This Tabby Cat Turns Into a Disney-Style Character at the First Sign of Playtime
When cats go into play mode, instincts take over, and they immediately look like kittens with huge eyes as they plan an attack. If you've ever had a cat, you know the old "rubbing the hand on the bed or floor" trick gets them hyped up. Murphy, the Tabby cat, turns into a cartoon during play, and it's one for the Disney books!
@obsessedwithpets I hope if I ever get attacked, this is how it goes down. #petsoftiktok#tabbycat#catsoftiktok#catattack
original sound - NatalieBunting
Right at the 11-second mark, Murphy transforms into a cat straight out of Puss in Boots! I guarantee no feline can resist the attacking the hand game, because they can hunt and attack, so this scene gets an A+ in my book. I have three kitties, and not a single one, including my senior girl, would resist playing with my enticing hand!
One fan commented, "Little buddy changed characters," while others were obsessed with her "wittle teefers," and honestly, both are worth the praise! Just to be clear, this animated girl is a normal Tabby cat every other time of the day, but playtime is serious business.
Related: Gigantic Rare Cat Looks Like a Mini Tabby Tiger
As a little baby, Murphy was about as sweet as they come. She's curious and affectionate, and she has the adorable looks to boot. And though she may seem like an average kitty with fishbowl eyes during play, Murphy has become known to her followers for her love of canned green beans. She'll even eat them straight out of the can-she knows her worth!
@obsessedwithpets @Del Monte we love you #catsoftiktok
original sound - NatalieBunting
Why Cats Go Into ‘Play Mode' and Act Like Kittens
Playful cat behavior instantly transforms these babies into kittens, and it can look like a lot of different things. Some might get the zoomies to burn off their excess energy, and others might get "play aggression," which is triggered by their centuries-old instincts to hunt prey. There are also the kitties who are bored, and by tapping into the curiosity they had as little ones, it reminds them how fun life can be.
All of this is completely normal and healthy. It means they feel safe, secure, and trusting enough to let their guard down long enough to "hunt" your hand. Just like Murphy displays, all cats are really just itty-bitty, playful kittens on the inside-they just need us to help draw it out of them.
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This story was originally published April 25, 2026 at 10:20 AM.