You’ve likely seen the heartwarming videos of the excited dogs welcoming back their human soldiers from deployment, but kitties show their love for their returning parents, too.
A rag doll cat named Finn was very excited to see his dad, Nick, after he’d come home from his recent tour.
Finn paces by the door, wags his tail and meows in anticipation in the YouTube video, which has gathered over 12 million hits.
Finally, Nick comes in and after Finn rubs on Nick’s belongings, he jumps into Nick’s arms for a hug and a quick kiss.
When Boo, the other cat in the household hears the commotion, she joins the party as well.
Dr. Stephen Zawistowski, science advisor with the ASPCA says such homecomings with cats are most likely more common than we think. “Cats do form stable social groups. They recognize other cats and tend to form friendships with long time companions,” Zawistowksi explains. “One expression of their social bonding is scent marking one another. This is when they rub one another with their chins and the side of their face. This behavior is called bunting. They engage in this same behavior with us when they rub against us, showing that they recognize us as part of their social environment. When we are gone for a while and then return they can become quite insistent in once again marking us as part of their group.”
Welcome home, Nick. A grateful country and cats are glad you’re home!
Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell is a freelance journalist and author who lives in a tiny house with her 5 dogs and husband.
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