Every once in a while, a cat appears online who looks like something straight out of folklore or an anime movie, and this striking stray from Thailand is one of them. With bold black stripes across his white face, bright orange markings, and blue eyes that glimmer like jewels, this gorgeous street kitty looks like he’s wearing a perfectly painted Halloween mask. Or that he’s part cat and part koi fish.

Videos of him have gone viral, with viewers all over the world mesmerized by his markings. Some people believe he’s a rare “ancient Thai cat”—an almost mythical coat pattern thought to have disappeared centuries ago, while others suggest a bit of “modern color enhancement” (hair dye, cough, cough) might be at play. Just look at this crazy, gorgeous cat!

The clip was shared on the @ukulore TikTok account, and people can’t get over how beautiful this cat is. In the comments, fans are debating everything from genetics to history. One user wrote, “This is an ancient Thai cat, very rare, too.” Another added, “It’s an old coat pattern thought to be extinct—they show up from time to time.”

But others offered a more scientific explanation, noting that while the kitty’s orange tones might be dyed, his unique stripe placement is a legitimate genetic mutation. According to one commenter: “It’s technically a white-spotted cat with a mutation that creates a striped form instead of splotching. It’s similar to what’s seen in historical Thai depictions.”

Related: Tuxedo Cat Has the Fanciest Orange Pants and Looks Like Two Cats in One

It’s impossible to say for sure whether this cat’s colors are completely natural or slightly enhanced, but what is certain is how beautiful he is. And how ready to celebrate Halloween he looks!

How To Help Street Cats in Your Own Town

While videos like this bring attention to stunning strays across the world, millions of street cats closer to home need help, too. Supporting local rescues, spay/neuter programs, and trap-neuter-return (TNR) efforts all make a real difference. Even small things, like leaving out food, providing shelter in cold weather, or volunteering at a local shelter, can transform a stray cat’s life. You never know what kind of magic you’ll discover when you help a kitty in need. They might not have ancient markings or jewel-toned eyes, but every rescue has its own kind of beauty and a story worth sharing.

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This story was originally reported by Parade Pets on Oct 28, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.