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By Lucy Notarantonio
Senior Reporter
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A cat owner who thought her pet wanted a sibling soon discovered she was "very wrong" and shared why on TikTok.
The video, posted to an account dedicated to two cats called Goose and Tobey (@gooseandtobey), shows Tobey, a tabby, sitting at the top of a cat tree while Goose, a gray tabby, remains underneath.
Text layered over the clip, which has earned 46,100 likes, reads: "watching my cat get rage baited every day because I thought she would want a little brother."
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In the footage Tobey, a rescue cat, appears to be channeling what viewers described as an accurate representation of a little brother, repeatedly pestering Goose. It doesn’t take long before she retaliates, making it clear who is in charge.
The interaction resonated with many viewers, who compared the cats’ dynamic to sibling relationships.
"We have littermate brothers and it's this constantly but both of them rage bait each other," one user commented.
Another added: "I mean as an older sister, this is a fairly accurate representation of what having a younger sibling looks like."
A third viewer reassured the owner, writing: "Female cats generally don’t adapt to new cats the best. However I would say this looks like play and if she was upset, she would only growl and hiss at him. I think you’re good."
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How to Introduce Your Current Cat to a New One
Before bringing home another cat, The American Humane Society says the most important factor to consider is your resident cat’s personality—not looks, size, breed or gender.
A laid‑back or elderly cat may struggle with a playful kitten, while a high‑energy cat is unlikely to thrive with a very shy or quiet companion. Matching cats with similar personalities gives new introductions the best chance of success.
The animal welfare organization advises taking introductions slowly. Rushing two cats together can backfire, while gradual introductions help reduce stress and prevent conflict.
- Start by allowing the cats to become familiar with each other’s scent and keeping the new cat in a separate room for a few days.
- Feeding them on opposite sides of a closed door can also help them associate each other’s presence with something positive.
- Let the cats meet at their own pace.
- Once they both appear calm and comfortable, brief visual contact through a gate or barrier can be introduced, followed by supervised face‑to‑face meetings if things go well.
- Always separate the cats when you’re not home at first, easing up only once they consistently tolerate—or enjoy—each other’s company.
Newsweek reached out to @gooseandtobey for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case.
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