Outdoor Cat 'Taunting' Indoor Cat in the Window Is a Real-Life Cartoon Character

Outdoor cats are the envy of indoor cats everywhere. Imagine it: you've never been outside, and here comes another cat, just strolling along! You'd get jealous, too, even though being an outdoor cat isn't all it's cracked up to be.

Recently, one outdoor cat noticed an indoor one perched in the window, trying to absorb as much sunlight at he can. Instead of walking along, though, he decided to stop... and taunt. His climbing skills are honestly a little bit impressive:

Julia Firavich's poor indoor kitty was just minding his business! I love that Outdoor Cat just comes in like Spiderman. Somebody's parents didn't teach him how to play nice with his friends...

Related: Man Giving Outdoor Cats Compliments and Cuddles Is Simply Delightful

Thankfully, the cat mom in this situation has documented their rivalry. Indoor cat's name is Gino, and outdoor cat's name is Rito. They've had been for a while, but somehow always seek each other out: they fight at the door, at the window, and wherever else they happen to lay eyes on each other.

They've never been allowed to actually meet, and that's for good reason: they don't seem to like each other and would probably get into a pretty nasty fight. That doesn't stop them from trying, though, which leads me to wonder if they're secretly besties. At least in their hearts!

Indoor and Outdoor Cats Should Never Interact

Interacting like this isn't necessarily dangerous, though it can be pretty stressful for your indoor cat, especially if they're not used to other cats being around.

Indoor cats interacting with outdoor cats physically, however, can be very dangerous. The reality is that no one knows what an outdoor cat could be carrying or what their socialization skills are like. They may hurt or infect your cat before you realize it, and by the time you do, it may be too late. If you're taking in a stray outdoor cat, there are several steps before you can even considering bringing them together:

1. Make sure the outdoor and indoor cats are fully up to date on all vaccines.
2. Have the outdoor cat checked for fleas, ticks, or other diseases.
3. "Test" the waters to make sure the cats can even be near each other (this can be done by introducing them to each other on leashes from several feet apart).

You should never, under any circumstances, just let an outdoor cat into your home freely. If you really have to bring them inside before your start the vetting process, quarantine them away from any resident cats. Luckily, Gino and Rito will never have to meet like that: Rito does have a home. He lives with a neighbor!