When kids leave for college, it’s not just parents who feel the void—our pets notice the absence, too. One orange cat named Nemo is melting hearts online after struggling to accept that his favorite human sibling had left for school.
A Cat Who Refused to Believe
In a viral TikTok video posted on August 17 by user @barbiebiker702025, Nemo is seen sitting outside the closed bedroom door of his human sister. He meows and scratches as if asking: “Are you in there?”
When no answer comes, Nemo even tries to push the door handle with his paw, desperate to “double check” she hadn’t really left.
His owner shared that she often opens the room to show him it’s empty, but Nemo doesn’t give up easily. For several days, he waited faithfully at the door before slowly accepting the change.
To comfort him, his family placed a blanket and pillow with her scent outside the door. “I think he understands that it’s temporary,” his mom told Newsweek.
Why Cats React This Way
Cats form strong bonds with their humans, and sudden changes—like a child leaving for college—can trigger stress behaviors.
According to PetMD, stress may even lead to spraying, which Nemo sometimes does if the bedroom door is left open. Spraying in cats can be caused by:
- Territorial anxiety (feeling their space has changed)
- Communication attempts with other cats nearby
- Routine disruptions such as a family member leaving home
Though neutered, Nemo still reacts this way under stress—a reminder of how deeply sensitive cats can be to change.
The Reunion Makes It Worth It
Thankfully, when the daughter comes home for visits, Nemo’s heartbreak turns to joy. He smothers her with cuddles, happily curling up in bed with her as if she’d never left.
TikTok Reacts
The clip touched millions, with over 3.3 million views and 887,000 likes so far. Comments poured in:
- “If my mom sent me this, I’d drop out.”
- “If this happens when I leave, I’m going back as soon as possible. My children can’t suffer like this.”
- “He said, ‘I just know she wouldn’t abandon me—you, maybe…but not me.’”
- “My daughter’s cat keeps checking her room, then coming to yell at me about her absence.”
Clearly, Nemo’s devotion has struck a universal chord among cat parents everywhere.
Takeaway for Cat Parents
If your cat is grieving a loved one leaving home:
- Provide comfort items (blankets, clothes with familiar scents).
- Stick to routine feeding and playtime for stability.
- Offer extra affection and interactive play to ease stress.
- If spraying continues, consult a vet to rule out medical causes.
Nemo’s story is a reminder of just how deep our cats’ bonds with us run. To them, family changes aren’t just adjustments—they’re heartaches.
FAQ
Q: Do cats really miss their humans?
Yes. Cats form attachments and may show signs of separation anxiety—like meowing, waiting by doors, or even spraying—when a loved one leaves.
Q: How can I help my cat cope when a family member moves out?
Use scent items (blankets, clothing), maintain consistent routines, and give extra play and affection. Gradual adjustment helps reduce stress.
Q: Can stress cause a neutered cat to spray?
Yes. Even fixed cats may spray when stressed, especially after big changes in their environment or family structure.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to lifo@snugglesouls.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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