iHeartCats.com

What started as a simple act of kindness has turned into one of the sweetest friendships imaginable.

About a year ago, shop owner Ferhat Hayat began feeding an orange stray cat that regularly wandered into his store in Rize, Turkey. Like many people who help community cats, he wasn't expecting anything in return. But the friendly feline, later named Şakir, had other plans.

Before long, Şakir decided the shop was his second home. Now, every morning at the exact same time, the orange cat walks through the door, jumps onto the counter, and wraps his paws around Ferhat's neck in what looks very much like a heartfelt hug. It's become their daily ritual, one that customers and millions of viewers online can't seem to get enough of.

What's even more remarkable is that the shop is filled with delicate glassware and fragile items. Despite spending his days exploring the store, Şakir has reportedly never broken a single thing. Ferhat and his family have made sure the beloved cat is vaccinated, healthy, and well cared for, while Şakir repays them with affection and companionship.

Their story is a beautiful reminder that kindness has a way of coming back to us. Sometimes all it takes is a bowl of food and a caring heart to change a life and gain a best friend in return.

The only touch a cat should ever feel is one of kindness and care.