Meet the Cats Who Took the Internet by Storm
In the age of social media, cats have become the undisputed kings (and queens) of the internet. From cute antics to quirky personalities, these famous internet cats have captured the hearts of millions worldwide. If you’re a cat lover—or even just a casual internet surfer—you’ve probably come across some of these furry legends. But have you ever wondered how they got their paws on the internet throne? Well, it’s time to meet the most famous cats who made the internet their kingdom.
1. Grumpy Cat (Tardar Sauce)
Let’s kick things off with the OG of internet cats—Grumpy Cat, whose permanent scowl made her a worldwide sensation. Grumpy’s real name was Tardar Sauce, and her unique facial expression, caused by a form of dwarfism and an underbite, made her an overnight meme sensation. She became the face of countless memes, advertising campaigns, and even a movie (Grumpy Cat’s Worst Christmas Ever). Who knew being grumpy could be so profitable?
Fun Fact: Grumpy Cat’s “grumpiness” was so famous that she even got her own merchandise, ranging from mugs to plush toys. Talk about cashing in on your natural talent!
2. Lil Bub
Lil Bub was another internet cat whose adorable and distinct appearance made her a star. With her tiny stature, big eyes, and tongue that constantly hung out (due to a genetic condition), she became the epitome of “cute overload.” Lil Bub was also an advocate for special-needs cats, showing the world that even those with unique conditions deserve love and recognition. She had a huge following and even hosted her own web show, Lil Bub’s Big Show.
Fun Fact: Lil Bub had an Instagram account with over 2 million followers and raised thousands of dollars for animal charities. Talk about a feel-good celebrity!
3. Nyan Cat
Not a real cat, but certainly an internet legend—Nyan Cat is an animated pop-tart-shaped cat flying through space with a rainbow trailing behind it. The Nyan Cat meme took over YouTube with its catchy, repetitive song that became impossible to escape. Despite being just an animation, Nyan Cat’s vibrant colors and cheerful energy made it a symbol of fun on the internet.
Fun Fact: Nyan Cat has inspired countless fan art, remixes, and even merchandise. It’s safe to say that this little animated cat is the internet’s favorite space explorer.
4. Maru
From Japan, Maru is one of the most beloved cats on YouTube. Maru’s most famous trait? His love for boxes. No box was too small or too big for this Scottish Fold cat to climb into, and his antics are both hilarious and heartwarming. Maru’s channel, mugumogu, has garnered millions of views, and he’s often seen diving into boxes with his characteristic enthusiasm.
Fun Fact: Maru’s first video went viral in 2008, and he has since become a YouTube sensation with millions of subscribers. His love for boxes is so famous, it even inspired his own book!
5. Keyboard Cat
Keyboard Cat is one of the earliest viral cat stars, known for the hilarious footage of a cat playing a keyboard. The video, which originally came from a 1984 clip of a cat named “Fatso” wearing a blue shirt, was turned into a meme that took over the internet. With the cat “playing” the keyboard, it became a humorous way to “play off” awkward situations or bad events, making it a go-to meme in the early days of internet culture.
Fun Fact: Keyboard Cat has been used in countless viral videos, and the meme has persisted in internet culture for over a decade. Talk about staying power!
6. Jiffpom
Okay, Jiffpom is technically a dog, but this Pomeranian is famous for collaborating with famous cats like Grumpy Cat, so he’s earned a spot on this list. Jiffpom is a social media powerhouse, with millions of followers across Instagram and TikTok. Known for his cuteness, Jiffpom has also appeared in several commercials, including ones for big brands like Target.
Fun Fact: Jiffpom has two Guinness World Records for being the fastest dog on two paws and the fastest dog on four paws. It seems like he’s in a league of his own!
7. CATS THE MUSICAL Cats (Broadway & Film Cats)
Okay, not a single cat, but rather a whole bunch of famous felines! The musical Cats, created by Andrew Lloyd Webber, features a large cast of humanoid cats singing and dancing. The original Broadway production was a massive success, and even though the 2019 film adaptation received mixed reviews, it introduced a new generation to the idea of cats as “theatrical stars.”
Fun Fact: Despite the reviews, the Cats movie became famous for its “uncanny valley” effect, where the human-like cat designs made people either laugh or cringe. Either way, it made headlines!
Why Do Cats Rule the Internet?
From their hilarious behavior to their ability to strike perfectly timed poses, cats seem to have mastered the art of internet fame. Perhaps it’s because they’re unpredictable, graceful (sometimes), and they have a certain mystery about them. Whether it’s Grumpy Cat’s permanent frown or Maru’s box-filled antics, cats are just irresistibly watchable.
So, the next time you find yourself scrolling through social media, remember: it’s not just your cat purring on your lap that deserves attention—it’s the viral legends who paved the way for cats to become internet royalty!
FAQs About Famous Internet Cats
1.How do cats become famous on the internet?
Answer: It usually involves a mix of unique personalities, viral moments, and clever memes. Some cats are born to be stars, while others are discovered by their owners who post their quirky behaviours online.
2.What’s the secret to becoming a famous cat on social media?
Answer: Consistency is key! Plus, showing off your cat’s funniest, cutest, or most bizarre moments can help catch the attention of millions. Don’t forget to add a dash of charm!
3. Can my cat become an internet sensation?
Answer: Absolutely! Just give them some time, a bit of creativity, and maybe a box or two for inspiration.
4. Are there any other famous internet cats I should know about?
Answer: Oh, absolutely! There are a lot of unsung heroes in the cat world who have made their mark on the internet. For instance, Munchkin Cat has become famous for their adorably short legs, while Venus the Two-Faced Cat (yes, you read that right) made headlines with her half-black, half-orange face. There’s also Hemingway Cats from the Ernest Hemingway home in Key West, Florida, known for their unique six-toed paws. These felines all have their own charm and have definitely earned their spot in internet history!
5. Can I train my cat to become famous?
Answer: While you can’t exactly train your cat to be a social media sensation (they’re not that predictable), you can encourage their quirky behavior by creating the right environment. Cats love to explore, climb, and play—capturing these moments on camera will give you a treasure trove of hilarious and cute content. Be patient and let your cat’s natural personality shine through—it’s their uniqueness that could make them an internet legend!
6. How did Grumpy Cat become famous?
Answer: Grumpy Cat, whose real name was Tardar Sauce, became an internet sensation after her owner, Tabatha Bundesen, posted a photo of her scowling face on Reddit. The picture quickly went viral, and Grumpy Cat became a meme phenomenon. Her permanent grumpy expression, due to a genetic condition, made her an instantly recognizable icon. From there, she appeared in commercials, movies, and even had her own merchandise line.
7. What made Lil Bub so special?
Answer: Lil Bub was born with several unique physical characteristics, including a small size, big eyes, and a tongue that constantly hung out due to a genetic condition. These features made her incredibly endearing to her fans. Lil Bub’s charm went beyond her looks; she also had a heartwarming story and became an advocate for special-needs cats. She raised awareness for animal rescue organizations and was adored for her positive attitude and unique personality.
8. What’s the deal with Nyan Cat?
Answer: Nyan Cat isn’t a real cat—it’s an animated character! Nyan Cat is a pixelated cat that flies through space with a rainbow trail, all while a catchy, repetitive song plays in the background. The meme took the internet by storm when it was uploaded to YouTube in 2011, and it became a viral sensation. Nyan Cat has since become an enduring part of internet culture, inspiring countless fan creations and merchandise.
4. Who is Maru, and why is he so famous?
Answer: Nyan Cat isn’t a real cat—it’s an animated character! Nyan Cat is a pixelated cat that flies through space with a rainbow trail, all while a catchy, repetitive song plays in the background. The meme took the internet by storm when it was uploaded to YouTube in 2011, and it became a viral sensation. Nyan Cat has since become an enduring part of internet culture, inspiring countless fan creations and merchandise.
5. What is Keyboard Cat?
Answer: Keyboard Cat is a meme that originated from a 1984 video of a cat named “Fatso” playing a keyboard. The cat’s human-like “playing” of the keyboard became the basis for the Keyboard Cat meme, which gained popularity in the mid-2000s. The video was often used to “play off” awkward situations in a humorous way. Despite being one of the first viral cat videos, Keyboard Cat remains an iconic figure in internet culture.
6. Can any cat become internet famous?
Answer: Yes! While some cats seem to have an innate charm that makes them instantly lovable (like Grumpy Cat or Lil Bub), any cat can become an internet star with the right combination of quirky behavior, unique looks, or hilarious antics. The key is capturing moments that showcase your cat’s personality and sharing them on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok. Just remember—consistency and creativity can help your cat get noticed!
7. Do these internet-famous cats make money?
Answer: Yes, many internet-famous cats have turned their popularity into lucrative opportunities. From sponsored social media posts to merchandise lines (think T-shirts, mugs, and plush toys), these cats have earned their owners a nice income. Grumpy Cat, for example, made millions through her brand deals, merchandise, and even her own movie.
8. Is there a "formula" for becoming an internet-famous cat?
Answer: While there’s no surefire formula, there are a few common traits among internet-famous cats: unique or quirky behavior (like Maru’s love of boxes or Grumpy Cat’s scowl), adorable looks, and a little bit of humor. A good social media strategy, consistent posting, and engaging with followers can also help boost a cat’s visibility. Ultimately, it’s about showing off what makes your cat special—and having fun with it!
9. Can my cat be as famous as these internet legends?
Answer: With the right combination of unique charm and creativity, your cat can absolutely become a social media star! It may take some time and patience, but showcasing your cat’s quirks, sharing fun videos, and interacting with followers can eventually build a fanbase. Remember, every internet-famous cat started somewhere, so who knows? Your cat might be the next big thing!
10. Do famous internet cats have normal lives?
Answer: Yes, even though they’re internet stars, most famous cats still lead normal lives as pets! They enjoy playtime, naps, and the occasional treat—just like any other cat. While they may have a team of people helping with their social media, the cats themselves often enjoy their downtime away from the camera. After all, even famous cats need a good nap to recharge!
In the end, these internet-famous cats have captured our hearts and become part of our daily internet routine. Whether they’re making us laugh, inspiring us with their cute quirks, or just brightening our day with a simple video, these cats prove that the internet is their playground. Who knows, maybe one day your cat will be the next viral sensation! Just make sure to have a camera ready for those unforgettable moments.
