Tiny Chihuahua Mix Who Grew Up With Cats Perfects the Art of the Perfect 'Loaf'
Before adopting my dog eight years ago, I was a proud mom of two cats (and still am). But that means that since my pup was a brand new puppy, she's grown up around cats, and along the way, she's picked up some of their habits. If you want to find her in the afternoon, she will always be found fitting her giant body on a single stair to nap in the perfect patch of sunshine.
This learned behavior is actually more common than some might think, including when it comes to this Chihuahua mix who has perfected the art of the "loaf," despite the fact that he doesn't have a single feline bone in his tiny little body.
@chiwiwi11945 His previous owner passed away, but from the photos we've seen, he was raised with cats-and now he loafs like one. #chihuahua#fyp#viral#cutedog#fypシ
sonido original - 𝓩ule 𝓐brahaham
This video from @chiwiwi11945 on TikTok shows exactly how good this pup named Chiwee is at loafing like a true cat, probably because he learned from the best. Though he lives with a new family now, Chiwee was raised with two cats who taught him everything he knows about The Loaf, or the position that makes an animal look like an adorable loaf of bread.
He's already a pretty tiny dog, but tucking away his legs makes him look even smaller, which shouldn't even be possible. This little guy is so precious!
Some commenters are trying to convince his humans to give him new cat siblings, and my fingers are crossed that they're successful. He needs loafing buddies!
Related: This Tennessee Chihuahua Rescue of 100 Dogs Is Breaking Hearts and Giving Hope
Why Do Cats 'Loaf'?
All cats love to stretch out sometimes, but often, when you see them relaxing, it'll be in that "loaf" position that Chiwee has so artfully mastered.
But why do they love cuddling up like that? According to the experts at PetMD, if your kitty is sitting with their paws and tails tucked in, it's a sign that you're doing a good job as their human because they feel like they can let their guard down around you.
"Several types of loafing have been described with different meanings, but the classic version is shown by cats that are comfortable in their surroundings," veterinarian Dr. Bonnie Beaver told the site. "We can't actually measure 'happiness,' but we can say that cats are relaxed when in this position. It would be much like when a person sits in a reclining chair."
PetMD also notes that if you notice anything unusual about the way your cat is loafing, like hunching their bodies over or staying in that position for an extended period of time, it could signal that something is wrong, so a vet visit or call never hurts.
Mostly, though, loafing just means that your cat is chilling and content. It doesn't look very comfy to me, but apparently, it is for them!
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This story was originally published June 2, 2026 at 9:30 AM.