Stray Cat Turns to Life of Crime To Keep Kitten Entertained in Sweet Video

A stray cat has been forced into a life of crime in order to keep her young kitten entertained.

There's no need to call the cops just yet though, as it might be the most adorable thing you have ever seen and, in the circumstances, is understandable.

Chasica Waite from Martinsville, Indiana, took to TikTok to share the plight of Renly and her young son. According to Waite, Renly is just one of a number of stray cats living in the area.

The total number across the entire U.S. is unclear. In 2004, National Geographic put the figure at around 70 million but that has likely increased in the two decades since.

What is clear is that stray cats represent a real and persistent problem. However, as Renly's case shows, it's no easy fix. "Renly was not abandoned, she was never an indoor cat," Waite wrote alongside one of her videos. "She has been a stray since birth."

Waite has made efforts to try and find Renly a home. She called her local Humane Society shelter but was told that they were at "full capacity." There's no trap and neuter program in Martinsville either, while the cheapest price WaitE was quoted to have Renly spayed was $290.

Renly is far from an isolated case, with Waite estimating there are as many as 50 cats on her street alone. "I cannot afford to fix all of these cats," she said in one video.

But none of the cats go hungry. At least three houses on the block put out food, while some leave garage doors ajar and build makeshift shelters to help the street's feline population.

Even so, life can be tough for Renly and her kitten. Thankfully, she has the necessary street smarts to provide for her fluffy companion.

In a video that has been watched 6.7 million times on TikTok, Waite shared footage of what she describes as "the cutest thing ever." Watch it here:

According to the clip, Renly has been bringing her son toys from wherever she can get them. Waite doesn't know where the stray is "stealing this stuff from" but the array of socks, mouse toys, and other assorted items appear to be keeping her kitten entertained.

Waite has even uncovered a "hideout" where Renly squirrels away these stolen goods. There's even a chewy dog toy among the items found. While Renly may not have a home, her efforts to provide for her kitten are admirable in the eyes of Waite.

"She's just the best momma cat in the world," she declares in the clip. Waite isn't alone in thinking that either, with many fellow cat lovers taking to the comments section accompanying the video to voice similar sentiments.

"She's a better mom than some out there," one TikTok user wrote with another commenting: "Her love language is gift giving."

"She's a provider," a third said while a fourth added: "She's working so hard!!"

Many urged Waite to take Renly and her kitten in. Unfortunately, taking in a stray doesn't always work like that. Instead, Waite has set up a GoFundMe to raise the money necessary to establish a trap neuter and return program that could help cats like Renly and her son in the long term.

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