Man Wasn’t Sure How Disabled Cat Was Getting on Bed, So He Films in Secret

A pet parent discovered his disabled cat on the bed—leaving him wondering how he managed to get up there—until the parent finally set up a camera to film the feline’s impressive method.

Gabriel, known on TikTok as @chilisbarandgril, owns a tuxedo cat named Grendel. Ever since adopting him nearly two years ago, Gabriel knew his feline wasn’t a normal cat. He came with a unique strut. This is because Grendel has cerebellar hypoplasia.

This developmental condition occurs when the cerebellum—part of the brain that controls fine-motor skills, balance and coordination—fails to develop properly, an article from VCA Animal Hospitals said. Also known as wobbly cat syndrome, cerebellar hypoplasia is not painful or contagious, but it is untreatable.

Cats with this condition quickly adapt. They learn how to walk around their homes, mastering the art of the wobble. And in Grendel’s case, he’s managed to find a way onto his owner’s bed without a ramp or stairs.

Gabriel would find Grendel lounging on his bed, time and time again. Confused, he finally decided to leave a hidden camera in the room to find out how his cat continued to get on the bed, which he shared on TikTok earlier this week with the caption: “Grendel may be wobbly, but he is also determined.”

In the clip, Grendel pulled himself as close to the edge of the bed as possible. He reached his front paws up to the side to get a grip, but it took a few tries as he lost his balance. Then, he used his arm strength to pull his body up, clawing onto the blankets and hanging for dear life in case he slipped.

Newsweek reached out to @chilisbarandgril via TikTok for additional information and comment.

In a follow-up video, the owner addressed commenters who wondered why he didn’t step in to help and those demanding he purchase a ramp. Gabriel said he’s tried everything to help give Grendel the tools he needs to climb the bed: stairs, ramps, different materials, some with railings. But he will not try it, and if he does, he falls.

Viewer Reactions

Within two days of posting, the TikTok video amassed over 5.6 million views and 934,000 likes.

“Wobbly cats have no idea they’re disabled, they’re just built on determination,” wrote a viewer.

Another added: “Get that boy in the Paralympics right now.”

A third person said: “Why’s everyone freaking out??? It’s actually good exercise and strength building for the little guy. Let him be mischievous and as independent as possible purrr.”

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