A tuxedo cat named Zara learned an important lesson about mirrors after an ambitious jump toward what she apparently thought was a brand-new feline friend ended with an unexpected thud.
The funny moment was shared on Instagram by @zara_the_cat_and_co, where Zara can be seen perched on the edge of a bed covered in a floral blanket.
At first, everything looks perfectly normal.
Then Zara notices another black-and-white cat directly across from her.
Of course, that “other cat” is actually her own reflection.
Zara clearly doesn’t know that.
She crouches down, carefully prepares for takeoff and launches herself straight toward her mysterious new friend.
Unfortunately, there is one major problem.
There is a mirror in the way.
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW:
Zara flies through the air and bumps directly into the glass before dropping back down, bringing her first big “flight” to a very abrupt ending.
Thankfully, her mom later reassured viewers that Zara was completely fine after the mishap.
Her pride may have taken a hit, but everything else survived.
Viewers couldn’t stop laughing at Zara’s failed attempt to meet her reflection.
One person joked that she simply wanted to be reunited with her “alter ego,” while another admitted they had to replay the moment several times.
Other cat parents said the experience looked very familiar.
Cats can sometimes react to mirrors as though they are seeing another animal, especially when they are young or unfamiliar with reflective surfaces. Some quickly realize there is no actual cat on the other side, while others need a little more time to figure out the mystery.
Zara apparently chose the most dramatic possible way to learn.
She may not have made the new friend she was hoping for, but she did give everyone watching a hilarious reminder that sometimes it really is best to look before you leap.