A woman who “never liked cats” found her life forever changed after taking in a tiny stray kitten.
Alina Hayat (@alinahxyat), 22, was hosting a dinner for friends when they arrived with an unexpected guest—Tiger, a helpless kitty they had found outside her building. Hayat’s Instagram post detailing the heartwarming journey has since received over 177,400 likes and more than 1.7 million views.
“When we found Tiger, he was incredibly tiny and frail, visibly terrified and alone,” Hayat, a YouTuber and creative director who lives in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, told Newsweek.
“He nearly got run over by a car outside my building as he ran up to my friends seeking safety. After witnessing that, we knew we couldn’t leave him behind. We took him to the vet the very next day, and thankfully, he was in perfect health—just in desperate need of a loving home,” Hayat added.
Although the group tried to place the orange-and-white tabby into a shelter, they quickly discovered there were no available spaces. They even contacted the government’s animal rescue service, but learned that Tiger would be kept for only eight days before facing euthanasia if not claimed.
As her friends were unable to take in the kitten, Hayat, a self-confessed “dog-person,” was left with a life-changing decision.
alinahxyat/alinahxyat
“Initially, when Tiger came into my home, it was only for the duration of my friends’ visit. I didn’t feel obligated to keep him; it was a choice I made after spending time with him that evening,” Hayat said.
“I can’t quite explain it, but I was drawn to his energy.
“Despite not being a cat person, there was something undeniably positive about Tiger. He felt like a blessing. He was silly, friendly, and we just clicked—an experience I had never had with a cat before!
“That connection is what ultimately led me to decide to keep him,” Hayat added.
After a thorough checkup and cleanup at the vet’s office, Tiger went from what Hayat described as a “fleabag on the streets” to a “domesticated cat in a penthouse.”
She shared adorable footage of him being cared for at the veterinarian’s office and, later, cozily nestled in his new bed.
Though Hayat said that a cat might not have been her pet of choice, she couldn’t resist the one who chose her.
This scenario mirrors the “cat distribution system,” where felines seemingly find their way to the people who need them most. This idea has gained traction on TikTok, where people share stories of cats adopting them rather than the other way around.
“I wouldn’t go as far as to say I’m a cat person, but I am definitely a Tiger person,” Hayat added. “Through him, I’ve learned to appreciate cats as pets. I had never connected with a cat on such a deep level before.
“I admire the unique qualities that cats possess; for instance, Tiger was toilet-trained by default and has never made a mess—he’s so clean and incredibly smart. I also appreciate his independence; they’re such elegant, self-sufficient creatures.
“Most importantly, I love how intuitive cats are; it’s remarkable how he can pick up on my emotions. His presence feels oddly spiritual, and I’ve gained a newfound respect for cats as wonderful companions.
“I always thought it was only dogs that had that sort of relationship with humans, but that’s not the case at all. I think, when you find a cat that matches your energy and personality, you’ve found a new best friend,” Hayat said.
Instagram users were captivated by Tiger and Hayat’s unexpected bond.
One commenter posted: “You’re never a cat person until you end up with a cat. Three months in and your Google Drive will have more pics of that cat than any family member, past or present.”
Another commented: “Cat distribution system chose you.”
“‘I’m not a cat person’ are famous last words a (cat) person speaks against cats,” wrote another user, adding, “I work at a pet store so I can confirm.”
As for Hayat, she added how Tiger has changed her life in profound ways.
“I’d just like to emphasize the incredible bond that can form between humans and cats, especially in unexpected circumstances,” she said.
“Rescuing Tiger has not only enriched my life but also brought out a more compassionate and kind version of myself. I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and I definitely feel that Tiger coming into my life was no coincidence. He needed me, but in ways I guess I needed him too, without even knowing it.”
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