Move over, rapper cats of Instagram—the new queen of dental decadence has arrived. “Tofu,” a Denver rescue cat, is currently dazzling TikTok (and, honestly, the world) with an accessory most of us couldn’t even dream of wearing ourselves: a genuine, professionally-installed, $5,000 gold tooth. As outlined in Newsweek’s account of this unusual medical adventure, Tofu now belongs to that rarefied group of pets whose dental dilemmas lead not just to costly vet visits but to viral stardom.

The True Cost of Feline Glamor

While gold dental work typically brings to mind images of celebrities or extravagant socialites, Tofu’s story started a bit differently. Newsweek relates that her owner, 22-year-old Clarrisse Bosman, discovered Tofu’s dental predicament in December 2024 after receiving an unexpected call from her fiancé. Tofu, left in his care, had managed to crack one of her front teeth—apparently the result of gnawing on a balsa wood music box, a feat not entirely surprising given her earlier exploits, such as chomping on instrument reeds.

Bosman explained that her adopted cat is no stranger to mischief, and with Tofu not even three years old, extraction seemed a bit excessive. Instead, a feline dental specialist presented two alternatives: remove the tooth or, for a premium, save it with a root canal topped by a hypoallergenic, gold-alloy crown. Throughout the decision-making, Bosman emphasized her cat’s quality of life—concerns about jaw alignment, diet (since Tofu’s meal routines apparently require tearing and ripping), as well as the potential hazards encountered on supervised outdoor adventures, all played a part.

Interestingly, as Newsweek details, the dental bill wasn’t all for show. Most costs were attributed to blood work, anesthesia, root canal, professional cleaning, x-rays, extractions, and medications. The actual crown features a blend of gold, silver, palladium, indium, zinc, and iridium, chosen to prevent any adverse reactions. In a modern twist on dental luxury, hypoallergenic alloys have apparently made their way into the world of cat dentistry.

Viral Stardom and Chew-Proof Advice

When Bosman posted a video of Tofu sporting her golden grin to TikTok, the response was, predictably, massive. Newsweek reports that the short clip garnered over 10.9 million views and more than 1.8 million likes. The comment section quickly filled with reactions ranging from tongue-in-cheek envy to practical reflections on veterinary extravagance—one vet tech admitted this kind of procedure was “rich people veterinary medicine that I’ve never seen before,” while others found the gold crown “absolutely” worth it for the comfort of the cat, even if not strictly necessary. Some mused that, someday, the crown could be repurposed as jewelry—a peculiar kind of legacy.

On a more instructive note, the outlet also references advice from the Cornell Feline Health Center regarding cats’ chewing habits and the expensive pitfalls that can result. Preventing feline dental disasters, they note, includes removing access to inappropriate or risky chew targets, providing cats with safe alternatives, and using deterrents like pet-repellent sprays on household items. The source also points to the importance of preventing boredom to reduce the urge to gnaw on anything within reach.

Whether Tofu has started a trend among her peers—or simply stands as a cautionary tale for both would-be feline jewelers and their humans—is perhaps still up for debate.

Teeth, Trends, and Twenty-First Century Cat Care

There’s something undeniably ironic in the arc of Tofu’s story: what might have ended as yet another tale of a curious cat and an expensive vet bill became instead an emblem of lavish devotion and viral curiosity, as described throughout Newsweek’s feature. Bosman’s choice, while undoubtedly eyebrow-raising for some, was rooted in a blend of pragmatism and fond attachment—ensuring Tofu could keep living her best life (walks, hikes, and all) with minimal disruption.

Yet, it’s hard not to wonder about the broader meaning. Will we see a future where feline crowns are as commonplace as rhinestone-studded collars? Or will Tofu’s $5,000 smile remain the gold standard for internet-famous pet oddities—a glinting reminder that no matter how many stories cross our screens, the intersection of love, luck, and luxury still manages to surprise?

In any case, Tofu’s new look brings an entirely new meaning to “cat that got the cream”—and maybe to “cat that got the gold,” too.