A tuxedo cat from northern China has taken social media by storm after videos showed him calmly riding along in a truck with his owner, earning the affectionate nickname of a “bus conductor” from amused viewers.
The heartwarming clips, reported by the South China Morning Post, feature an eight-month-old cat named Jiaozi — meaning “dumpling” — perched comfortably inside a moving truck. With his paws resting on a handrail and eyes fixed on the road ahead, Jiaozi appears unfazed by bumpy journeys, behaving more like a seasoned co-driver than a pet.
A travelling companion since kittenhood
The truck driver, known online as Xiangzi and based in China’s Hebei province, said Jiaozi has been accompanying him on drives since he was just one month old. Now weighing around 7.5 kg, the cat has grown into a regular travel companion.
Xiangzi shared that he has made special arrangements inside the truck to keep Jiaozi comfortable, including a mat and a nearby litter box. According to him, the cat seems to “watch over” his driving and even guards the luggage during trips.
Internet charmed by ‘co-pilot’ cat
In the viral videos, Jiaozi is seen sitting near the front window, holding onto the handrail and gazing outside as the truck moves along rough roads. In lighter moments, he is also spotted licking catnip, further adding to the internet’s amusement.
Social media users were quick to draw comparisons between the cat’s posture and that of a bus conductor calmly surveying passengers. Many praised the bond between the driver and his feline friend, calling the videos soothing and joyful.
Viral success
The videos were shared on Xiangzi’s social media account, which has around 60,000 followers. Two of the most popular clips have garnered over 1.4 million and 630,000 likes, respectively, turning Jiaozi into an unlikely online star.
The viral sensation has once again highlighted how simple, wholesome moments with animals can bring smiles to millions across the internet.