Here we have the most poplular (past and present) internet cats of all time. Some are real and some are fiction.
1. Grumpy Cat (Tardar Sauce)
Background: Grumpy Cat, whose real name was Tardar Sauce, became an internet sensation in 2012 when a photo of her perpetually grumpy face was posted on Reddit. Despite her grumpy appearance, she was a sweet and affectionate cat.
Impact: Grumpy Cat’s unique look was due to feline dwarfism and an underbite. She starred in numerous commercials, made television appearances, and even had her own merchandise line and movie, “Grumpy Cat’s Worst Christmas Ever.” Her legacy lives on, as she brought joy to millions and highlighted the charm of different-looking pets.
Live Status: Sadly, Grumpy Cat passed away on May 14, 2019, due to complications from a urinary tract infection.
2. Lil Bub
Background: Lil Bub was discovered as the runt of her litter in 2011. She had several genetic mutations, including dwarfism and a unique jaw formation that caused her tongue to always stick out. Despite her challenges, she lived a happy life with her owner, Mike Bridavsky.
Impact: Lil Bub’s adorable and unique appearance won her fans worldwide. She raised over $700,000 for animal charities and brought awareness to special needs pets. Lil Bub also starred in her documentary, “Lil Bub & Friendz,” which won the Tribeca Online Festival Best Feature Film award.
Live Status: Lil Bub passed away on December 1, 2019, due to health complications.
3. Maru
Background: Maru, a Scottish Fold cat from Japan, became famous for his love of boxes and his ability to squeeze into the smallest of spaces. His YouTube channel, mugumogu, features countless videos of Maru’s playful and curious nature.
Impact: Maru holds the Guinness World Record for the most YouTube video views of an individual animal. His channel has millions of subscribers, and his antics have inspired a global fanbase. Maru’s love for boxes has brought smiles to people worldwide and showcased the simple joys of cat behavior.
Live Status: Maru is still alive and continues to delight fans with his playful antics.
4. Nyan Cat
Background: Nyan Cat is a pixelated animated cat with a Pop-Tart body, created by Chris Torres in 2011. The original animation features Nyan Cat flying through space, leaving a rainbow trail behind, accompanied by a catchy Japanese pop song.
Impact: Nyan Cat quickly became a viral internet meme, spawning countless parodies, remixes, and fan art. The character has appeared in video games, apps, and merchandise, and remains an iconic symbol of internet culture.
Live Status: Nyan Cat is still alive and remains a beloved internet meme.
5. Keyboard Cat
Background: Keyboard Cat is an internet meme featuring a video of a cat named Fatso playing an electronic keyboard. The video was originally recorded by Charlie Schmidt in the 1980s and uploaded to YouTube in 2007.
Impact: Keyboard Cat became a viral sensation, with the video being used in various humorous contexts to imply that someone has failed. The meme has been widely referenced in pop culture, and the concept has been recreated with other cats, keeping the playful spirit alive.
Live Status: Keyboard Cat passed away in 2010, but his legacy lives on through the famous “I Can Has Cheezburger?” meme.
6. Colonel Meow
Background: Colonel Meow was a Himalayan-Persian crossbreed known for his incredibly long fur and stern expression. He was adopted by Anne Marie Avey and Eric Rosario and gained fame through his social media presence.
Impact: Colonel Meow held the Guinness World Record for the longest fur on a cat. His distinctive appearance and humorous captions endeared him to fans worldwide. He became a symbol of the charm and character of long-haired cats.
Live Status: Colonel Meow passed away in 2014, but he is fondly remembered for his majestic appearance and grumpy demeanor.
7. Pusheen
Background: Pusheen is a cartoon tabby cat created by Claire Belton and Andrew Duff for a webcomic series. Pusheen’s chubby, laid-back appearance and relatable antics have made her a beloved character.
Impact: Pusheen has become a global phenomenon, with a massive following on social media, a range of merchandise, and even her own emoji set. Pusheen’s cute and charming personality resonates with fans of all ages, making her a staple in the world of internet cats.
Live Status: Pusheen is still alive and continues to be a popular character in comics and merchandise.
8. Bongo Cat
Background: Bongo Cat is an internet meme featuring a cartoon cat playing bongos. The meme originated from a 2018 animation by Twitter user @StrayRogue, which was then enhanced with bongos by user @DitzyFlama.
Impact: Bongo Cat quickly went viral, with fans creating various versions of the animation, featuring different instruments and songs. The meme’s simplicity and charm have made it a favorite among internet users, bringing a dose of musical joy to the online world.
Live Status: Bongo Cat is still alive and continues to entertain fans with its musical antics.
9. Cole and Marmalade
Background: Cole and Marmalade are two rescue cats who have gained fame through their YouTube channel and social media presence. Cole is a black cat, and Marmalade is an orange tabby, both adopted by Chris Poole and Jess.
Impact: Cole and Marmalade’s channel features educational and entertaining videos about cat care, rescue stories, and their daily antics. They have raised awareness about animal rescue and have inspired countless people to adopt and care for cats in need.
Live Status: Cole passed away on Sunday, October 10, 2021 and Marmalade is still alive.
10. Honey Bee
Background: Honey Bee is a blind cat who loves hiking and exploring the outdoors with her human companions. She was adopted from Animals Fiji by her owners, who share her adventures on social media.
Impact: Honey Bee’s story highlights the resilience and adaptability of special needs pets. Her outdoor escapades have inspired many to see the beauty and potential in all animals, regardless of their disabilities.
Live Status: Honey bee passed on december 2020.
These famous internet cats have not only entertained millions but have also raised awareness about animal adoption, special needs pets, and the unique personalities of our feline friends. Their stories continue to inspire and bring joy to people around the world. 🐱🌟
11. Bingus Cat: The Viral Sensation
About Bingus: Bingus is a hairless Sphynx cat who became an internet sensation in 2020. His rise to fame began with a short Instagram video where he was being petted while gazing up at his owner. Bingus’s unique appearance and adorable expression quickly went viral, making him a beloved online figure.
Impact: Bingus’s popularity has helped raise awareness about the Sphynx breed, highlighting their distinctive traits and endearing personalities. His viral presence has turned him into a symbol of cuteness, captivating the hearts of many and bringing joy to people worldwide.
Live Status: Bingus cat died on May 25, 2022.
12. Venus the Two-Faced Cat: The Internet Sensation
Introduction: Venus, known as Venus the Two-Faced Cat, is an American tortoiseshell cat born on July 6, 2009. She gained fame for her unique appearance, with her face split into two distinct colors—half black and half red tabby. Additionally, Venus has heterochromic eyes, with one green and one blue. Her striking look and the tagline “0% photoshopped, 100% born this way!” have made her a beloved figure online.
Impact: Venus’s popularity skyrocketed after a Reddit post in August 2012, leading to millions of views on YouTube and a massive following on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Her unique appearance has sparked interest in feline genetics and raised awareness about the beauty of cats with unusual markings. Venus has appeared on various TV shows, including The Today Show and Fox & Friends, further cementing her status as an internet sensation.
Live Status: As of now, Venus continues to be an adored internet celebrity, with active social media accounts where fans can follow her daily adventures. She has over 2.2 million followers on TikTok and a significant presence on YouTube and Instagram. Venus’s enduring popularity showcases the power of the internet to bring joy and fascination to people worldwide through the stories of unique and charming pets.
13. Beluga Cat: The Polite Cat Internet Meme Star
Introduction: Beluga Cat, also known as the “Polite Cat,” is a domestic shorthair cat that gained fame through a viral meme. The cat’s image, featuring a photoshopped smile, became the face of the Beluga YouTube channel, which quickly amassed millions of subscribers. Beluga’s unique and endearing expression has made him a beloved figure in internet culture.
Impact: Beluga Cat’s popularity has had a significant impact on internet culture. The meme featuring Beluga’s smiling face has been widely shared across social media platforms, bringing joy and laughter to countless people. The Beluga YouTube channel, known for its humorous and random content, has become one of the fastest-growing channels on the platform. Beluga’s fame has also sparked interest in domestic shorthair cats and their charming personalities.
Live Status: olli, beluga the polite cat passed on February 4th, 2021
Caturday Nights 