A former stray cat who was found in a storm drain and aptly named Pennywise is winning hearts on TikTok after his rescuer shared the unusual way he eats: scooping up his food with a paw before munching on it.
What happened?
A content creator and pet foster posted Pennywise's story to TikTok, and the video quickly picked up traction with over 200,000 views and tens of thousands of likes.
@furfamoffive Pennywise was living in a storm drain across the street when I found him. I wasn't sure if he was feral, lost, or had been abandoned, so I trapped him, got him neutered, and brought him inside. Now he's discovering the good life… one pawful of food at a time😂 Follow along as we continue his rescue journey and get him ready for his forever home. ❤️ #adoptdontshop #catsoftiktok #rescuecat #streetcat #catrescue ♬ A Thousand Miles - Vanessa Carlton
"Pennywise was living in a storm drain across the street when I found him. I wasn't sure if he was feral, lost, or had been abandoned, so I trapped him, got him neutered, and brought him inside," Fur Family of Five (@furfamoffive) explained in the post's caption.
"Now he's discovering the good life… one pawful of food at a time," the creator jokingly added.
Why does it matter?
Storm drains, roads, exposure, disease, and hunger can all pose serious risks to stray animals, and even after rescue, animals may still carry behaviors shaped by survival.
Commenters under the video suggested that the strange eating behavior could have been a learned behavior that keeps the animal alert and looking up while eating.
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What looks quirky on camera may actually reflect caution learned outdoors, where eating quickly while staying alert could have been necessary.
What can I do?
If you come across a cat living outdoors, experts generally recommend observing first before assuming it has been abandoned. Some cats are lost pets, and others could be feral.
When possible, working with a local shelter, rescue group, or trap-neuter-return organization can help determine the safest next step. Neutering or spaying is especially important because it prevents more litters from being born into dangerous outdoor conditions.
People who are able to foster can also play a major role in a cat's recovery. Cats transitioning indoors often need a quiet space, regular food, fresh water, and time to build trust at their own pace.
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