A quiet, tender morning moment has turned into an internet favorite, thanks to a short video shared by Tanya Tumilevich, a digital creator based in Russia who documents her life with a once-wild European forest cat. The video quickly went viral on social media, racking up more than 9k likes on the platform at the time of writing.
Cat runs to owner once they are awake
The video by @tanya_tumilevich shows a groundhog (also called a woodchuck) standing upright in deep snow near a brick wall. As snow falls around it, the groundhog pauses, slightly shifts its body, and shakes off the snow, almost as if it’s protesting being out in the cold.
The video captures a cat patiently waiting in one spot for his owner to return. Instead of wandering off or getting restless, the cat stays put, calmly watching his surroundings and clearly expecting the person he’s waiting for. Viewers immediately connected with the simplicity of the moment. One user commented, “Awwww,” while another simply wrote, “How cute.” One viewer commented, “This is the cutest cat I ever seen.”
The video appeared on Tanya Tumilevich’s Instagram account @tanya_tumilevich, where the Russia-based digital creator has amassed 206,000 followers by sharing poetic, everyday moments that highlight her close bond with her tamed European forest cat across more than 2,200 posts.
Most cats instinctively avoid snow because their ancestors evolved in dry, desert climates rather than cold environments. Cats evolved in warm climates and typically avoid cold, wet snow, although hardier breeds such as Siberians and Maine Coons handle it better.
Experts warn that prolonged exposure can lead to frostbite or hypothermia, making short, supervised outings the safest option. Owners should dry paws afterwards, keep cats away from salty runoff, and prioritise indoor warmth and enrichment, even though some cats briefly enjoy mild snow play. Paying close attention to these cues helps ensure that snowy outings remain safe.
