Cats have been stealing the show on the internet almost since its inception, with pictures of cats being shared on Usenet long before most people even had access to dial-up. However, just over a decade ago, cats went from a thing to the thing online, thanks to YouTube and the site I Can Haz Cheezburger.
Ever since, cat owners have been making and sharing memes, making their favorite felines famous in a wide array of hilarious memes that never fail to crack us up. For your convenience, we've rounded up the wildest, most viral, most laugh-out-loud funny cat memes, each weirder and more wonderful than the last.
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Funny Cat Memes You'll Never Stop Thinking About
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1. Shelves, the Earth, Wherever
© GenChuckYeager/Twitter
You can bring up this point the next time you get into an argument with a flat Earther on Facebook. And there's a reason why cats do this. It turns out that knocking over stationary objects is hunting practice for cats, so buy your cat some more toys if it keeps breaking all your stuff.
2. Cat Like Snacc
© GrandMasterSubZero/Reddit
Sometimes grocery bags smell like the food that was inside of them, plus they make a noise when they move around that cats think is fun, so it's no wonder an old bag is a favorite snack for cats.
3. Randomly Attacking Arms Since 10,000 B.C.
© douggiehouse/Instagram
It's thought that humans began domesticating and living with cats 12,000 years ago, so it's entirely possible that this cat meme is actually true.
4. Just a Little Cat Nap
© lexi_xxooxx/Reddit
On average, cats sleep around 15 hours every day to provide energy for their predatory behavior, so this meme is equal parts hilarious and accurate.
5. Not the Bees!
Cheezburger
Despite what this popular cat meme says, cats actually purr by vibrating the muscles in their voice boxes. Purring seems continuous because these muscles vibrate during both inhalation and exhalation.
6. Just a Little Light Insurance Fraud
© Mr_DrinksOnMe/Twitter
In Russia, where nearly a million people have dash cams, this cat would have a pretty hard time getting that sweet, sweet payout.
7. So Easily Fooled
© boostig/Reddit
The cat-human hybrid in this meme is Bast, the ancient Egyptian goddess of warfare. We know she was also sometimes depicted as the embodiment of the Eye of Ra, but we don't know her feelings on cardboard boxes.
8. She's Accessed the Mainframe
© Jelegend/Reddit
Cats use their whiskers to determine if they can fit through narrow spaces. Unfortunately, their whiskers don't tell them this isn't how to turn off automatic Windows updates.
9. One Way to Maintain Eye Contact
© Alittledistantshiningstar/Imgur
Cats show affection by making eye contact, but this probably doesn't work the same way.
10. What's Your Sign
Cheezburger
It's a funny meme, but cats appreciate small toys they can bat around more than stuffed animals that will inevitably break their hearts.
11. Cat on a Hot Sun Roof
© thosecatpeople/Instagram
That sunroof might be hot—but not too hot. Because cats use their paws to detect texture and pressure while hunting, they are also incredibly sensitive to temperature.
12. Too Many Treats
© ivelin2008/Reddit
It would take more than a few days at grandma's house for a cat to become record-breakingly fat. The heaviest domestic cat on record was an Australian cat named Himmy that weighed 46.8 pounds at the time of his death in 1986.
13. Beware of Guard Cat
Cheezburger
Although dogs are the more traditional choice of guard animal for homes, Binky, a cat in Indianapolis, managed to ward off a would-be burglar, so it's not entirely impossible.
14. Scaredy Cat
© frenzy3/Reddit
Cats are notoriously jumpy. Some things they seem to be scared of for no real reason include cucumbers, balloons, and their own reflections.
15. Hold Me Back, Mittens
© FarseedTheRed/Reddit
Stopping a fight isn't the only social situation a cat is good for. A study published in Anthrozoös found that 76 percent of their female subjects used whether or not their pet liked their date in their evaluation of them.
16. Conspiracies Abound
© Wildcat Sanctuary/Facebook
This kitten's making jokes about aliens, but there is an actual conspiracy theory out there that cats are the aliens.
17. The World's Most Interesting Cat
© ICanHasCheezburger/Facebook
If a cat starts biting you after being affectionate, it might be playing with you, or else it's letting you know that it's overstimulated. It might also just be a jerk.
18. A Trusted Companion
© Dopl3r funny memes/Facebook
When a cat looks at you and blinks softly, it's called a kitty kiss.
19. Cats Hate Stuff
© dreamcatto/Instagram
It can't be stressed enough in the world of cat memes that cats loathe having stuff on shelves.
20. Running With the Wrong Crowd
© brom333/Reddit
A cat doesn't have to smoke for cigarettes to negatively affect their health. Living with a smoker can double a cat's risk of getting cancer.
21. He Specializes in Meowzdas
© meowingtons/Facebook
You can't train a cat to fix a car, unfortunately, but you can train a cat to use a toilet, which is more useful on a day-to-day basis.
22. Teach a Cat to Fish
© animaltalesbywaggle/Facebook
If your cat likes to fish, keep your aquatic pets safe by putting a roof on your aquarium, and a couple of pieces of masking tape sticky-side-up to keep your cat away.
23. All the World's a Toy
© catmemes.co/Instagram
Cats will play with anything, so buying them toys isn't really a necessity, but if you do buy them toys, make sure to remove any ribbons or feathers that could come off, because cats love eating things they shouldn't eat almost as much as they love ignoring actual cat toys.
24. Making an Emergency Exit
Cheezburger
In 1989, Saturday Night Live debuted a character named Toonces the Driving Cat, who got his own half-hour special three years later. This cat is a markedly better driver than Toonces, who would inevitably drive off a cliff every time he got behind the wheel.
25. No Bamboozle
© Gdvibes/Reddit
"Bamboozle" became a popular word in the vernacular of the internet starting in late 2016.
26. Runs in the Family
© annoyingorange/Facebook
In actuality, cat breeders have used inbreeding to promote and distinguish features that are breed-specific, which is significantly less fun than sticking a piece of bread on a cat's head.
27. This Cat Gets the Last Word
Cheezburger
You wouldn't want to try to sneak a whisper past a cat. Their hearing is so sensitive that they can actually hear electrical currents.
28. Caught in the Act
© CentreAnimalHospital/Facebook
It's possible these packing pellets can be composted. Some polystyrene is made of corn starch and dissolves in water. Unfortunately, these are on a cat, so getting them wet to find out is probably not a good idea.
29. No Pants Either
Cheezburger
If this cat's having a hard time now, imagine when it figures out it's also not even wearing a shirt.
30. Careful What You Wish For
© gischardrubbels/Imgur
Don't actually let a cat play with yarn or string. Swallowing it can cause life-threatening internal injuries.
31. At Least He Looks Cool
© saundersjoe/Twitter
In Greek mythology, Medusa was a female monster with snakes for hair who was so terrifying to look at that gazing at her would turn a person—or cat, in this case—into stone.
32. Prime Warmth Real Estate
© SammysMeme/Facebook
A keyboard is warm and close to a cat's owner, making it an ideal resting place for a cat. Not to mention it's incredibly inconvenient. Cats seem to like that, too.
33. The Answer to the Riddle
© vegatripy/Reddit
Schrodinger's cat is a thought experiment about, to put it simply, whether or not a cat inside a box is alive or dead. It was created in 1935 by Austrian physicist Erwin Schrodinger.
34. An Exterminator That Works for Food
Cheezburger
Cats might destroy all your stuff and leave dead birds on your porch, but they will also kill spiders and bugs for you, which kind of makes up for it.
35. One Weird Cat
© animalsarebetter/Reddit
This "weird cat" is actually a beluga whale, which lives in Arctic and sub-Arctic waters and can weigh up to 3,300 pounds.
36. The Temptation Is Real
© tortoise/Twitter
In addition to hating things on shelves, how much cats love boxes is another common theme in cat memes.
37. A Big Cat Nap
© gymmemesofficial/Pinterest
Cats sleep anywhere between 12 to 16 hours per day, although some spend a staggering 20 hours each day asleep.
38. Here's Looking at You
© xindigothoughtsx/Reddit
Believe it or not, this isn't the only option that exists for cats that lose an eye. Prosthetic eyes for cats are a real and popular option for people with the money to spare.
39. A Picky Eater
© worldsbestcatlitter/Facebook
If your cat doesn't eat the food around the sides of the bowl, the bowl might be too narrow. A narrow bowl can cause whisker stress for your cat, which causes discomfort.
40. One Happy Cat
Cheezburger
If a cat twines around your legs while you're walking around, it's trying to show you that it cares about you, not that it wants to kill you by making you fall down a flight of stairs.
41. Rewarded for a Job Well Done
© mynamesjeff90/Reddit
This is the true story of a cat named Browser in White Settlement, Texas.
42. Breakfast of Champions
© trust.biologist/Facebook
This egg would have to come from one big bird. Even an ostrich egg only weighs about three pounds on average.
43. A Cat for a Little Brother
iFunny
This is the kind of cat who would probably tell if you got into the catnip.
44. Cat Love Snacc
© FoxTrot0014/Reddit
Spelling words this way is a popular form of meme speak, especially when it comes to talking about dogs.
45. Everything's Bigger in Texas
© Kenda Secoy/Pinterest
There is actually a Cowboy Cat Ranch in Texas, but the cats there don't wear hats (that we know of). It's a rescue home that does feline research.
46. Dog People vs. Cat People
© mstrblueskys/Reddit
In the never-ending battle between cat people and dog people, you can't deny that dogs are certainly more cheerful than cats.
47. Fight of the Century
America's Best Pics
"Who Would Win" is a popular meme format that pits unlikely foes against each other, like a trillion lions vs. the sun or a stick vs. 1,000 Marines.
48. If I Fits, I Sits
Easy Family Fun
Cats actually enjoy sitting in boxes so much because it lowers their stress levels.
49. Business Cat IRL
© GeneralCattis/Twitter
This picture is the image that the popular Business Cat macro meme comes from. It began growing in popularity in 2011.
50. Cats Count as Friends
© kittymemesfordays/Instagram
And owning a cat can be just as beneficial for your health. It lowers stress and increases longevity, just like having human friends does.
51. Just Needs a Little Fresh Air
© SharpiBees/Twitter
Seriously folks, cats will steal your cigarettes. It's time to stop smoking.
52. Quite a Surprise
© meeshlay/Reddit
You might be as surprised as this cat to learn that this is just one of many images of cats being interviewed that has been turned into a meme.
53. Looking Good, Whiskers
© kittiesroyale/Facebook
Rich people have been blowing money on their pets for a long time. Wealthy people have been commissioning expensive paintings of their pets and horses for hundreds of years.
54. Feeling Holiday Stress
© boyroid/Reddit
It's no wonder this cat's not feeling well. The holiday season is one of the most stressful times of the year.
55. Loafing Around
© catadayapp/Twitter
Considering how much cats love confined spaces and warm things, being sandwiched between two warm, body-sized loaves of bread is probably heaven on earth for this cat.
56. Nice One, Bro
© Guy_Speed/Twitter
Women are more receptive to dating pet owners, so maybe the human should be thanking the cat.
57. The Eternal Cat Dilemma
© justlovecats/Facebook
Think twice before you let your cat out to roam free. Once a cat becomes an outdoor cat, it kind of ceases to be yours, and will use multiple humans to get its needs met.
58. Ready for Takeoff
© MCO/Twitter
This box is definitely not airworthy, but making cat condos and costumes from boxes is a great way to help your cat manage its stress.
59. A Perfect Fit
© bestfunnycatmemes/Facebook
Just because a cat can fit into a tight space doesn't mean a cat should fit into a tight space.
60. A Healthy Self-Image
Cheezburger
Domestic cats aren't the only animals that react strangely to their reflection. Big wild cats exhibit the same behavior.
61. Get Well Soon
© CuteAnimalMemes/Facebook
Cats try to be close to the people they care most about, so this one is probably just trying to make its owner feel better.
62. Inside and Out at the Same Time
© IllIlIst/Reddit
This is a feline take on the popular Expanding Brain meme, which first started gaining traction in 2017.
63. Just a Little Snack
© Petnetio/Twitter
It's a funny picture, but if you feed your cat watermelon, be sure to remove the seeds first, as they can be dangerous to your feline friends.
64. One Wet Cat
© mewgagonline/Facebook
In Greek mythology, Poseidon didn't actually have any pets, although he did create horses. However, technically, if there were a cat that lived underwater, that would have fallen under his dominion too.
65. He Just Wants to Be Understood
© icanhascheezburgerz/Instagram
Cats have several ways of communicating with humans vocally, including meows, chirps, and trills, but each cat is different, so you'll have to take the time to get to know what yours is trying to tell you.
66. No Escaping Those Meows
Cheezburger
In ancient Egypt, people had their pets mummified so they could take them into the afterlife, where they could meow at them for food at 2:00 in the morning just like when they were alive.
67. More Like Mewtenant Dan
© _FirstClassPets/Twitter
There was a real missed opportunity for a "meow" pun when this cat meme was made.
68. The Worst Study Buddy
© Cats/Twitter
It's unfortunate that so many of the things cats do to show their affection for their owners are so incredibly annoying.
69. It Was All a Dream
Cheezburger
Cats should never be given alcohol. It affects them the same as humans, but they only weigh eight pounds, so it's dangerous for them even in small quantities.
70. Sign on the Dotted Line
© FunnyCatMemes.xyz/Facebook
Adopting a cat may seem like signing away your freedom to an animal who will disturb you at any given opportunity, but enjoy it while it lasts. The average lifespan of a cat is only 15 years.
71. Trying to Blend In
© catladybox/Facebook
It makes sense that these two get along. Golden retrievers are one of the most cat-friendly breeds of dogs around.
72. That's a Good Kitty
© unofficialfunnyanimals/Facebook
More than half the cats in the United States are overweight, which means there are quite a few cats out there that need to shed a few pounds.
73. Double the Allergens
© TacticalTreeGuys/Facebook
It's estimated that 10 percent of people are allergic to indoor cats, and tree pollen is another common allergen, making this cat tree a very itchy nightmare for a good percentage of the population.
74. It Has Been Foretold
© TweetsOfCats/Twitter
It's estimated that more than 50 million feral cats are roaming around the United States.
75. Works Every Time
Cheezburger
Maybe putting a box outside would be a good way to get your cat to come home if it has run away. At the very least, you'll probably get some kind of cat in it.
76. Everyone Loves a Monorail
© Ron Oostland/Flickr
The world's longest and busiest monorail system is in Chongqing, China. Sadly, it is not made of cats.
77. In Need of a Little Recharge
© ichiigoma/Twitter
Cats' eyes actually glow because of a layer of cells called tapetum lucidum, which are highly reflective and help them see better in dim light.
78. Living the Good Life
© Liz_Buckley/Twitter
This cat seems spoiled, but fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld's cat, Choupette, has a six-person entourage and drinks a bespoke blend of mineral waters.
79. The Great Outdoors
© willak/Twitter
This cat might want to live outside, but outdoor cats are responsible for killing billions of birds every year in the United States.
80. Good Things Come to Those Who Wait
Cheezburger
If your clothes are really covered in hair, you can always throw them in the dryer with a dryer sheet for 10 minutes to clean them up.
81. Time to Take Over the World
© only-cat-memes/Tumblr
Once a cat gets used to its reflection, it often ignores it or at least isn't frightened by it anymore.
82. Meowrie Catoinette
© AnimalsWithWigs/Twitter
Not all cats hate baths. Bengals, for example, are a breed noted for actually liking water.
83. He Found the Good Stuff
© 314YogaSTL/Facebook
The reaction cats have to catnip is caused by a volatile oil in the plant, which the cat's brain perceives as a cat pheromone.
84. A Step in the Right Direction
© CourseCappin/Twitter
In reality, this cat is probably only on the treadmill because its owner wants to use it.
85. Nothing to See Here
© myvethospital/Facebook
Taking your pet out for a walk is a great way to find prospective dates since both men and women are more likely to talk to people who have animals with them.
86. Hang in There
Cheezburger
The first poster of a cat hanging in there was designed by photographer Victor Baldwin and released in 1971. It said, "Hang in there, baby" and featured a Siamese kitten hanging from a bamboo pole.
87. Good Boy, Whiskers
© CatMemes/Facebook
Many cats can be taught tricks commonly associated with dogs, like fetch, sit, and shake. Using a clicker makes the task much easier.
88. Just Thinking About What to Do Next
© ibrardad/Twitter
Because of the amount of energy cats expend roaming around the house like predators, they need a lot of rest and sleep to stay in peak shape.
89. A Real Cool Cat
© RecycledCatMeme/Twitter
Before you pet a cat you're meeting for the first time, it's a good idea to check with the owner, just to make sure you're not going to lose a pound of flesh. Not all cats wear sunglasses to clue you in that you should leave them alone.
90. Doing Daily Affirmations
© LondonCatSitter/Twitter
Although this cat is on the right track, you have better luck asking yourself questions than making statements if you want to improve or do well at something. So "Am I a smart cat?" would be the more useful thing to say here.
91. Not Your Typical Cat Burglar
© SanBernardinoPD/Twitter
Raccoons and cats are two animals that actually get along surprisingly well, so don't be surprised if you see them being friendly toward each other.
92. The Notorious C.A.T.
iFunny
When it comes to cat names, most people aren't so creative. The most popular names for male and female cats in 2022 were Oliver and Luna, respectively.
93. It's a Bird. It's a Plane. It's a Cat.
Cheezburger
The average cat can jump up to eight feet without a running start, so it's very possible for a cat to just disappear like this.
94. Just a Little Favor
© CatMemesDaily1/Twitter
Unfortunately, when a cat wants something, they are more likely to meow and paw at your door until you wake up, since they're nocturnal animals and have no concept of human boundaries.
95. Finders Keepers
© ICanHasCheezburger/Facebook
Feral cats like this are such a huge problem in Hawaii that they are considered an invasive species.
96. Plotting Revenge for Eating Its Food
Cheezburger
Cats have three facial expressions—fear, frustration, and relaxed engagement. Notably, two-thirds of these emotions are negative, which helps explain why this cat looks so unfriendly.
97. Neither Rain Nor Snow Can Stop Him
© westernveterinaryhospital/Facebook
Dogs aren't the only animals postal workers have to contend with. Cats have also been known to attack letter carriers, with video of one battle between a cat and a postal worker going viral a few years ago.
98. A Model Cat and a Cat Model
© rvhsadopt/Facebook
Considering how much cats enjoy boxes and bags, it was only a matter of time before this happened.
99. The Internet Got Weird
© memeadikt/Twitter
The culture of the internet has changed a lot over the past 10 years. If something seems like it doesn't make sense, don't worry. It probably doesn't, and that's the joke.
100. OG Cat Meme
QuickMeme
Undoubtedly the most famous cat meme of all, it's estimated that Grumpy Cat has made its owner a cool $120 million.
Wrapping Up
That's it for our list of funny cat memes, but be sure to check back in again soon for even more fun. You can also sign up for our newsletter so you don't miss out on what's next!
