Former Stray Cat's First 'Loaf' in New Home Has People in Tears

Stray cats don't always get rescued, but when they do, it's heartwarming every time. We often see either cats who were super rough around the edges learning to love for the first time or we see cats who were so friendly and grateful for a moment of attention that they just melted. Both stories are equally tear-jerking, and watching them settle into their forever homes is one of life's greatest pleasures.

Recently, a cat mom posted on TikTok about her former stray cat and his journey in her home. She caught the exact moment he must've decided he felt safe there, because the first thing he does is drop into The Loaf:

I'm glad @missjadem744 was willing to take this boy in, and it's definitely been a bit of a ride, but they're in this together now. Congrats on his first loaf!

Related: Golden Retriever Bonds with Stray Cat She Found in the Friendliest Way

This cat lives in Ireland with his now-mom and her family, and he doesn't seem to have a name other than "Stray Cat," which is kind of iconic. He started wandering around her home back in June, and she watched him pretty closely for about a week before deciding to bring him inside. When he came to her, she thought he was a girl and actually ended up taking him to the vet because she thought he was pregnant... he was not.

Since landing in his forever home, he's been living large: he sleeps in bed with his mom, rules over his Bernese Mountain Dog sibling, and gets to go on harnessed outside walks. That last part is really special and smart - we're not sure how long he lived outside, but he definitely got used to being out there. Now, he gets the best of both worlds! He had tried to loaf before, but never really got it right - not until this day!

Why Do Cats 'Loaf?'

Loafing is one of the cutest things cats do , but it's also a little confusing, especially for dog people, because dogs don't loaf.

Cats will loaf for several reasons, like:

1. They're trying to keep warm (they often loaf while they're basking in the sun).
2. They're sitting somewhere they can't stretch out, like a box.
3. They want to feel safer (loafing hides all their limb/tail and makes them less grab-able.

Cats are very comfortable in the loaf position and can sit like that four upwards of half an hour. If your cat is loafing and lethargic, there may be a problem, but most of the time, they're just enjoying their day!