UPDATE: A heartwarming TikTok video featuring an 18-year-old cat named Luna, who suffers from dementia, has gone viral, captivating audiences globally. The clip, shared by Julie Nashawaty from Boston, Massachusetts, depicts Luna’s nightly routine of demanding food from her owner, leaving viewers both amused and emotional.
In the clip, posted just yesterday by Nashawaty, who is known as Auntie Julie — The Pet Sitter on TikTok (@julienashawaty), Luna is seen persistently following her owner, asking for food throughout the night. The video has already garnered over 1 million views and more than 66,500 likes, showcasing the touching bond between the two.
“POV: Our 18-year-old cat with dementia asks for food all night long because she forgets she ate,” reads the overlay text in the video. Nashawaty reveals,
“No, we haven’t slept in over a year. We’ve tried all the things. But we’re just glad she’s hungry.”
The clip humorously highlights Luna’s insistence on being fed despite already having eaten from multiple bowls.
The urgency surrounding Luna’s nightly demands has escalated since August 2024, when she began waking her owners every hour for food. Despite various attempts to manage her condition, including medication and different feeding strategies, nothing has worked. “We just take turns getting up to give her a fresh little plate each time,” Nashawaty explains. “She eats it right away, and we call it ‘bonus time.'”
Luna, a Maine coon mix, was rescued from a hoarding situation where she spent her early years in a rabbit cage. Nashawaty adopted her six years ago, stating,
“She was so close to not making it, but she fought her way back. She’s truly the most loving little girl I’ve ever met.”
Alongside Luna is Ollie, her 16-year-old orange brother, who was also rescued. Nashawaty describes him as the “sweetest soul” and the protector of the family.
Dementia in cats is a growing concern, with studies indicating that over a quarter of felines aged 11 to 14 show signs of cognitive dysfunction. The prevalence increases with age, affecting nearly half of cats over 15. Symptoms can include confusion, disorientation, frequent vocalization at night, and changes in eating habits.
The emotional connection between Nashawaty, Luna, and Ollie is evident as they navigate the challenges of caring for an aging pet. Nashawaty stated,
“These two are the absolute loves of our lives. We feel so lucky to be the ones they trust and to give them whatever they need, whenever they need it.”
As the video continues to circulate, it sheds light on the realities of caring for senior pets while resonating with many viewers who share similar experiences. The heartfelt narrative not only sparks joy but also highlights the unconditional love that pets bring into our lives.
For those wanting to share their own pet stories, Nashawaty encourages them to send videos or pictures to [email protected] for a chance to be featured in the Pet of the Week lineup.
Stay tuned for more updates on this touching story as it continues to capture hearts online!
