This is the 9202nd most frequent Russian word.
следом
"Следом" means "right after" or "following closely."
The word 'следом' indicates the spatial relationship of the bear following the others closely.
Они прошли через лес, и медведь пошёл следом.
They went through the forest, and the bear followed behind.
Here, 'следом' denotes sequential action, indicating I set out to follow someone directly.
Я отправился следом за вами к реке.
I went after you to the river.
In this context, 'следом' expresses that the puppy's action immediately followed the cat's.