Copyright Newsweek
A runaway cat's return home went viral on TikTok with over 1 million views, after the doorbell camera captured how the neighbors helped. The October 15 TikTok video by user @prez_griggs showed viewers the Ring doorbell camera's viewpoint, which looked into the apartment complex and the stairwell to the other floors. Two people could be seen climbing the stairs, accompanied by a confident cat trotting ahead, as if leading them somewhere on purpose. The cat went straight to the door, which turned out to be his home. Cats become attached to their home environment and routines, which makes moving potentially stressful and can lead them to escape or run away. Thankfully, felines—indoor and outdoor—have a homing instinct that helps them find their way back home, according to PetMD. Research supports the idea that cats use Earth's geomagnetic fields, combined with scent cues, to locate their homes. Some will learn their homes within days after moving, which is seen in the TikTok video. Owner Breana Griggs told Newsweek via TikTok that she just moved into the apartment complex earlier in October. She began hanging Halloween decorations on the front door when the cat slipped out undetected. But he already knew his way home, although the owner joked in the caption that he only "knows where the food is" located. The cat stopped in front of his new home, looking back to check if the people were following. They rang the doorbell and asked Griggs if this was her cat. The woman made sure the feline didn't sprint into the apartment, just in case it was the wrong place, but the cat was home sweet home. "I was just thankful he wasn’t stolen!" the owner said. "I don’t know the neighbors; we just moved into that apartment complex within that week, so it was a cool way to meet them!" TikTok Reacts Since the video went viral, TikTok users have praised the cat's attempt to return home and the generosity of the neighbors to step in. This has led to over 177,000 likes and 211 comments as of Wednesday. "Ahhh. So sweet. I love people who care," wrote one viewer, while another person added: "I would cry...what amazing human beings." Even the official account for Zillow chimed in: "The neighbors we all need."
