Meet Luna, the Khao Manee cat who’s captivated the internet with her hilarious way of expressing hunger—by “chewing” on air! This quirky feline, showcased by her owner @chubbybunslover, has racked up 149,500 likes and 818,500 views on TikTok.
In a delightful video, Luna repeatedly opens and closes her mouth as if devouring an invisible meal, all while trying to get her owner’s attention. Her owner can be heard reassuring her, “Luna, I’m going to feed you, don’t worry, baby.” He humorously referred to her as “a smart rice grain” in the caption.
Adding to her charm, Luna sports a pearl necklace and has also mastered using the toilet like a pro, showing off her unusual skills beyond the typical cat antics.
How Cats Show Hunger
Cats have a myriad of ways to signal they’re ready for a meal—some meow loudly, some nudge their food bowls, and others follow you around the house. Luna’s unique air-chewing is a fun twist on these behaviors.
Experts suggest that when cats are hungry, they may become more vocal, purr more frequently, or lick their lips, signaling their appetite.
The Mystery of “Fake Chewing”
Though unusual, Luna’s air-eating isn’t entirely rare among cats. Known as “fake chewing” or “air chomping,” this behavior often occurs when cats catch a whiff of something tasty, as discussed by cat enthusiasts in various forums.
Some believe it can stem from feeling discomfort in their mouths, possibly due to an odd sensation or something lodged in their teeth.
Reactions on TikTok
Luna’s antics have sparked a wave of laughter and delightful comments on TikTok. Viewers have drawn parallels to trending memes, with one user stating, “Look at her… chomping the air instead of screaming… very demure, very cutesy.”
Others shared their own experiences, with Zizi commenting, “That’s so cute she is communicating with you! I keep food all the time in my cats’ bowls; they never overeat.” One user even remarked, “Cats are dramatic,” while another added, “My cat flips the bowls upside-down lol.” A fan even likened her to Toulouse from Aristocats.