A stray orange cat jumped into her car and settled on her shoulder: 'I just got chosen'

There are moments when it feels as though the universe has a hand in bringing certain things, or in this case, certain animals, into our lives. It’s a strange phenomenon that many pet owners can relate to: the feeling that an animal has chosen you, rather than the other way around. A recent TikTok video shared by @itmestephiegee captured such a moment when a woman, driving through a park, was unexpectedly "chosen" by an orange cat, who quickly made himself at home in her car.

The woman explained in the video, "I think I just got chosen! I was driving through the state park, and this cat was sitting on a garbage can, meowing at me." The cat, undeterred by the passing car, approached her and refused to leave her side. With a combination of joy and disbelief, she said, "How am I going to leave? Oh my god! Look at this baby! It’s the best day of my life, I can’t!" The heartwarming video went viral, reaching over 544,000 people and receiving 90,100 likes on TikTok, as many viewers were touched by the surprising connection between the woman and the orange feline.

This feeling of being "chosen" by a pet may be more significant than we realize. A study published in Social Indicators Research suggests that pets not only bring us joy but also significantly enhance our life satisfaction by 3 to 4 points on a 7-point scale, which the researchers equate to an additional $87,500 in annual income. While there’s no confirmation yet on whether the cat will officially be adopted, the internet has already decided, and many believe he has already made the call himself.

@cupcakesarah86 wrote, "Take him home and enjoy the love of an orange cat. Your life will never be the same." @mhr2525 commented, "Never had a pet in my life. At 50, an orange tabby showed up on my porch. For reasons I cannot explain, I took him in and now he’s controlled my damn life for 3 years. I get it." @spikes83 wrote, "The cat distribution system strikes again. Cats that choose you are your familiars. You will have an amazing bond." @maureojpnwc noted, "Clearly, he was a family pet, and somebody chose to just leave him in the middle of the park. Please take him home."

@feralmeryl commented, "Oh man, you are in for such a treat. The orange cats are heaven-sent friends." Some suggested alternative options. @eee9593 shared, "He was probably dumped there and needs a rescue. Have a vet check for a chip. Post about him locally, but for once I don’t think there it much chance he’s just lost. I’m glad you were there." @bethyann410 added, "Please post pictures on any lost pet sites in your area. He could be lost. My mom is currently dealing with her cat being gone...we've done all the things you're supposed to do, but still haven't gotten him. So please check the lost pet sites and take to the vet checkup for a chip. Someone really may be missing him."

You can follow stephanie.guzman.photo (@itmestephiegee) on TikTok for more cat content.