13-Year-Old Shelter Cat Teaches 2-Month Old Pup To Play, and This Tough Love Is Adorable
Cats may have a reputation for being enemies with puppies, but the term frenemies more accurately describes the relationship. Cats are actually quite playful, but are mercurial by nature, which means a cat's mood can change seemingly on a dime. A two-month-old puppy found out firsthand that cats like to play, but only with a side of tough love.
We love a cute cat and dog social media video just as much as anyone, but one in particular stopped us mid-scroll because it perfectly demonstrates the sibling-like relationship cats and dogs can have.
Anyone with a sibling knows that sometimes playing can feel anything but fun when both parties don't follow the rules of the game. In the video, both the seven-week-old puppy and the 13-year-old cat clearly want to play together. But the cat's version of playing comes off as scary tough love to the young pup.
Mixed Signals Between Cat and Puppy
@im_hayley_comet They both wanted to play just didn't know how to yet #dogsoftiktok#funny#funnymoments#puppy#animals
original sound - Hayley_Comet
As the puppy cautiously approaches its cat buddy, which is waiting at the bottom of the stairs, the cat swats a paw up the stairs aimed directly at the young dog. Not in on the joke, the pup gets confused. That's when the cat scurries away after having its playful overture rebuffed. Confused, the sweet puppy retreats as well.
The two playful pets are clearly getting their social signals crossed despite both wanting to engage with one another. It's typical of siblings, and typical of pet siblings too-even animals of different breeds.
What's important here is that despite the crossed lines of communication, the cat and the dog remain patient with one another, repeatedly attempting to play before retreating to avoid getting angsty with the other. If only our human siblings could do the same.
@im_hayley_comet Would never believe if someone would tell me it's possible #cute#animals#funnyanimals#dogsoftiktok
original sound - Hayley_Comet
Social media commenters were quick to note this loving relationship as well. "The cat is so gentle with the puppy," one commenter observed of the two pet siblings.
Another added, "I can't tell if the cat is playing with the dog or the cat is bullying the dog," in a relatable comment.
We're going with playing over bullying, but sometimes siblings playing can feature a little of both. Regardless, these two animals are developing trust with one another by slowly learning to communicate, establish boundaries, and play. It's only a matter of time until they're best friends.
Related: Tiny 1.3-Pound Rescue Puppy's Adorable Bald Little Head Is Stealing Hearts
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This story was originally published June 7, 2026 at 5:37 PM.