June 18th National Internet Cat Day. Of course, one might say that every day is Internet Cat Day. Fluffy certainly has staked her claim on the internet. In fact, our feline overlords have taken over roughly 90 purrcent of the world wide web. Fluffy has even been described by ThoughtCatalog as the internet’s unofficial mascot. A local vet takes a closer look at this pawesome topic below.
Fluffy’s Rise To Stardom
It’s hard to believe, but the internet really only entered our day-to-day lives a few decades ago. Fluffy pounced her way to internet stardom as soon as the world logged on, which, back in those days, meant dial up. Her first claim to fame may very well be the still-hilarious I Can Haz Cheezburger site, which started out with people simply adding funny captioned ‘translations’ to silly cat photos. This ended up launching endless kitty memes, known collectively as LOLcat memes, and definitely earned their fair share of early ROFL reactions.
Famous Webcats
We really can’t celebrate Internet Cat Day without honoring some of the most beloved online celebrekitties. First, we have Lil Bub, who was born with a deformity that left her unable to put her tongue in her mouth. This made for some cute photos, but more importantly, Lil Bub’s fame led to further understanding of her condition. A crowdfunded genome-study project successfully identified the issue as a mutation in RANK/TNFRSF11A.
Next, we have Grump Cat, the adorably grouchy-looking cat that was unimpressed by, well, everything. Although Grump Cat—whose real name was Tardar Sauce—crossed over the Rainbow Bridge a few years ago, the furry curmudgeon is still keeping us smiling. There are plenty of hilarious Grump Cat memes still circulating. Finally, we can’t forget Colonel Meow, a super fluffy feline that, to be honest, looked both adorable and rather imposing.
A Purrfect Frenzy
Fluffy’s online presence has certainly drawn attention. The phenomenon has sparked several articles, books, and even a museum exhibit, How Cats Took Over The Internet, which opened at the Museum of the Moving Image in 2015. There have even been studies done on why we’re so obsessed with kitty web content. The research proved some interesting points. As it turns out, watching the antics of our feline pals online is good for our mental health. Go ahead and binge some cute cat videos … or upload one yourself. Who knows? Your furry friend may be the next famous internet celebrity!
Our Tips for Internet Cat Day
What is National Internet Cat Day, and when is it celebrated?
National Internet Cat Day, celebrated on June 18th, is dedicated to recognizing the widespread popularity of cats on the internet. It’s a fun celebration of the joy and entertainment cats bring to millions online through memes, videos, and photos.
What was Fluffy’s first claim to fame on the internet?
Fluffy’s first claim to internet fame was likely the ‘I Can Haz Cheezburger’ website. This site gained popularity by featuring humorous, captioned photos of cats, known as LOLcat memes, which became a cornerstone of internet cat culture and humor.
Who is Lil Bub, and how did her fame contribute to scientific research?
Lil Bub was a beloved internet cat known for her unique appearance due to a genetic mutation. She couldn’t retract her tongue and had a distinctive look. Lil Bub’s fame led to a crowdfunded genome study, which identified her condition as a mutation in the RANK/TNFRSF11A gene, contributing to genetic research and a better understanding of similar cat conditions.
What is the significance of Grump Cat in internet cat culture?
Grump Cat, initially named Tardar Sauce, became an internet sensation for her perpetually grumpy expression despite her sweet demeanor. She symbolized humor and relatability in internet cat culture, inspiring countless memes and bringing joy to millions worldwide, even after her passing.
Who is Colonel Meow, and what makes him a notable internet cat?
Colonel Meow was a distinctive internet cat known for his exceptionally long fur and intense, commanding gaze. His unique, imposing appearance, paired with a playful, charismatic personality, captured the hearts of online audiences, making him a memorable and beloved figure in internet cat culture.
Do you have questions about your cat’s health or care? Contact us, your local animal clinic in Waterdown, ON today!
!Social Media Icons