A taxi driver in Thailand has melted hearts online after passengers discovered she regularly brings her disabled rescue cat along with her while working.
The wholesome encounter quickly went viral after two passengers realised there was a sleeping orange cat quietly accompanying them in the vehicle.
In a TikTok clip shared by user @kip182524 on 4 May, two women seated in the back of the taxi were visibly surprised after the driver switched on the interior lights, revealing the orange cat resting peacefully nearby.
Source: @kip182524 on TikTok
The driver then politely asked if they were comfortable with having a cat in the car.
Far from being bothered, the passengers appeared delighted by the feline’s presence.
They even remarked that the cat was so quiet and well-behaved that they would never have realised it was there if the driver had not pointed it out.
The taxi driver later told local media that she first encountered the orange cat on 31 July 2024 while on an early morning job.
While driving, she spotted the animal lying unconscious by the roadside and immediately stopped to check on it.
After realising the cat was still breathing, she rushed it to a veterinarian.
Unfortunately, the cat had suffered severe injuries believed to have been caused by a vehicle accident.
According to the driver, the feline sustained spinal injuries that left its hind legs paralysed.
Prolonged exposure to sunlight while lying unconscious also reportedly damaged its retinas, while its excretory system suffered major complications as well.
Source: @kip182524 on TikTok
Despite being warned about the difficulties of caring for a disabled animal, the woman decided to adopt the cat.
She reportedly drove the feline to veterinary appointments daily during the early stages of its recovery.
As a taxi driver, she also had to ensure her vehicle remained clean and free of unpleasant odours for passengers.
Source: @kip182524 on TikTok
The woman told Thai media outlet Thairath that she always informs passengers beforehand that a cat is inside the vehicle.
“If you are not okay with that, then please cancel the ride,” she would tell them.
Fortunately, judging by the viral reactions online, most passengers seem more than happy to share their ride with the furry companion.
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Featured image adapted from @kip182524 on TikTok and TikTok.