There's Nothing More This Cat Enjoys Than Seeing His Reflection With A Balloon In The Glass Door

His mom says, “Loki’s sweet, but a psycho."

Damjan

• Published in Animal Stories
• August 22, 2023

Long Island cat Loki discovered an unusual fascination with a balloon attached to a thin rope, and this playful obsession has become a defining characteristic of this mischievous tabby. He shares his home with his brother Diesel, an orange kitty, who serves as his favorite wrestling partner.

Cats, with their inquisitive and playful nature, often find joy in the simplest of toys, and Loki's love for this particular balloon is a perfect illustration of this trait. When Loki first appeared on social media, fans were treated to images and videos of him as a kitten, pulling around a blue balloon on a thin rope.

This wasn't a fleeting fancy; Loki's attachment to the balloon has remained a constant source of entertainment and joy, both for him and his human family. Like many cats, Loki also enjoys dressing up.

He frequently wears a lion's mane and ears, and he sometimes even carries them around. This playful adornment adds to his charming personality and provides further insight into the world of cats, where play and exploration reign supreme.

Cats like Loki remind us of the joy and creativity found in play. Whether wrestling with a sibling or batting at a simple balloon, cats find pleasure and engagement in activities that might seem mundane to human observers.

Their ability to turn ordinary objects into exciting toys is a testament to their intelligence, curiosity, and zest for life. Loki's love for his balloon on a thin rope is more than just a quirky habit; it's a symbol of the universal playfulness found in the feline world.

Let's get to know Loki a bit better:

Loki loves balloons

Note: While cats are often drawn to string and similar objects, allowing them to play with these items, especially unsupervised, can be hazardous. Swallowing string or threads from chewed-up rope toys can lead to serious health problems.

Similarly, a popped balloon can pose a risk if ingested. Therefore, despite the playful nature of cats and their attraction to such items, it is advisable not to allow them to engage with these objects at home without proper supervision and caution.

Also, dressing up...

Loki was well-named, living up to the name of the trickster god.

His Mom says, “Loki’s sweet, but a psycho. He’s a klepto kitty stealing sweaters and food from the countertops or inside closed cabinets. He carries his lion wig around and has stolen Dad’s lunch too. In general, he doesn’t think the rules apply to him and is super outgoing and as happy as can be. He can do high fives and even jumps through a hoop, so he’s quite a clever little guy."

"Fresh Princes of New York”

Loki and his blue balloon:

There was an occasion when Loki became enamored with a potato he discovered in the kitchen, but his true love has always been the balloon. Whether or not he's ever popped one, his affection for them remains strong.

Note: As peculiar as it may seem to humans, potatoes can actually be harmful to animals, so it's best to keep them out of their reach as well!

Loki's affection for balloons is evident, as seen in the images below. What's particularly intriguing is how he not only loves playing with the balloons but also seems to take delight in seeing himself with his balloon in the reflection of the glass sliding doors! It's a charming quirk that adds to his unique personality.

So, does Loki's behavior mean he's passed the mirror self-awareness test? Scientific research suggests that cats and dogs typically don't recognize themselves in mirrors.

The list of animals that have been shown to recognize their own reflection includes dolphins, chimps, gorillas, orangutans, bonobos, elephants, and magpies. Additionally, recent studies have indicated that crows and other corvids, such as ravens, jays, and magpies, are self-aware.

Even octopuses and cephalopods, which have been recognized as sentient in the UK, may possess a sense of self. Overall, the animal kingdom may harbor a greater level of self-awareness than previously acknowledged.

As for Loki, it's possible that he's reacting to the balloon's reflection rather than his own. On the other hand, the way he consistently brings the balloon to the glass could suggest an understanding of its connection to the reflection.

Whether or not this is an indication of self-awareness, one thing is clear: Loki is having a fantastic time with his reflected balloon game!

Damjan