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By Liz O'Connell
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Bringing home a foster pet often requires patience as they adjust to the new environment, but one woman's cat showed that a fellow animal can sometimes help.
In a March 12 TikTok video posted by user @katedavidsun, Kate Davidson walks into the room where she's been keeping her foster cat, Tuna, to gently check in. It was now day 5, and nothing had changed. Tuna remained curled up inside a cat tower, refusing to come out, eat or engage.
With no luck using her previous methods, Davidson decided to turn to her own cat, Siggi, who has a way of making others come out of their shells, she said in the clip. Siggi came running into the room after Davidson called for her and calmly began exploring the space, careful not to overwhelm Tuna.
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Before long, Tuna emerged from her hiding spot and quickly approached Siggi. It was the breakthrough Davidson had been waiting for. This marked not only the cat's first meeting but also Tuna's first real moment of bravery since arriving in her foster home.
Siggi's presence seemed to say what humans couldn't: she's safe here.
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Early social experiences can shape how cats respond to new environments and other animals later in life, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual, which means some felines may take longer to feel safe, similar to Tuna.
Cats adjust best when they feel in control of their environment and can approach new experiences at their own pace. For fearful or newly rehomed cats, having access to safe hiding spaces, such as cat towers and a calm, predictable setting, can make a significant difference in how quickly they begin to relax and build confidence.
Rather than forcing interaction, experts recommend allowing cats to come out on their own terms, using positive experiences over time. In some cases, that sense of safety can also be reinforced by the presence of another confident pet, like Siggi, who helps signal that the environment isn’t a threat.
Creating that kind of low-stress setup can be as simple as providing a cozy enclosed bed, a sturdy cat tree, or interactive toys that encourage gentle engagement without pressure—small additions that can go a long way in helping shy cats feel secure enough to take those first brave steps.
By day seven, Siggi’s presence appeared to have made a difference. In a follow-up video, Tuna is seen outside her cat tower for the first time, walking over to Davidson and happily accepting affection.
Newsweek reached out to @katedavidson via email for comment.
Viewer Reactions
TikTok users melted over Siggi's presence, making the foster feel safe, and as of Monday, the video had reached over 1.2 million views, 257,000 likes and 1,067 comments.
"Siggi is the actual one fostering cats; you’re her assistant," joked a viewer, while another person commented, "Siggi is a therapy cat for other cats. That's so precious."
A third commenter wrote, "No cause that IS magical. It's so very rare for cats to get along immediately, especially as adults!!!"
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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