A Florida resident's kind gesture toward the local animals has been praised by thousands of people around the world after gaining significant attention online.

A viral TikTok video had captured the efforts of the resident to protect a group of strays ahead of Hurricane Milton. While their identity has not yet been revealed, the anonymous gesture appears to have been made by someone who is based in Orlando.

The clip, shared by their likely neighbor, Mai (@ponponmai), on October 11, has been viewed over 787,000 times. Viewers online have applauded the touching show of care for the animals who had nowhere to go during the storm.

Mai, the video's creator originally from Japan and now based in Orlando, expressed her admiration for the selfless act. "Animals have always held a special place in my heart," Mai, who would prefer to keep her full identity private, told Newsweek. "I've spent some time volunteering at an animal sanctuary in the past, and currently, I have three cats and a puppy of my own.

"The stray cats in my neighborhood were provided with shelter during Hurricane Milton by an anonymous person who clearly cares deeply about them."

Viewers were able to see footage of 15 to 20 stray cats both before and after the hurricane, showing them safe and well nearby an open van after the storm.

An overlaid text detailed that a van had been left open in a parking lot near Esporta Fitness in Orlando. The vehicle was left unlocked so that local animals without homes, namely these cats, could hide somewhere during the height of the hurricane. The door had deliberately been left open so that the cats could enter and leave the vehicle as they pleased, to get food or water.

"Seeing so many positive comments and stories about people rescuing stray animals and providing shelters during Hurricane Milton truly warmed my heart," Mai said. "There was an outpouring of gratitude from viewers for the person who sheltered the cats.

"I'd love to find out who they are, so I can share my video and all the heartwarming comments with them," Mai added.

Hurricane Milton, a powerful storm that recently struck Florida's Gulf Coast with devastating force, came on the heels of Hurricane Helene, exacerbating the challenges faced by the region. As residents braced for Milton's onslaught, this anonymous individual's act of kindness has captured widespread attention and praise.

"The person that protected these cats, I hope that person will always be safe and sound," one viewer posted.

Another added: "Honestly Florida came through for the animals. Makes me so emotional seeing Floridians care for not only their pets but the strays."

"Van owner, I love you," a third viewer commented. "May you have way more blessings than you could ever count, all the health and all the love always."

A fourth user added: "Stuff like this gives me faith in humanity."

The video has also sparked a broader conversation about pet safety during natural disasters. While many Florida residents took measures to protect strays, there has been controversy among TikTok users about the number of pets left behind during mandatory evacuations.

"I wanted to raise awareness about this sad reality. Please, don't leave your pets behind," Mai said.

Reflecting on the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, Mai added that, while her area was spared severe impact, many others are still coping with the destruction caused by both Helene and Milton.

"My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time," she said.

Mai's own pets, all spoiled and cherished, share something with the strays that reside near her home.

"One of my cats was actually a stray before, and even though she's the smallest, she's the strongest of them all," Mai said. "My pets would be amazed by the strays' survival skills and how strong they are, both mentally and physically."

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