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By Lydia Patrick
Life & Trends Reporter
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A bulldog owner installed a cat flap for their feline neighbor to come and visit, unprepared for where they would find him.
The dog owner, known on social media as @englishbulldog_emmie, shared a charming video of a black cat strolling effortlessly through their new door. The camera then pans to the feline napping in their dog Gunny's bed—not in Emmie the bull dog's spot, but in the Labrador retriever's comfy haven. The clip has racked up over 187,000 likes.
The owner says in the text overlay: "We put in a cat door for his visits. He likes to come over for naps. Our house is pretty quiet. He acts like he lives here but he lives next door. His family has 6 small humans, so I guess he needs some quiet time. Done napping."
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Meanwhile, the video shows Oliver arriving on the decking to greet Emmie, the bulldog, and Gunny, the golden Labrador, before tottering inside for a nap. After a restful snooze, Oliver slips away to socialize further—because, as the poster noted, they have a lot of friends on the street.
The owner playfully captioned the video: "Sneaky sleepy neighbor cat."
A post shared by EnglishBulldog_Emmie (@englishbulldog_emmie)
Why Do Cats Prefer Neighbors Sometimes?
Pet experts at Honeysuckle Cat Toys say that a cat's territorial behavior is more about the environment than the people living there.
A comfortable home with plenty of vertical spaces—such as windowsills or high shelves—cozy hiding spots, high-quality scratching posts, puzzle feeders, and warm resting areas can make a neighbor's house just as appealing as its owner's.
Cats and Dogs: A Harmonious Household
While cats and dogs are stereotypically depicted as adversaries, groups such as the charity Dogs Trust report that many canines can live peacefully with felines—some even sleep together or groom one another, adds Dogs Trust.
But successful cohabitation doesn't come by chance. Gradual, controlled introductions are vital—using techniques like scent-swapping, separate safe zones, baby gates, and close supervision.
Instagram Reactions
The online community was delighted with the cat's adventure.
"Love how he says Goodbye to everyone … even Ms Emmie," posted one user.
"Oliver has a better social life than me," commented another viewer.
"You installed a cat door just for him. So sweet," wrote a third.
"If YOUR home isn't his favorite I need to see what the 'favorite' neighbor has!!!" read one comment.
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"Love this cat. And love that you and the neighbors share him. What personality he has!" posted Tonya.
"I love that you let him come in and make himself at home," added Gretchen.
"I like the cat's attitude and knows what to do when he likes to enjoy his time alone without human interruptions," wrote Elizabeth.
Newsweek reached out to @englishbulldog_emmie for comment via Instagram. We could not verify the details of the case.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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