A picture of a cat struggling with stealth has delighted the internet this week after gaining viral attention.
Shared by u/bag-o-frogs on Monday, the picture on the popular subreddit r/aww has melted hearts and gained more than 13,000 upvotes.
Alongside the caption: “Luna thinks she’s hiding,” the picture shows Luna the cat hiding behind a thin veil curtain, paws poking from the bottom, and face perfectly visible through the curtain.
Delighted by the image, Reddit users headed to the comments to share their thoughts.
“Too cute,” wrote one user. While another commenter said: “I mean, she is hiding. Just not very well.”
Cats will often hide behind objects, lurking and ready to pounce at a fellow feline, toy, or even their owner. Veterinary behaviorist Wailani Sung P.hD. wrote about this behavior for Vet Street in 2015 and said: “The most common reason cats pounce on their owners are for play and attention. Typically cats who engage in this behavior hide behind a corner or furniture then suddenly jump out.”
While it is perfectly normal behavior, Sung does suggest that if the behavior has increased in frequency or intensity, it is always a good idea to have your pet examined by a veterinarian to rule out any health issues. Sung also noted: “If the pouncing behavior is resulting in injuries to you and you want to curb it you may also wish to speak to your veterinarian for ideas on how to redirect your cat’s playfulness with some simple play activities or food puzzles.”
Other commenters were more sympathetic to Luna’s efforts, praising the hiding kitty and assuring that her hiding was successful.
“Sneak 100,” joked one commenter. Another said: “She’s doing such a great job! Big up Luna.”
Other Redditors said: “I don’t see anything?” And one commenter joked: “Where [is] Moon? I don’t see her anywhere in the picture.”
“This has sent me into uncontrollable fits of laughter,” said another Redditor. “I have a black cat that is super good at hiding in front of my black curtains, but I guess it doesn’t work the same for white cats.”
“Don’t shame her, she’s trying her best,” said another viewer of the much-loved image.
It is true that the internet loves a challenge—and if it comes in cat form, even more so. In March one picture had the internet obsessed as they tried to find a hidden feline in a bedroom after the picture was shared on Twitter. “This is my wordle,” joked one Twitter user as they tried to spot the sneaky cat.
Newsweek has reached out to u/bag-o-frogs for comment.
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