There’s a fine line between work and play, and for cats, that line barely exists. Everyday objects often double as toys, and human movements can easily be mistaken for invitations to interact. A recent video captures this misunderstanding perfectly, showing how one cat confidently rewrote the purpose of grandma’s chore routine.
Cat ‘thinks’ Grandma is playing with him when she’s actually sorting chores
A video shared by cat owner @tiger.meoo shows how easily a feline can misunderstand human intentions. In the clip, a grandmother is quietly focused on sorting chores while holding a piece of string in her hand. Standing close by is the family cat, watching her movements closely and interpreting them in his own way.
From the cat’s point of view, the dangling string appears to be a clear invitation to play. He remains nearby, alert and engaged, convinced that Grandma has finally decided to interact with him. The text overlaid on the video humorously reads that the cat believed Grandma had “finally accepted him as a grandson” and was playing string with him. The owner adds to the joke in the caption, questioning whether grandma was really playing along, before concluding that the cat had his mom to play with either way.
As the video continues, Grandma remains focused on her task, seemingly unaware that her actions have sparked excitement beside her. Meanwhile, the cat stays attentive and eager, enjoying the moment regardless of its original purpose.
Cats are known to be fascinated by strings and ribbons. This attraction comes from their natural hunting instincts. In the wild, felines rely on movement to trigger their prey drive, and a string mimics the motion of small animals like snakes or rodents. The unpredictable way a string moves makes it irresistible, activating a cat’s urge to stalk, chase, and pounce. Even domesticated cats retain these instincts, which is why a harmless chore can look like a game to them.
