A TikTok Cat Trend That Took Over the Internet
- Name Kennel
- Aug 23, 2025
- 4 min read
A TikTok Cat Trend That Took Over the Internet
Cats are no strangers to going viral. From “If I fits, I sits” to box-obsessed kitties, the internet has long loved documenting cats’ quirky habits. The latest trend? Cats and concrete slabs.
On TikTok, videos of cats lounging on, scratching at, or rolling around concrete pavers have racked up millions of views. Pet owners are baffled — why would a soft, fluffy animal choose rough, cold concrete over cozy beds?
The answer lies in feline psychology. Let’s break down why cats love concrete, what experts say, and how you can replicate the trend safely in your home.
1. What Exactly Is the Cat Concrete Trend?
In simple terms, TikTok users have started placing small concrete slabs or pavers inside their homes. When presented with the choice, cats often abandon their plush beds and head straight for the stone.
Common behaviors seen in viral videos:
Sprawling across the concrete to nap.
Scratching or rubbing against the rough surface.
Rolling and scent-marking the stone.
Choosing the slab even when soft options are available.
The trend grew so big that searches for “cats and concrete” jumped by over 350% in the past month.
2. Expert Insights: Why Do Cats Like Concrete?
Animal behaviorists suggest several reasons why cats find concrete so appealing:
A. Texture & Scratching
Concrete offers a coarse, gritty surface — perfect for scratching. While cats usually scratch to sharpen claws, they also do it to stretch muscles and relieve stress. Concrete provides resistance that feels different from carpets or scratching posts.
B. Scent Retention
Cats have scent glands in their paws and cheeks. Concrete’s porous surface absorbs and holds onto those scents better than smooth wood or plastic, letting cats “claim” the slab as their own.
C. Temperature Regulation
Concrete retains both heat and coolness. A slab left in a sunny spot stays warm for hours, while one in a shady corner provides a cool escape in summer. Cats naturally seek out surfaces that regulate body temperature.
D. Novelty & Enrichment
Cats love new textures and experiences. Introducing something unusual like a slab of stone can spark curiosity and combat boredom — especially in indoor cats.
“Cats are drawn to concrete because it engages their senses in multiple ways — touch, scent, and temperature. It’s enrichment, plain and simple.” – Dr. Annie Valuska, Purina behaviorist
3. Is Concrete Safe for Cats?
Generally, yes — but with precautions.
Safe if:
The slab is clean (no chemicals, oils, or debris).
Edges are smooth or sanded down.
It’s placed in a stable spot where it won’t tip over.
Unsafe if:
Concrete is treated with chemicals or sealants.
The slab has sharp corners.
It’s placed outdoors in extreme heat (cats can burn paws).
Pro Tip: Use small paving stones or garden pavers rather than giant construction slabs.
4. How to Recreate the Trend at Home (Safely)
Want to try this viral experiment with your kitty? Here’s how:
Buy a small garden paver (20–30cm square).
Wash thoroughly with soap and water.
Place it in a sunny window, near your cat’s scratching post, or in their favorite nap zone.
Observe how your cat reacts — don’t force interaction.
Creative Alternatives:
Tile squares (smooth + easy to clean).
Cork mats (gentler texture but still novel).
Marble or granite offcuts (retain coolness in summer).
5. Why the Concrete Trend Resonates with Cat Owners
Part of the trend’s popularity is how relatable it is. Cat owners already know:
Cats often ignore expensive toys for cardboard boxes.
They’ll sleep on the laundry pile instead of the bed.
They prefer the hard floor to a fancy cat bed.
Concrete slabs are just the latest example of cats being hilariously unpredictable — and the internet can’t get enough.
6. Benefits of Adding Novel Textures to Your Cat’s Environment
Concrete is fun, but it highlights a bigger point: cats need sensory enrichment.
Benefits of texture variety:
Reduces boredom and destructive behavior.
Encourages exercise and exploration.
Provides scratching alternatives (saving your sofa).
Improves mental stimulation for indoor cats.
Other texture ideas:
Sisal mats
Cardboard scratchers
Wood slices
Carpet squares
7. Viral Cats on TikTok: The Funniest Concrete Reactions
Some of the most shared clips feature:
Cats sprawling dramatically on slabs like Roman emperors.
Kittens playing “king of the rock” on garden pavers.
Multi-cat households fighting for the concrete spot.
These clips have drawn comparisons to memes like “If I fits, I sits” — reinforcing that cats will always choose the least logical (to us) but most amusing option.
8. Should You Join the Trend?
If your cat is healthy, curious, and you provide a safe setup, there’s no harm in giving concrete a try. At worst, your cat ignores it. At best, you’ll:
Provide new enrichment.
Get funny videos to share.
Join a viral community of cat owners.
Just remember: concrete slabs aren’t a replacement for scratching posts or toys — they’re an extra option.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why does my cat sleep on concrete instead of their bed? A: Concrete retains heat and scent, and cats enjoy novelty. It’s about comfort and enrichment.
Q: Can concrete hurt my cat’s paws? A: No, if it’s clean and smooth. Avoid sharp edges or treated concrete.
Q: Is this trend just a fad? A: The viral buzz may fade, but the insight — that cats crave novel textures — is valuable for long-term enrichment.
Q: Do outdoor cats prefer concrete? A: Many do — they enjoy sun-warmed driveways or patios, which act as giant heated beds.
The Concrete Craze Is More Than a Meme
At first glance, the TikTok concrete trend might seem silly. But it highlights something deeper about cat psychology: our pets need variety, stimulation, and a bit of the unexpected.
Concrete offers texture, warmth, scent-marking opportunities, and novelty — all things cats crave. Whether you try it for laughs or to enrich your cat’s life, the concrete craze shows just how creative (and entertaining) cat ownership can be.
💡 Want to give your cat more than just a funny slab? Check out our Funny Cat Names Guide for hilarious name ideas that match your cat’s quirky personality.
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