A heartwarming video of a once stray cat turned unlikely hero has gone viral on TikTok, showcasing the feline's instinctive compassion despite his owner's initial reluctance.

The clip shared by user @jelllyyybeannn, features her male cat—who was found last year under a car—dragging a box in their house using his teeth while another cat lies on the floor nearby.

The text overlaid on the video humorously captures the owner's dilemma: "Why did our cat bring a random pregnant cat in the house and he's preparing her bed, like how do I tell him absolutely no??" The video's caption adds to the intrigue, posing the question, "Does he think the kids are his???"—a playful nod to the fact that the cat is neutered.

Since its posting on July 12, the video has garnered 593,000 views and 63,000 likes, sparking widespread admiration for the cat's selfless act.

The story has continued to unfold online, with the owner sharing updates about the rescued pregnant cat, who gave birth to six healthy kittens on August 7.

Social media users have been overwhelmingly supportive, praising the male cat's nurturing instincts. One commenter wrote, "Something about an animal wanting to share the security of your home with other animals they find is very wholesome. Like 'I know where you'll be safe, follow me.'"

The owner revealed in the comments, "He's on his own mission of rescuing cats too."

Another commenter humorously remarked, "He said I'm gonna be a dad one way or another."

What To Do if You Find a Stray Pregnant Cat

This heartwarming tale also brings attention to the proper steps to take when encountering a stray pregnant cat. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), a charity operating in England and Wales that promotes animal welfare, has provided the following tips:

• If the cat appears healthy, it's best to leave her alone.
• If the cat is sick or injured, contact your local vet immediately.
• If the cat is in a dangerous location, such as near a busy road or other hazards, contact emergency services to ensure her safety.

When it comes to finding a stray cat with kittens, the RSPCA advises:

• If the cat has just had kittens, it may be best to leave them undisturbed for a few days. Moving them too soon can cause the mother to reject or even harm the kittens.
• If the mother and kittens appear healthy and are in a safe location, avoid moving them unless they are at risk.
• To help protect them, you can provide food, water, and shelter outside, especially during extreme weather.
• If you believe the mother is a stray, contact your local animal rescue for further advice.

Newsweek reached out to @jelllyyybeannn for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case.

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.