Most people worry about legroom or snacks when flying, but pets have different priorities. Who gets the best seat? Who gets the cuddles? And who’s being quietly judged from across the aisle? Those questions come to life in a viral video where a cat makes her mom feel like the ultimate third wheel on a plane.
Cat gives mom the look on a plane in adorable video
Instagram user @phoebe.thescottishfold recently shared a video featuring her cat, Phoebe, during what appeared to be a routine plane trip. Instead of resting quietly in her carrier or looking out the window, Phoebe decided to settle into her dad’s arms, leaving her mom seated across the aisle. From that spot, the cat repeatedly shot her mom unmistakable side-eye looks that quickly became the highlight of the clip.
Onscreen text explains the situation with humor, reading, “My girl cat giving me the side eye on the plane while cuddling with her boyfriend (he’s my husband).” As the dad holds Phoebe close, the cat’s expression shifts between contentment and mild judgment, especially whenever she glances toward her mom. The looks are slow, deliberate, and dramatic enough to suggest that Phoebe is fully aware of the awkward love triangle.
The mom leaned into the joke even further in the caption, writing, “First flight of the year and I’m still the third wheel.” Perhaps this isn’t the first time she’s felt left out when it comes to her cat’s loyalty.
Within a week, the video racked up more than 379K likes and hundreds of comments from amused fans. Many pointed out Phoebe’s expressive eyes and her clearly chosen favorite. One commenter joked, “Ugghh don’t look behind you, she’s staring at us again,” as if Phoebe and her dad were conspiring. Another teased, “Bet you wish this was you huh?”
Others focused on the cat’s body language, with one pointing out, “Not the paw on his shoulder, he belongs to her,” and another highlighting the moment before Phoebe turns away, saying, “That look she gave you before she turned her head!!!” Even at 30,000 feet, Phoebe made it clear who she chose, and the internet couldn’t get enough of it.
