Some friendships are so pure they could melt even the coldest heart, and that’s exactly what’s happening between River, the cat, and Oakley, his senior Yellow Lab brother. After Oakley began receiving gentle rehab massages from his dog mom, River started watching closely every single time. Then one day, he decided to join in. OK, I’m not crying, you’re crying!
In the now-viral clip, the soft gray cat can be seen kneading biscuits on Oakley’s fur, licking him gently, and even mimicking the soothing massage motions he watched his mom do. Just watch how absolutely precious this is.
The amazing video was shared on the @whiskeytoller TikTok account, and people in the comments are losing it over how sweet this is. The caption explains, “I noticed my cat started acting differently after my senior dog needed rehab… He kept watching closely and offering comfort. Then, he started doing something unexpectedly sweet. I think he wanted to help, too.”
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One sweet comment said, “OK, so your dog has a medical service cat. Oh, my heart!” Someone else added, “The vibration of his purrs is also at a frequency that is known to be healing.” Another person responded, “We had a special-needs dog, who eventually lost his eyesight. Our cat would help guide him around. She would give him cuddles and kisses. Animals are so sweet. I love this.”
The above video is getting me right in the feels. It’s a moment of quiet, unconditional love that perfectly captures what it means to care for family—no matter the species.
How Massages Can Help a Senior Dog
Just like humans, senior dogs can benefit greatly from gentle massage therapy. It helps improve circulation, reduces muscle stiffness, and eases the discomfort that often comes with arthritis or joint pain. Massage can also calm anxiety and promote better sleep—something older dogs especially appreciate. When done regularly, these sessions strengthen the bond between pet and parent, creating moments of connection and trust. In Oakley’s case, the love and comfort from both his mom and his feline nurse, River, are just as healing as any professional therapy session.
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This story was originally reported by Parade Pets on Nov 16, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.