What Hungry Cat Does in the Kitchen Shocks Internet: 'They're Evolving'

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A rescue cat named Klaus has gone viral after pulling off an unexpected kitchen trick that has left internet users both amused and slightly concerned.
The viral TikTok video shared on Friday by his owner, under the username @caits182, shows the black and white cat perched on the kitchen counter, energetically pawing at the microwave door, until he finally manages to open it.
"Ever seen a cat open a microwave?" the caption says, as the poster rushes to remove the cat from the appliance.
In a post shared later in the week, the poster explains that Klaus, who has a history of documented shenanigans on social media with his lookalike sibling, Wesley, is a 1.5-year-old who was rescued at 5 months and is a "a softie who loves cuddles."
Cats are indeed smart creatures, but unlike humans their intelligence isn't measured by an IQ but rather by their cognitive abilities and the way they interact.
Studies have found that cats have a sense of object permanence, and are able to recognize when an object is hidden from their sight. They have working memory and a well-developed long-term memory, which helps them achieve their goals.
They can also distinguish between different time intervals and can recognize different quantities. They also look for human cues and gestures, to respond to human moods, and are able to recognize specific human voices and become attached to people in their lives.
Compared to dogs, a cat's intelligence manifests differently. Dogs often seek human guidance while cats prioritize independence.
Signs of a smart cat can vary, but they usually include problem-solving, demonstrating persistence, or immediately sensing when you're having a bad day and cheering you up.
The smartest cat breeds include Abyssinian, Siamese, Scottish Fold, Persians, Cornish Rex, and Turkish Angora.
A stock image shows a tuxedo cat hanging out on his owner's kitchen counter.
A stock image shows a tuxedo cat hanging out on his owner's kitchen counter.
getty images
The video quickly went viral on TikTok and it has so far received over 3.8 million views and 737,600 likes on the platform.
One user, LoveSyrinaIRL, commented: "As a cat expert, this can be very dangerous for him, as he might start cooking his own food and become a chef and open his own 5-star restaurant."
Ednc said: "God forbid a cat shows he's capable of reheating his own food."
Laura added: "They're evolving. The end is in sight for us."
Newsweek reached out to @caits182 for comment via TikTok comments. We could not verify the details of the case.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.

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