Senior Cat's Reaction When Owner Wakes Up at 4am to Exam Cram Goes Viral

Newsweek

05-05-2025

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A video of a 21-year-old cat named Boo begging to join his owner for a 4:00 a.m. study session has gone viral.
After waking to study for an exam in just a few hours, the creator shared how her senior cat vocally nudged her to include him in the cramming session. The TikTok video has received more than 522,000 likes and over 1,200 comments from emotional TikTok-ers reflecting on their own special relationships with older cats.
"POV: It's 4:44 AM. You have a law school exam in four hours and your 21 year old cat has woken up to let you [know] he would like to sit with you while you study," the creator captioned the video. "Yes, we got Boo when I was two years old."
The short clip shows the senior cat sitting on the couch meowing loudly and forcefully at his owner until she let him sit with her.
After involving him to join her as she studies, his loud meows turned to purrs, suggesting he got exactly what he was asking for.
Boo's presence touched viewers, many of whom were amazed not just by the cat's age, but by his demands for inclusion.
"I'm so curious to know what he was saying, cause he had my cat staring at my phone in great concern," one person wrote about the meowing. "He has never done that before with any other cat video!"
The comments section was also filled with emotional responses from users reflecting on their own relationships with their cats—especially those who've supported them through major milestones like college.
"My very vocal cat is five and stuck by me all through college," one person shared. "He was either asleep in my lap, laying with his arm on the corner of my laptop or sitting next to me. We graduate with our BA in three days."
Many viewers were especially moved by the fact that Boo had been with his owner since she was a young child.
"This cat has been with you since you were a toddler and will also see you graduating university and getting your first job," a user wrote. "I'm gonna cry."
A woman works on her laptop with her cat on her lap.
A woman works on her laptop with her cat on her lap.
Olezzo/Getty Images
Special Bonds with Senior Cats
Most commenters were reminded of their own beloved senior cats who had been by their side through thick and thin.
"I just lost my oldest little man at 28 whole years," one person reflected. "He's older than me, basically grew up alongside me."
Another added: "I just lost my 18-year-old (most likely older, because I was his second home) and seeing this makes me so happy that old cats are so loved."
The comments also revealed a quiet but widespread reality: Many students and professionals have shared their most challenging and transformative moments with non-human companions.
"This made me tear up," one person wrote. "I also have a very old cat who attended law school with me and my husband. Now she is with me while I prepare for the bar too."
Boo, now in the final years of his long life, has not only grown up beside his owner but continues to offer companionship as she tackles law school.
Newsweek reached out to @lils12344 for comment via TikTok.