The internet is obsessed with the “unlikely” friendship between a pet cat and wild deer.
Sara Stephens, who posts to TikTok under the username @ckls1622, lives rurally and is surrounded by nature—including herds of deer who often pass by her property.
One particular deer has taken a shine to Stephens’ cat, and her TikTok account is filled with videos of the animals interacting in adorable ways.
On June 26, Stephens shared a video which went viral as many viewers commented on the fact that animal species could get along so well, awarding the post close to 4 million likes.
In the clip—adorably set to “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” originally performed by Elvis Presley—Stephens records the scene from her home, which has large glass doors and windows to showcase the stunning countryside view.
And outside, her cat is sitting basking in the sun, looking completely relaxed, as he receives a bath from the deer.
The doe licks the cat from top to bottom, and he raises his head happily. As Stephens zooms in, it becomes clear that the cat is sopping wet, having been thoroughly groomed by his companion.
Stephens captioned the video: “Unlikely best friends.”
TikTok users were hugely moved, one writing: “Different animal species can et along but humans can’t,” and another agreeing: “Tell me animals are not better than us.”
Another laughed: “That cat is SOAKED lol,” as another declared: “Cats are superior and the universe was made for them.”
“How does this relationship even start?” another asked.
And as one described it: “Is that a lavender field with a wild deer licking an orange tabby cat? This is what dreams are made of.”
A screenshot from the video of the cat and the deer.
A screenshot from the video of the cat and the deer.
TikTok @ckls1622
Many commented on how, at the end of the video, the deer opened her mouth wide, with some worrying she was about to take a bite out of the cat, though being assured by other commenters that this was extremely unlikely.
While deer are herbivores, on rare occasions they have been known to eat the tiny chicks of ground-nesting birds, likely when deer are unable to source all the nutrients they need from their normal diet, according to Woodland Trust.
But in the case of this cat, it’s clear he can hold his own against the herd, as Stephens’ account shows him playing with, being groomed by, and curiously sniffing different deer that arrive on the property.
Newsweek has contacted @ckls1622 via TikTok for comment on this story.
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