A TikToker's roommate allegedly trashed their room and abandoned their cat before moving out, igniting a debate in the aftermath of it all.
The TikTok making the claim is captioned, "They found a way to still terrorize us even after leaving. Love it #cat #roommate #messyroom." With 179,400 views and 21,700 likes since being posted on March 31, TikToker @capybaraluv01, or Kelzzz, filmed the 13-second clip.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), 6.5 million animals enter shelters in the U.S. every year. Around 3.3 million of those animals are dogs, and 3.2 million are cats. Around twice the number of animals entering shelters are strays when compared to the amount given up by their owners.
With music playing in the background, the screen read, "When your nightmare of a housemate finally moves out but leaves their room like this and abandons their cat."
The clip started by filming through the glass windows of a room's door, showcasing a trashed interior. Cigarette packs as well as clothes, a laundry basket, hangers, and a number of other things were lying in the room on the floor. A kitten was also in the room as well eating in the corner.
With trash and debris everywhere, a full bag of what could be trash or clothes, as well as a trash can, litter box, and cat carrier were also left behind. The screen panned around the room to show its contents, and that wasn't all. Clothing, boots and shoes, papers, and mail were spilled out on the floor.
Finally, the TikToker pointed the camera at the other end of the space where a better look at the kitten could be seen eating some food in the trashed room. The screen zoomed in on the feline before the video cut off.
A viewer asked the creator of the video what they are going to do with the cat, to which the TikToker replied, "My other housemate adopted her! She is in better hands/care now."
Over 500 comments came in over the viral clip, which sparked a debate over the situation and the cat specifically.
A lot of people were concerned over the abandoned feline. "Who just leaves their cat?" a TikToker asked. "Poor baby probably confused."
Other viewers had comments like, "Take the cat in please," and "That poor cat. Please take care of them."
Another TikToker told the creator not to "take it out" on the cat, as "he couldn't pick who owned him and still deserves a home."
One thought the TikToker could take legal action. "Pretty sure you can sue for neglect, or at least get them fined," they said.
Some people made note of specific items left behind by the roommate. "Wait lemme have those white Docs though," a viewer said about a pair of white boots left.
Others thought the creator should sell the items. "Make bank Lmao, sell all of it (minus the cat)," a TikToker wrote.
Many didn't approve of the roommate's behavior leaving the room in disarray and leaving their cat behind. "Do people just not care what impact they have on the world around them?" a TikToker wondered. "Sad."
However, some people saw the brighter side of things. "I think I'd still take some pleasure throwing away what was left and getting a new kitty," a viewer pointed out.
Newsweek reached out to @capybaraluv01 for comment.
