If you're an anime fan, you may have recently noticed A Whisker Away floating its way up your Netflix recommendations page. The 2020 feature-length film tells the story of a middle school girl experiencing unrequited love. To be closer to her crush, she dons a magical Noh mask that transforms her into a cat. As a feline, she visits her crush, and the two grow close together.

It seems the movie has put the therapeutic effect of pets front and center in everyone's mind. Manga artist Tsubasa Fukichi (The Law of Ueki), recently published a short manga similar in structure on Twitter, entitled "The Final Week."

Just a heads up, it’s a bit of a tearjerker:

© Tsubasa Fukuchi (@fukuchi_tsubasa)

© Tsubasa Fukuchi (@fukuchi_tsubasa)

© Tsubasa Fukuchi (@fukuchi_tsubasa)

© Tsubasa Fukuchi (@fukuchi_tsubasa)

In the manga, Toru's deceased partner returns from heaven and takes over his cat's body. They spend a week together playing, eating, and chillaxing. And, as you can see, there is a bit of a twist at the end.

Netizens had a big reaction to the post, many commenting that they were moved and even cried in public.

  • “I can’t stop crying.”
  • “Wow, what a great story. I read it while holding my cat.”
  • “He lost two lives important to him. That’s too sad.”

The author had a message to pet owners. Fukuchi commented: "This kind of a miracle doesn't occur very often. Please enjoy every day with your beloved cat." I'm sure all the pet owners can understand.


By - Luke Mahoney.