Cornell Vet Warns About Halloween Deco As Viral Video Of A Scared Cat Takes Over The Internet
Halloween decorations are meant to be spooky, fun, and sometimes a little mischievous—but for one curious cat, the holiday came with an unexpected fright.
A video posted on TikTok by user @bhtyler98 has gone viral, racking up over 48 million views, showing the moment a real-life feline had a run-in with a Halloween cat decoration that seemingly came to life.
The clip begins innocently enough. The black-and-white kitty, cautiously exploring the room, notices the skeleton-like Halloween cat perched nearby.
Intrigued, the cat carefully inches closer, reaching out a paw as if to investigate the strange visitor. For a moment, everything seems calm, and it looks like a normal encounter – until the spooky decoration suddenly surprises the little furball.
With a sudden motion, the skeleton opens its mouth and emits a meow while its eyes glow red. The startled kitty freezes for a brief second, clearly assessing the situation, before deciding that discretion is the better part of valor.
In a hilarious yet heart-stopping moment, the cat dashes straight for the nearest exit, leaving viewers both laughing and cringing for the brave little creature.
TikTok viewers quickly reacted to the clip, sharing a mix of amusement and concern. Some found the video hilarious, applauding the cat’s dramatic reaction to the “scary” decoration, as mentioned in comments:
“Poor cats soul disappeared LOL.”
And another one:
“Hilarious!!! We watched this at least five times.”
Others questioned whether the prank might be a bit too much:
“Do you guys seriously think scaring a cat on purpose is funny?”
“That is not funny! That cat is traumatized.”
Several animal lovers commented that, although the cat appeared unharmed, decorations that move or make noise can be very stressful for pets and might not be the best idea for sensitive animals.
The video has sparked conversation about the balance between Halloween fun and pet safety.
Experts often recommend introducing pets to decorations gradually, avoiding loud sounds or sudden movements, and ensuring that animals have a safe space to retreat to if they feel scared.
As Dr. Leni Kaplan, a clinical scientist at Cornell University Of Veterinary Medicine said in one post:
“Avoid using real candles as pets are often drawn to the flickering light and warmth. They could burn themselves or start a fire if the candle or Jack-o’-Lantern is tipped over. Instead of candles, use battery-powered LED candles or glow sticks. Make sure your pet cannot access and eat the LED candles or glow sticks.”
In this case, the cat had a quick escape route—fortunately avoiding any real danger, and viewers got to enjoy a mix of comedy and sheer feline panic.
Despite the scare, it seems the kitty has fully recovered from the encounter. The video’s popularity shows just how relatable pet reactions can be.
Whether it’s a harmless surprise or a perfectly executed prank, our furry companions often bring joy, laughter, and a little chaos to our lives.
Halloween may come around once a year, but clips like this remind us that pets can be easily startled by decorations, and that their dramatic reactions make for unforgettable, shareable moments.
In the end, it’s a mix of laughter, empathy, and a gentle reminder to keep our pets in mind when planning spooky fun.
Make sure to watch the viral video down below!
