel—many felines feel safer when they can't see or interact with the vet team.
If your cat is too anxious to eat, gently wrap her in a large towel—many felines feel safer when they can't see or interact with the vet team. Schedule "happy visits"— Arrange stress-free trips to the vet clinic where your cat can meet staff, explore, and get treats—without undergoing any procedures.
Arrange stress-free trips to the vet clinic where your cat can meet staff, explore, and get treats—without undergoing any procedures. Practice at home— Do gentle "mock exams" to get your cat used to being handled. Mimic the motions of a vet exam in a calm setting.
Do gentle "mock exams" to get your cat used to being handled. Mimic the motions of a vet exam in a calm setting. Use short, positive car trips— Help your cat associate the carrier and car with good experiences by taking short drives that end at home, paired with treats or toys.
Help your cat associate the carrier and car with good experiences by taking short drives that end at home, paired with treats or toys. Stay calm and reassuring— Your cat will pick up on your emotions; speak in a soft, soothing voice and stay relaxed throughout the visit.
Your cat will pick up on your emotions; speak in a soft, soothing voice and stay relaxed throughout the visit. Communicate with your vet team—Let them know if your cat seems uncomfortable so they can adjust their approach.
TikTok Reacts
"Did y'all ever find him???" one user wrote, and another said: "There's no cat in that room so I guess the vet should just keep it moving."
"If that wall was painted orange this would have all gone differently!" posted a third commenter.
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.
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