
Don-chan and Mogu-chan show that people and kitties aren’t always so different.
Despite how much people adore cats, the feeling isn’t exactly 100-percent mutual. As we’ve mentioned before, some experts say that cats are severely disappointed in us humans, as a result of our almost complete lack of displayed ability in feline skill sets such as licking ourselves clean or catching small animals for sport or sustenance.
But Japanese cat owner and Twitter user @nanao_ssan recently provided photographic evidence of one way in which cat and human behavior overlap, at least with her pets Don-chan and Mogu-chan.
猫もあくびはうつる pic.twitter.com/fHjYHKkExf
— ななおっさん🧵Meteor (@nanao_ssan) August 19, 2019
The snapshot sequence starts with Don-chan, the bigger of the two, letting out a jumbo-sized yawn. Mogu-chan carefully observes the gesture…
…and then, just like happens with humans, shows that the yawn is contagious!
“Cats catch yawns from each other too,” tweeted @nanao_ssan with the photos. Along with a cascade of “So cute!” comments, several other Twitter users mentioned that they themselves often catch yawns from their pet cats, in a cross-species manifestation of the phenomenon.
While the exact reason humans catch yawns from each other is unclear, a popular theory is that it’s a way of showing empathy and forming social connections. That might not sound like something cats, who are historically committed to doing whatever they want, would be all that interested in, however.
▼ Although it’s true that Don-chan and Mogu-chan are good friends.
そうなんだよ!仲良しで本当に親子みたいだよ〜! pic.twitter.com/TPqQECkQyB
— ななおっさん🧵Meteor (@nanao_ssan) August 20, 2019
Like with humans, there’s no conclusive answer as to why the yawn spread between @nanao_ssan’s cats. We can’t help noticing, though, that hanging out with someone and letting out an exaggerated, bored-looking sigh, followed by a sweet smile, like Don-chan did…
…is classic tsundere behavior, which is right up cats’ alley.
Source: Twitter/@nanao_ssan via IT Media
Images: Twitter/@nanao_ssan
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
Once your hands are free from covering your mouth after thinking about yawning, you can follow Casey on Twitter.





Japanese cat owner buys feline futon for his pets, they instantly know exactly how to use it
Adorable Japanese cat shows off its purr-fect hiding spot to attack owner’s feet 【Video】
Young and elderly alike can satisfy their feline frenzy with this $180 cat robot companion
Can you spot the real feline in this “opti-cat illusion?” 【Pics】
Adorable Japanese cat uses owner’s finger as pacifier, soothes Japanese Internet’s heart 【Video】
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Hikaru Utada sings new song in Shinkansen commercial for Japan’s Supreme Class cabins
Farewell Final Ceremony announced for Tokyo’s life-size Gundam statue, will stream live
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
Tokyo’s Haneda Airport opens new Terminal 1 North Satellite next month
Foreign travelers arrested in Japan following smash-and-grab robbery in Tokyo shopping mall
Starting this fall, you’ll be able to take a Pokémon Jet flight to Japan
Pizza Hut Japan creates moon-viewing sukiyaki chrysanthemum pizza for tsukimi season
Starbucks Japan adds a gooey sweet potato Frappuccino to its menu this autumn
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Nike x One Piece collection brings Devil Fruits to sneakers and streetwear in Japan
We recommend not buying one pack of Japan’s new convenience store corn soup-flavor fried chicken
Police in Japan looking for who’s responsible for dumping 80 loaves of bread on side of road [Video]
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Anime fans can now wear a Seiko watch inspired by Japan’s One Piece Shinkansen
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
Tokyo’s newest viral dessert is like a Japanese parfait inside a bread bun [Taste test]
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
This cat has a super cute reaction to Japanese owner’s beckoning hands 【Video】
Traditional Japanese architecture proves too irresistible for curious cat
Cute cat melts hearts by watching TV with owner in a number of adorable poses
Cute cat puts smile on owner’s face with adorable surprise behind closed door
Pet kitty stuck on a table in Japan deals with problem in cleverly adorable way【Photos】
Japanese pet owner’s precious cat and hedgehog combo are a perfect prickly pair【Video】
Japanese cat who can’t sleep unless it chats with owner melts hearts across the Internet
Japanese cat book explains how cats see their human owners, and it’s not as objects of respect
Cute cat fights yearning desire to eat food on table with adorable results【Video】
Japanese cat cafe in Tokyo is a Ghibli-esque village run by felines in a castle
Happy Java sparrow Day! Pet owners celebrate their adorable birds on Twitter【Photos】
Cat has Internet in stitches after getting itself stuck in awkward position