Black Cat's Hilarious Reaction to Her New Automatic Feeder Has Everyone Laughing
TikToker Shlow (@shlowhoho) adopted a black cat from a local shelter a few years ago, and while she's settled into her new home perfectly, they recently discovered something she's terrified of: her new automatic feeder.
These feeders are supposed to make mealtime easier, but if you're used to a human pouring food into your bowl, the sudden whirring and clatter can be quite the surprise. Every time the feeder dispenses kibble, Shlow's cat has the funniest reaction we've ever seen. She launches herself straight into the air- we're talking sky-high- before cautiously tiptoeing back over to investigate her bowl. Somehow, despite knowing exactly where her dinner is coming from, it startles her every single time, and viewers can't get enough.
@shlowhoho My poor baby went FLYING She's okay, she's still getting used to it #blackcat#automaticfeeder
Chopin Nocturne No. 2 Piano Mono - moshimo sound design
Shlow shared in the caption that the cat is okay and that she's still getting used to the automatic feeder. She's getting emotional support from Dad when mealtime rolls around, and we're hoping it won't be much longer before it's no longer a big deal and the sweet cat can enjoy her meals in peace again.
And viewers loved this video. It currently has more than 36 million views, 7.5 million likes, and over 24,000 comments. Viewer @ohneezy cracked everybody up when she shared a screenshot of the cat and it won 454,000 likes after she said what the cat was probably thinking: "Never in my 7 lives!"
@asimpleguy added, "No words, just sheer flabbergastation." @Rnbchas joked, "I like the eject feature that you cat has," and Shlow replied, "3 years into having her and we just discovered a new ability!"
Related: This Cat Looks Exactly Like a Human Trying to Free a Stuck Snack in a Vending Machine
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Why Some Cats Get Startled by Automatic Feeders
Automatic feeders often make unfamiliar mechanical noises, sudden movements, and look very different from the food bowls cats and dogs are used to, and even confident pets can find them a little intimidating at first.
Penthouse Paws explains that it's not necessarily the automatic feeder itself that pets are afraid of; it's more about the way they experience it. "Their reaction is rooted in real sensory discomfort. With some patience and the right introduction, that fear can easily be turned into comfort."
To help pets adjust, Penthouse Paws recommends introducing the feeder through a gradual desensitization process. Start by placing the unplugged, inactive feeder somewhere your pet can safely investigate away from their normal feeding area. Over the next several days, begin creating positive associations with treats, then slowly introduce the feeder's sounds, movements, and eventually transition mealtime from the regular food bowl to the automatic feeder.
Judging by this black cat's Olympic-level jumps, she may need a little more practice, but at least she's getting dinner and cardio at the same time!
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This story was originally published July 7, 2026 at 6:00 PM.