Reddit - Cats are a species of their own: while many people rave about their independent nature, fluffy fur and soothing purr, others tend to label the velvet paws as ignorant bitches. Reddit user Emma (28) also has one of these at home and was more than surprised at what this grouch suddenly did.

Like so many others, Emma caught the flu in January, leaving her unable to do anything but lie in bed or on the couch for days on end.

While her cough, fever and headache almost overwhelmed her, one roommate unexpectedly stayed very close to her side - her cat Pastis (7).

The four-legged friend is usually rather "grumpy and stubborn", his owner told Newsweek. His behavior therefore came as a complete surprise to her.

"I've been really struggling with the flu lately, and of my three cats, the grumpiest and most aloof has decided to be my family doctor," Emma writes on Reddit, where she also posted a picture of "Pastis" as he sat right on her chest and stared at her.

When she was ill, the cat came to her "seven or eight times a day" and sat on her. This usually happens very rarely and when it does, there are strict rules for his human "roommates": "When he does, you're not allowed to stroke or touch him much. He doesn't particularly like being cuddled, picked up or pampered unless he initiates it."

During the flu phase, however, Pastis seemed to have completely forgotten these guidelines. In fact, his cuddles were so intrusive that Emma's two other cats had no chance of a moment on her lap.

Her experience with the grumpy cat caused laughter on Reddit - and more than 55,000 upvotes.

One user commented: "Obviously you're sick enough to be constantly monitored and he takes it very seriously."