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Newsweek
02-07-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Woman Tries To Cool Down Cat With Fan, What Happens Next Goes Viral
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. There are many memes online joking that cats see their owners as mere servants; in this case, it might actually be true. In a viral TikTok video posted by @partygetsmesoakin on July 1, which has already racked up almost 600,000 views, a black cat is seen lying down as his owner fans his face. However, when she tries to stop, he paws at her to continue. Text overlaid on the video reads, "It is so hot, he asked where do I think I'm going with the fan," while the caption drives home the cat's apparent attitude: "Did I tell you to move the fan[?]" To better understand what hot weather really means for cats, Newsweek spoke with senior veterinary surgeon Dane Walker, founder of U.K.-based DNA Vetcare. He said that, while the video is amusing, owners should take heat risks seriously. "Unlike dogs, cats are unlikely to pant to cool down. Panting in cats is unusual and can be a warning sign of heatstroke, pain, or underlying medical conditions such as heart or respiratory disease," Walker said. He added: "As cats are masters at masking illness, breathing issues can often go unnoticed until they become quite serious. If you observe your cat panting, especially if it's persistent or accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy, drooling, or hiding, then please seek veterinary advice promptly." Cats generally handle heat well by seeking out cool, shaded areas—think tile floors, bathtubs, or under beds. But there are limits, especially for vulnerable cats. "Older cats, and those with underlying health conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, or who are prone to cystitis, are more vulnerable to dehydration in hot weather. Owners are advised to keep fresh water available at all times," Walker said. Practical Tips for Keeping Cats Cool Stock image: A black cat sits in front of a fan. Stock image: A black cat sits in front of a fan. Andrei310/iStock / Getty Images Plus Walker offered a range of practical advice to help keep felines comfortable in the heat: Fresh water : Always have it available. : Always have it available. Cool spaces : Encourage retreat to shaded or tiled areas. : Encourage retreat to shaded or tiled areas. Ventilation : Keep air moving, even if fans aren't highly effective for cats. : Keep air moving, even if fans aren't highly effective for cats. Curtains and blinds : Close them during peak heat to maintain a cooler indoor environment. : Close them during peak heat to maintain a cooler indoor environment. Sun protection: For outdoor-loving cats, consider applying pet-safe sunscreen to sensitive areas such as white ears and pink noses to reduce sunburn risk. While the cat in the TikTok clip seemed to have mastered the art of delegation—commanding its owner to hold a fan in exactly the right spot—Walker noted that such devices, while helpful for humans, offer limited relief to cats. He said: "While fans may offer some relief, they are less effective for cats than for humans, as cats only sweat through their paw pads. Still, a fan with a stable base and a wide, pet-safe grille can help improve airflow. "Cooling mats, ice packs wrapped in a towel, or even a damp flannel in their favorite resting spot can also provide comfort, though these are rarely necessary for healthy cats." Walker also stressed the importance of prevention over treatment. He said: "While heatstroke in cats is relatively rare, prevention is key: always provide a safe, shaded, and well-ventilated environment to keep your pet cool and comfortable." TikTok Reacts "Awwww I can't imagine what animals go through in this heat with their fur," posted one user, and another wrote: "Am I the only one with a cat scared of fans? Like I can't even come close to her with it. [I don't know] how to refresh her." "I love black cats they're such characters. He reminds me of mine!" commented a third user. Newsweek reached out to @partygetsmesoakin for comment via email. We could not verify the details of the case. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Newsweek
01-07-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Hysterics Over How Great Dane Acts After Eating 'Special' Chocolate
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Dogs will eat practically anything, and big dogs like this Great Dane can often use their height to their advantage to swipe human food from counters. However, doing this isn't always a wise move. One owner has recently shared what happened to her pup, who recently ate some "special chocolate." While she does not specify what was in it, she makes references to the dog being on 'another planet' after consuming it. The text layered over the video of the spaced-out dog reads: "My Great Dane just learned that he couldn't grab anything off people's counters [because] it could be 'special' chocolates, not regular. Anyway my man will be back from Jupiter in [three] hours probably." Newsweek discussed the video, which has more than 1.3 million views and over 181,500 likes, with senior veterinary surgeon Dane Walker. He said: "We need to remember that our pets don't understand what's safe to eat and what's not. A moment of curiosity can quickly turn into a life-threatening emergency. "Chocolate contains theobromine and, to a lesser extent, caffeine—both toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause serious problems like vomiting, tremors, seizures, and, in the worst cases, death. "Dogs are also extremely sensitive to THC—the psychoactive compound in cannabis—which can be found in some edibles. If your dog manages to get hold of something they shouldn't, it's crucial to act fast and contact your vet immediately." Walker, the founder of independent U.K. veterinary group DNA Vetcare, highlights the following symptoms of poisoning: restlessness, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, or seizures can appear rapidly. Always err on the side of caution and call your vet straight away. Stock image: A Great Dane dog in the kitchen looks for food. Stock image: A Great Dane dog in the kitchen looks for food. gsagi/iStock / Getty Images Plus He said: "If possible, keep hold of any packaging and note down exactly what was eaten, how much, when it happened, and any symptoms you've noticed—this can make a real difference to your vet's assessment. "It goes without saying but always keep potentially toxic foods out of reach—not just chocolate and cannabis edibles, but also grapes and raisins, which are particularly dangerous for dogs. The Great Dane in this video was incredibly lucky his owner acted so quickly—it could have ended very differently." Despite the initial panic, the woman told another user: "After I found out he would be okay, we really went on a wild ride and I couldn't stop laughing half the night." It turns out she wasn't the only one who managed to see the funny side, but her vet too, as mentioned in the caption: "His vet couldn't stop laughing." "That poor baby. The human sitting pose is priceless. he's just zoned out," said one comment, and the owner responded: "He's like "try to act normal, try to act normal." "As a Great Dane owner, how do you tell? Mine acts like he's on the moon all of the time and is paranoid and terrified of everything smaller than him," said another user. Newsweek reached out to @glynis_leigh for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
