Known as @maymaymoonpieprincess on TikTok, the cat owner had long been searching for an explanation for her lopsided haircuts. It wasn't typical hair loss, nor was it breakage from brushing: the strands were cleanly cut.
The answer came one morning as she was just opening her eyes. Right beside her, her ginger cat was perched, looking extremely pleased with himself. His paws were stretched out towards her head as if he still had "work to finish". The photo of the crime scene, showing the feline next to the sacrificed lock of hair, has already racked up over 700,000 views on social media.
Why do cats chew on hair?
While the situation might seem amusing, feline behaviour experts explain that this kind of nocturnal 'grooming' isn't all that uncommon. For a cat, chewing or licking their owner's hair is often a form of social grooming. The texture of fine hair is similar to fur, and they use this behaviour to strengthen their bond or to soothe themselves.
However, in some cases, this behaviour can be a sign of something else:
Pica: A disorder that causes the cat to ingest non-edible substances.
Stress: The chewing can become a self-soothing mechanism.
Boredom: A highly effective way to get their owner's attention, especially if breakfast time is approaching!
The internet's reaction
On TikTok, commenters were quick to take the little feline's side. "No split ends on his watch!", joked one user. Another added: "The midnight barber! He does his best work while you're sleeping."
Many ginger cat owners shared similar stories, confirming the reputation these felines have for their sometimes... creative ideas. For this owner, the solution is now simple: she either sleeps with a bonnet on or hides her hair under the duvet to stop her private salon from opening for business at 3 a.m.
