Being in the military is challenging, especially when it means long separations due to deployments or training sessions far from home. Our U.S. military personnel are not just soldiers; they are parents, children, siblings, and pet owners too. The distance can be tough on everyone involved, making reunions incredibly emotional.
Saying goodbye to a loved one heading off for military duty is heart-wrenching, but their return can bring overwhelming joy. Even if you’ve never experienced such a reunion firsthand, you’ve likely seen heartwarming homecoming videos online. It’s hard not to feel moved watching them.
One particularly sweet category of these reunions involves military members and their pets. There’s something special about a dog’s exuberant reaction upon seeing its owner again, often bringing viewers to tears. Cats, while sometimes seen as more aloof, can also show tremendous excitement when their human comes back.
A viral video showcases this beautifully with a cat named Finn. In the clip, Finn is in the kitchen with his mom, sensing that his “daddy” is about to come home. The woman filming is eagerly waiting for her soldier boyfriend, Nick, who has been away for a drill. She asks Finn, “Who’s coming?”
From the beginning of the video, Finn is by the front door, meowing. As his mom speaks to him, he seems to understand that his dad is on the way home. Finn jumps on the door, swishing his tail and meowing impatiently. He can hardly contain his anticipation!
According to the Battersea website, signs that a cat is excited include being “alert” and “responsive to their surroundings,” along with a focused demeanor. Excited cats often have more rounded eyes with dilated pupils, and their ears point forward and upward. Finn exhibits all these signs in the video.
When the door handle finally jingles and the door opens, Nick steps inside dressed in his Army uniform, carrying a box of belongings. Finn paces around for a moment, recognizing his dad. Nick sets down the box and addresses Finn with open arms, saying, “Hey, buddy, it’s me!”
Finn’s reaction is priceless. He leaps straight into Nick’s arms, creating a heartwarming moment. One viewer commented, “I’ve never seen a cat act like that before, so cute!”
This act highlights critical gaps in our support systems for people in crisis and animal welfare. Urge authorities to provide those in crisis with the help they need to prevent animal abuse!
Nick showers Finn with affection, clearly happy to be reunited. Finn seems equally thrilled. It’s a touching scene that makes you wonder how Nick will ever be able to leave again. The video, posted on YouTube, quickly went viral. One viewer wrote, “Best thing I’ve seen in a long time ❤❤” Another added, “That is so cute I wish my cat was that excited to see me when I come home.”