How do you know the right time to get a cat? According to the internet, all you have to do is wait.
The “cat distribution system” is a popular meme. In its essence, the idea behind the meme is that, if you find a cat, the “system” somehow worked to bring it into your life. Consequently, you now have a new pet cat.
While it’s still best practice to make sure that this random cat doesn’t already belong to someone else, there are many happy cat owners who trace their pet’s origin back to the streets—or, in one TikToker’s case, their spare tire.
What’s Under This Man’s Car?
In a video that has since been reposted by other accounts, TikTok user Cole Duncan (@gahvactech) shows the underside of his car.
“So, I’m at Home Depot,” he starts.
He then shows his spare tire. Inside the tire is a whimpering black and white cat.
The video then cuts to show Duncan inside the Home Depot holding the cat. The cat meows.
In a comment, Duncan says that the cat was kept and is now “living his best life.”
Why Do Cats Like Hanging Out In Cars?
Searching around the internet, it seems that finding a cat in one’s car is actually relatively common.
According to Embrace Pet Insurance, it’s common for stray cats to hide in cars during the winter months. This is generally due to the fact that cars, after they’ve been running for a while, get warm—and, given how many cracks and crevices there are in a vehicle, have plenty of spaces for a cat to hide out.
Sometimes, this can have negative consequences. Earlier this month, a woman in the United Kingdom claimed she accidentally drove for 15 miles with a cat in her car’s engine. According to the BBC, she only discovered the cat after noticing her dog’s strange behavior near the vehicle. The cat survived, though she had to be treated for burns on her paws.
If one finds a cat in their car’s engine or in other parts of the car, it’s recommended to turn off the vehicle, locate the cat, and then gently approach it. Wearing protective equipment like gloves is also recommended, as you don’t know whether the cat is friendly. Next, remove anything in the way of the cat that would prevent it from leaving on its own. From here, one can place food or treats in a visible area or use a piece of cloth or blanket to coax the cat out. Alternatively, one can call animal control for assistance.
From here, the cat should be checked for injuries and taken to a professional if necessary. A veterinarian will also be able to read the cat’s chip, if there is one, and help begin the process of returning the cat to its owner.
Commenters Love It
On Instagram and under a viral repost of the TikToker’s video, users shared their thoughts on the TikToker’s adorable predicament. Many referenced the “cat distribution system.”
“Finders keepers! You have been chosen!” exclaimed a user.
“His name shall be Spare Tire,” offered another.
“Only three things are guaranteed in life. Death, taxes, and the CDS,” joked a third.
@gahvactech Picked up a hitchiker at Home Depot 🐈⬛ #CatUnderTruck #CatTok #CatsOfTikTok #FunnyCatVideo #FYP
We’ve reached out to Duncan via Instagram direct message.