Cat's reaction as owner admits they're a 'foster fail' warms hearts

A TikTok clip shows an orange tabby watching as someone types that the cat is a 'foster fail,' and the video has more than 764,000 views and 251,000 likes.

A TikTok video shows an orange tabby stretched across a foster caregiver's lap while someone types on a phone. On-screen text says they are telling the humane society the cat is a "foster fail," an affectionate term for a foster caregiver who decides to adopt. The clip was posted to @ovivavoil on February 1 and has been widely viewed. Animal welfare groups and academic research note fostering can improve outcomes for shelter animals. What is known: - The video shows the orange tabby moving his head in sync with the person typing, with on-screen text that reads they are telling the humane society the cat is their "foster fail." - The post has more than 764,000 views and 251,000 likes. - Viewers responded with personal fostering stories and lighthearted comments in the video's comments section. - The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reported that in 2024 roughly 2.2 million cats were adopted nationwide; other figures reported include 362,000 returned to owners or released, 273,000 euthanized, and 369,000 transferred to other organizations. - Research from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University found that fostering can reduce stress, improve behavior, shorten shelter stays, and increase adoption success, and that programs do better with strong caregiver support and broader volunteer engagement. Summary: The clip resonated with many viewers and highlighted how foster caregivers can become permanent homes for animals. Undetermined at this time.