A viral Instagram video has captured the exact moment a Vancouver couple’s Maine Coon lost his long-awaited off‑leash privileges—just minutes after earning them.
Shared on Tuesday by @mugen.koon, the clip features their big gray cat, Mugen, enjoying a nature walk first without a leash and then, in the second part of the video, firmly back on one.
The post’s caption summed up the mishap with perfect comedic timing: “It took him two years to earn his off-leash privilege… and only two minutes to lose it.”
According to the couple behind the account, Celine (33) and Danny (31), Mugen has been adventuring with them since he was 5 months old.
“He loves to camp and hike with us, however we have never let him off-leash before and decided to try on this particular day, given the trail was quiet and he was doing great following the path leading up to this clip,” they said.
The peaceful moment didn’t last long. After the video took off online, the pair added a comment clarifying what happened behind the scenes.
In the comment that has racked over 25,000 likes, they wrote: “He wandered a bit off trail and decided the only acceptable place too [go potty] was deep inside a massive thorny blackberry bush about five feet off the path.
“Once he finished, he realized he was completely tangled and couldn’t wiggle his way out. It took us about 20 minutes to fight our way through the thorns to rescue him. (we also grabbed his pewp too, pack in/ pack out always).”
Leash training can help indoor cats exercise, explore safely, and strengthen their bond with their owner. The process should be gradual and positive, focusing on patience and rewards.
First, introduce the harness by letting the cat investigate it and wearing it indoors for short periods. Next, attach the leash and encourage movement inside with treats and play. A cat backpack can provide a safe resting place and help them get used to travel.
Once comfortable, begin short outdoor walks in quiet areas. Let the cat set the pace and direction. Keep sessions brief, reward good behavior, and respect the cat’s limits, as some cats may prefer staying indoors.
The video has since gone viral, racking up over 2.3 million views and 197,000 likes on Instagram.
One user, Nestor.l.baltazar, commented: “Best 2 minutes of his life.”
Adventurecatssqueekernkrink wrote: “OHHHHH NOOOO. I’m sorry but that’s an adventurous twist.”
_ai_grass said: “That’s the face of a man with no regrets and will 100 percent do it again.”
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
