What would happen if you installed a doorbell at cat level for your cat? Could a cat learn how to use it? The answer is yes they might, as a clever chonk named Thicc Boi from Hillsdale, Michigan, demonstrates.
Cat named Thicc Boi pushes the doorbell with his nose. Images via TikTok/retroryan89
Thicc Boi’s human, who goes by ‘Retro Ryan’ on TikTok, posted a video showing the cat using the doorbell. Before, Ryan used to have to listen closely for the cat to paw at the door. Since it was hard to hear, he would often miss it. But now, the cat just walks up and boops the doorbell installed at cat level. Actually the cat uses his whole mouth to bite the doorbell, but hey, it works!
After pushing the doorbell, the cat even looks at the camera as if to say, “Look what I can do!” He clearly knows what he’s doing, but we’re not sure how he learned the trick.
“Cats are so smart😺” Retro Ryan shared.
Video via TikTok/retroryan89
Thicc Boi Poses for New Fans
After the viral video, thousands wanted to see more of Thicc Boi. The story even made national news, with Yahoo! describing the doorbell as a “stroke of genius.”
Thicc Boi and a furry friend. Images via TikTok/retroryan89
Ryan, who says he has a weakness for snuggly cats, delighted fans with a slideshow of adorable pictures. Just so you know, you are probably about to have your TikTok taken over by this cute chonk!
“Now that you made him famous, here’s some more Thicc Boi Belly content for your viewing pleasure,” he shared.
For more of Thicc Boi and Retro Ryan, you can follow on TikTok.
Would Your Cat Use a Doorbell?
Would your cat know how to use a doorbell installed at cat level?
Well, clever cats like Thicc Boi are not uncommon. They can operate doorbells and security cams installed at the usual human level. For example, a missing cat in Long Island announced she was home by meowing after she pushed the Ring Cam doorbell.
Other cats have learned to open doorknobs with their paws. or turn on lamps. One cat turned on a stereo system to rock the neighborhood at full blast.
In the comments of the TikTok, someone shared that their cat “licks her paw and squeaks it on the windows to come in.” Now, that’s really unusual and extremely clever!
Doorbell or ‘Feed Me, Human!’ Dinner Bell?
Perhaps the real question is, would your cat ever stop ringing the doorbell? If you don’t answer the first time, would a barrage of doorbell chimes be the result? Whatever the case, we recommend house cats remain indoors where it’s safe anyway.
In the case of colony or feral cats, a doorbell might end up functioning like a convenient dinner bell. Ringing it would mean: ‘Feed me now, human!’ And cats are often night owls, so prepare to hear the chime when the cat wants a midnight snack. Or any other time.
Indeed, cats trained to push buttons associated with words have quickly learned how to train their humans to bring them specific toys or treats!
Cats Don’t Like Closed Doors
And what happens when you let a cat in the door? Often, they will want to go back outside in a few minutes. Generally, cats have a natural urge to repeatedly go in and out because they don’t like closed doors, particularly bathroom doors. They are constantly patrolling their territories and want to have full access to all of it without any pesky barriers.
For example, Cole and Marmalade both hated it when they couldn’t get into a closed basement door. After cat-proofing the basement, they got their wish and loved exploring their new territory. (see video below)
Considering all of it, instead of a cat doorbell, we’d recommend a cat door that leads to a safely enclosed catio instead!
Video by Cole and Marmalade:
