There are two universal truths when you bring a new pet home: puppies think everything is playtime, and cats think everything is beneath them. In this house, a newly adopted golden retriever puppy has decided his cat sibling is his new favorite activity. The cat has decided this is unfortunate.
This clip by TikToker Emma Kelly (@itsjustemmak) is a prime example of the dynamic between a brand-new golden retriever puppy and a hilarious, already-over-it cat.
The TikTok starts with the two of them “playing,” if you’re being generous. The cat gently gnaws at the puppy, swats him a little, and clearly tries to set some boundaries without going full villain. The puppy, naturally, interprets this as encouragement. Tail wagging, vibes high, lesson unlearned.
Then it cuts to the cat stretched out on the couch, minding his business, when the puppy shows up again. Another swat. Another warning. Another moment where the puppy pauses just long enough to think about what’s happening before deciding it must be a game.
The cycle continues. The cat moves to a chair. The puppy follows. The cat swats again. The puppy stays cheerful. Eventually, the puppy climbs up to the cat’s level on the couch, pushing his luck just a little too far, and the cat finally decides it’s time to leave. He runs off, half playing along, half deeply exhausted, like someone who’s accepted that peace is not part of the plan right now.
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“The Dog Keeps Going Back for More 😂😂”
The comment section was firmly on the cat’s side. @jamkristina pointed out, “but you see how the cat is hitting him with a closed palm?? no nails,” giving credit where it’s due. @shivani summed it up perfectly with, “the dog keeps going back for more 😂😂,” while @rivergirl2005 joked, “You’re turning me into a monster,” which feels like the cat’s internal monologue by the end of the clip.
In the end, it’s a familiar story. A puppy full of joy, zero social awareness, and endless optimism meets a cat who has already decided how this household will work. They may be playing, technically, but the message is clear: the dog is having the time of his life, and the cat is tolerating it. For now.
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This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Jan 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.