Arizona Kitten Throws Hilarious Tantrum When Owner Leaves For Work
Whoever says animals don’t have emotions has clearly never met Dexter.
This expressive feline is here to prove that cats are capable of showing affection, frustration, and even heartbreak, all through their meows and body language.
Dexter isn’t your ordinary house cat. He’s charming, chatty, and unapologetically emotional. Like many cats, he’s deeply bonded to his human, but unlike most, he has no problem voicing exactly how he feels when that bond is temporarily broken.
One morning, Dexter’s owner captured a moment that melted the hearts of TikTok viewers everywhere.
The video begins with the owner getting ready for work while Dexter lounges in bed, snuggled behind a pillow. At first glance, it seems like any other morning, until Dexter realises what’s about to happen.
The moment he senses his human is leaving, his mood changes completely. With soft, mournful meows, he begins to protest. When his owner gently asks if he’s upset, Dexter lets out another small, pitiful sound before burying his furry face into the pillow.
It’s a sight every cat lover can relate to, a pet that doesn’t want you to go. And while some might interpret his behaviour as a tantrum, what Dexter is really showing is pure emotion.
Why Cats React This Way
Separation anxiety isn’t exclusive to dogs. Cats can experience it too, especially when they share a close bond with their humans. In younger cats like Dexter, this attachment can be particularly strong.
When their routine changes or their favourite person leaves, cats can become anxious. They might meow excessively, hide, refuse food, or, like Dexter, try to guilt-trip you with sad eyes and soft cries.
Veterinary behaviourists explain that these emotional displays are cats’ way of saying, “I miss you, and I don’t like being alone.” And far from being manipulative, it’s a natural response that shows how deeply they connect with the people who care for them.
Helping Your Cat Cope
If your cat reacts like Dexter when you leave, don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to make them feel more secure.
The first step is to make your departures and returns calm and consistent. When you come home, spend quality time with your cat, play with them, offer cuddles, or just sit together. That reassurance helps them understand that your absence is only temporary.
You can also enrich their environment while you’re gone. Interactive toys and food puzzles can work wonders, keeping your cat mentally stimulated and distracted throughout the day.
Even something as simple as a window perch can provide entertainment by letting them watch the world outside.
For tech-savvy pet parents, a pet camera is another great option. Many models now allow two-way audio, so you can check in and talk to your cat remotely. Hearing your voice can provide comfort and reduce their stress levels while you’re away.
And if you have the space and resources, consider adopting another cat. A feline companion can ease loneliness and offer your pet constant company.
Not only will your resident cat benefit, but you’ll also be giving another animal a loving home, a win-win situation.
Cats Feel More Than We Think
Dexter’s viral video is more than just a cute internet moment. It’s a powerful reminder that cats are emotional, sensitive creatures. They may not show affection in the same way humans do, but their hearts are just as full.
So next time your cat meows at the door, curls up beside you, or buries their head when you grab your keys, take it as the compliment it is. They’re simply saying they love you, in the only way they know how.
After all, our cats don’t just live with us; they share their hearts with us. And sometimes, all it takes is a few soft meows from a cat like Dexter to remind us just how deep that love runs.
