In the French Alps, a couple wanted to capture what they thought would be a magical moment: their cat's first encounter with snow. Adopted last April, Sergei is a 9-year-old Siberian, a breed known for its love of the cold, powdery snow, and harsh winters. So, everything suggested he would leap outside, full of curiosity and delight.
But the scene, filmed and posted on Instagram by @jaynehilditch, quickly took a comical turn. As soon as her husband gently placed the cat on the pristine ground, Sergei hesitated for only a split second. He then turned around and bolted straight back to the house, as if to say, "thanks, but no thanks."
A chilly reception
Speaking to Newsweek, his owner, Jayne Hilditch, explained that the couple had left the patio door wide open to give him the choice. But Sergei didn't even glance at the freshly fallen snow. To try and encourage him, her husband eventually picked him up and placed him outside. It was no use. "He shot straight back inside and plonked himself right on the warmest spot of the underfloor heating!" she said with a laugh.
A homebody at heart
Very gentle and extremely affectionate, Sergei is very much a confirmed indoor cat. He could spend hours curled up on his owners' laps or being brushed, blissfully closing his eyes. In recent months, the couple has even managed to teach him a little trick that always goes down well: he gives a paw to ask for a treat, just like a well-behaved dog.
Although Siberian cats are known for enjoying the snow, this is a reminder that every feline has its own unique personality. And Sergei has clearly made his decision: winter is fine... as long as he's watching it from behind a window.
The video posted on Instagram has since gone viral. It has now surpassed 4.8 million views and is approaching 160,000 likes.
