The Origins and Rise of the Cat Meme Phenomenon
Memes dominate online culture, and perhaps no group of memes has achieved universal appeal quite like the ones featuring cats. Among them, the most iconic is the 'Woman Yelling at a Cat' meme. But where did it come from, and why did it become such a widely shared expression of internet humor?
The Birth of a Viral Sensation
The 'Woman Yelling at a Cat' meme features two disjointed images: one of Taylor Armstrong from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, distraught and screaming, and the other of a white cat named Smudge sitting at a dinner table, looking confused as it faces a plate of salad. The images were originally unrelated but went viral when combined.
- The image of Taylor Armstrong was taken from a 2011 episode where she was involved in a visibly emotional confrontation.
- The image of Smudge the cat was uploaded in 2018 by his owner to Tumblr, in a post captioned, “he no like vegetals.”
- A Twitter user paired the two in May 2019, and the meme immediately captivated the internet.
Understanding the Meme's Appeal
What makes this meme particularly enduring? It's a combination of emotional intensity and absurdity, turning a personal moment and a cat's fussy expression into a universally relatable form of expression. People began captioning the image with their own interpretations, turning it into a dialogue about misunderstandings, sarcasm, and conflicting viewpoints.
Key reasons for its popularity:
- Contrast: The serious, dramatic human reaction versus the disinterested animal expression creates instant humor.
- Versatility: It can be adapted to countless situations and contexts, from food fights to political debates.
- Cats: The internet’s longstanding love affair with cats gives it a boost.
Who Is Smudge the Cat?
Smudge is not just a meme—he’s a real cat with a unique personality. Born around 2015 and adopted by his owner Miranda Stillabower, Smudge became an internet celebrity seemingly overnight. He has since gained social media followings on Instagram and Twitter. Fans love him for his signature facial expressions and his disdain for vegetables, as shown in the salad photo.
Memes and Pet Culture
In today’s digital world, pets often become online personalities. Memes featuring animals, especially cats, tap into our affection for pets and transform them into symbols of human emotion. They’re easily shareable, family-friendly, and often unintentionally hilarious.
Memes That Followed Smudge
The cat meme genre is vast. Besides Smudge, other famous feline memes include:
- Grumpy Cat: Known for her perpetually frowning expression.
- Nyan Cat: The pixelated, Pop-Tart-bodied flying cat.
- Cats Who Look Like Supervillains: A fan-driven meme genre showcasing cats with peculiar, strategic expressions.
Why Cat Memes Resonate with Pet Owners
Pet owners recognize their own animals’ quirks in these viral moments. A cat sitting oddly or expressing disdain is something every cat owner has witnessed, making the jokes relatable. The memes validate everyday pet experiences, giving them a public platform in the form of humorous content.
How Cat Memes Influence Online Behavior
- Sharing Culture: People frequently repost cat memes, increasing their exposure.
- Merchandise and Branding: Memes like Smudge have spun off into calendars, mugs, clothing, and more.
- Social Connection: Memes serve as a low-barrier way to communicate shared emotions and humor online.
Conclusion
From a random photo of a displeased diner to an internationally recognized meme, the story behind the famous cat meme is a testament to the power of internet culture and our collective love for expressive pets. As long as cats make funny faces and people document them, we’ll have an endless supply of memes to enjoy.
