A viral TikTok video has left viewers smitten after showing a black cat named Mr. Nibbles sprawled out on his back – completely relaxed and unfazed by the world around him.
What makes the moment even more surprising is that Mr. Nibbles isn’t a pet at all, but a stray who lives outside Ellie’s house.
The clip was shared by Ellie (@izzyandjinx), who already has two cats.
“We really hope he will choose to come inside and stay in soon,” she wrote in the comments.
Since being posted on February 22, the video has racked up 1.4 million views and more than 291,000 likes in less than 24 hours.
Ellie captioned the video simply: “I think he likes it,” a sentiment echoed by hundreds of viewers.
At the time of writing, the post had attracted nearly 1,500 comments.
“That ain’t a stray, that’s your outdoor cat…” one user joked.
“Maam that is not a stray cat anymore that baby is YOURS now. Look it those beans spread!” another wrote.
A third said: “King of the castle.”
Other viewers noticed small details that suggested Mr. Nibbles felt safe sticking around. One commenter pointed out a plate with food that hadn’t been completely finished.
“The fact the cat did not finish the food means it feels secure more food will come. That’s fantastic,” they wrote.
Experts say the way Mr. Nibbles positions himself says a lot about how he feels. Dr. Lori Teller told Newsweek that a cat lying belly-up is showing an enormous amount of trust.
“On back, belly up: sign that cat trusts you and is willing to expose vulnerable organs to you,” she said. “In upright position with forefeet tucked under and eyes closed: content and semi-asleep; allows for rest while still alert enough to respond to activity in [its] surrounding environment.”
For a stray cat, these positions can indicate that the animal feels secure in its surroundings and comfortable with the humans nearby—a possible sign that Mr. Nibbles may already see Ellie as part of his safe space.
What to Do If You Find a Cat
If you come across a cat you believe may be stray, Cat’s Protection, a UK-based charity, offers the following advice:
- Don’t assume the cat is stray. Many cats roam and may live nearby. A well-groomed coat and healthy weight can be signs they already have a home.
- Avoid feeding unless the cat looks unwell or underweight. Feeding an unfamiliar cat can stop them returning home and may cause health issues if they’re on a special diet.
- Check for a microchip. If the cat is approachable, take them to a vet or animal welfare organization to be scanned—microchips are one of the most reliable ways to reunite cats with owners.
- Spread the word locally. Share photos on community Facebook pages or put up posters in the area where the cat was found, as owners often search close to home.
- Contact a local charity if no owner is found. They can offer advice and support if the cat appears to be stray or lost.
For now, viewers are eagerly watching to see whether Mr. Nibbles officially decides to make himself at home—but judging by his relaxed sprawl, many believe he already has.
Newsweek reached out to @izzyandjinx for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case.