Cats can form close bonds with their humans while still making it clear that they are the ones calling the shots. Some will happily seek out attention, while others prefer affection only when it suits them. One orange cat named Waffles seems to have perfected the art of keeping his human guessing.
A video shared by @thegoldenbreakfastclub shows Waffles’ unusual relationship with the man he apparently never asked for. From surprise attacks to annoyed meows, the clips explain why the man has earned the title of Waffles’ “Spare” and why simply sitting down near the cat can come with a few risks.
Cat repeatedly bullies the ‘spare’ with surprise attacks and complains about every movement
The Instagram video opens with text describing Waffles’ relationship with the man as “the relationship between a cat and the man he never wanted.” The two are seen sitting together on the couch, seemingly enjoying a quiet moment. However, things quickly become less peaceful when the man asks Waffles what he is doing and starts petting him.
Waffles immediately responds with a sharp meow, making his opinion about the interaction fairly clear. The cat seemingly has no problem being near the man, but physical affection needs to happen according to his rules.
The next clips show just how difficult it can be for the man to relax around Waffles. As soon as he sits down on the couch, the cat approaches and bites him, apparently unwilling to let him get too comfortable. According to the video, Waffles has continued “bullying” him even after living with him for six years.
His surprise attacks are not limited to the couch, either. In another moment, the man walks into a room only for Waffles to unexpectedly paw at his calves as he passes by. The sudden attack catches him off guard, while Waffles appears perfectly satisfied with the ambush.
Even moving closer to the cat can apparently earn a complaint. When the man sits next to Waffles, the orange cat lets out another meow, as if objecting to the invasion of his personal space. Still, Waffles is not completely opposed to spending time with his human. He will happily lounge on his lap whenever he wants some warmth and comfort. There is just one important condition: no “unapproved petting.”
Waffles also prefers conversations to be kept brief, particularly when the man is asking what the video describes as “silly questions.” Cheese bribes and wet food, however, are acceptable forms of interaction.
Despite the biting, ambushing, and constant complaints, Waffles clearly has his own way of showing affection. For this particular cat, keeping the man around seems worthwhile, as long as he follows the rules. As the video puts it, Waffles will “always stay spicy.”
