Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Why Is the Internet So Obsessed With Cats? 5 Potential Reasons

Share

Beautiful,Domestic,Cat,Sitting,On,The,Desk,With,A,Laptop

Cats have been valued pets around the world for a long time. They also walk into our lives while out on the street and in the park. We are all extremely familiar with cats. So, why is the internet so obsessed with them? You would think that after years of looking at cat photos and videos, people would get tired of these animals. However, cats seem to keep getting more and more popular online as time passes. There happen to be a few reasons that the internet is so obsessed with cats. Let’s check them out below:

divider 3 paws

The 5 Reasons Why the Internet Is Obsessed With Cats

1. They Can Be Extremely Adorable

One of the biggest reasons cats are so popular online is that they are super cute and do adorable things that make our hearts melt. Whether it’s a cat grooming her new kittens, a kitty snuggling up with a pooch on the couch, or a cat that just naturally looks cute no matter what they happen to be doing, we can never get enough of a cat’s cuteness. People who own cats tend to think that many of the things that they do are adorable, so there is no shortage of adorable cat photos and videos to find online.


2. They Can Be the Opposite of Adorable

Cats are not always cute and cuddly. Sometimes, they can be downright cranky and mean. You might think that a mean cat would turn people off, but apparently, they seem to spark an interest in cat lovers and cat haters alike. Who doesn’t want to see a mad cat bop someone on the head or scare another cat enough to make them jump high into the sky? Most people would not pass up an opportunity to witness such organic situations. So, it is no big surprise that photos and videos of angry or grumpy cats rarely get overlooked on the internet.

cream-colored-maine-coon-cat-jumping-over-the-couch_Nils-Jacobi_shutterestock
Image by: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock

3. They Can Help Make Us Laugh

In addition to being adorable and angry, cats also tend to have a funny side. Have you ever seen a cat try to poke at a box or piece of food only to freak out because the object moved more than excepted? What about a cat that scares someone by sneaking up behind them and batting them on the head in a playful manner? The internet is full of funny cat scenarios like these. When someone feels depressed or bored, what better way to cheer up and enjoy life than to seek out a few funny cat videos online? There is no shortage of funny cat pictures, memes, and videos to find out there.


4. They Can Remind Us of Ourselves

Another reason cats might be so popular on the internet is that they can sometimes remind us of ourselves. When we are in a bad mood or feeling quirky, it is not hard to find a cat online that shares our same sentiments. When we need to pass time while waiting in line for something, there are always cat videos and photos out there to remind us that cats get bored too — but their boredom can be your entertainment. Are you having a bad hair day? You’re sure to find a cat with the same problem by spending just a minute or two online.

a red domestic cat bites its owner's hand
Image by: Irzhanova Asel, Shutterstock

5. They Tend to Dominate the Internet

People cannot help but be obsessed with cats when there are literally billions of photos, memes, and videos featuring them that can be found on the internet. In fact, CNN estimates that there are up to 6.5 billion pieces of cat media available online! It would be almost impossible not to come across photos and videos of cats when surfing the web. With cats dominating the internet in such a way, how could they not become an obsession of users worldwide? It is safe to say that the online cat phenomenon is not going away anytime soon.

divider 2 cats

Final Thoughts

Cats are just too loved or hated by people to be ignored on the internet. It seems like a new captioned cat photo or funny video is being uploaded every minute of the day. So, if you’re someone who loves coming across cat content online, you can rest assured that there will be no shortage of material anytime soon.

Related Reads:


Featured Image Credit: Billion Photos, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.




How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Why Chicken Bones Are More Dangerous for Cats Than Most Parents Realize

Chicken bones seem harmless enough, but for cats, they can cause serious damage quickly. Whether your cat swiped a piece off the counter...

Fantastic Pet Pantries and Where to Find Them

Let’s face it: times are really tough right now, and those of us in the 99% are struggling with the cost of just...

Ask Dr. Paola – Help! My Cat Refuses to Drink Water! (April 13, 2026)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

Why Healthy Cats Still Vomit Sometimes (And How to Respond)

A cat that just vomited needs a specific kind of care, and the feeding decisions you make in the next few hours actually...

More related

Freshpet Cat Food Review of 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Freshpet produces several lines of soft food for dogs and cats. The soft food uses a formula closer to a cat’s...

Grow a Herb Garden That’s Safe for Your Cat

If you love cooking with fresh herbs, you’ve probably daydreamed about growing your own little garden. But if you share your home with...

4 Free DIY Cat Hammocks You Can Build Today (With Pictures)

If there’s one thing that all cats love to do, it’s sleep! Adding different places for your cat to sleep is a great...

11 Best Cat Water Fountains in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Our cats need to drink enough water every day so they can stay hydrated and feel great. One problem, however, is that cats...

Keep reading

How to Make a Cat Live Longer: 6 Vet Approved Tips

It’s hard to think of a world without your beloved cat, which is why you might be willing to try just about anything to help your cat live longer. Most cats have a lifespan of 13–17 years, but with the...

tabby cat sitting on the jute wicker rug

How Often Should I Change Cat Litter? 5 Things to Consider (Vet-Reviewed)

Cats are fastidious animals that greatly appreciate fresh, clean litter. If the litter isn’t up to their standards, they may just do their business somewhere else—like your floor, which is why it’s important to keep up with litter box maintenance....

man-cleaning-litter-box

Cat Love Bites: What They Mean & Why They Happen

Almost every cat owner has experienced playtime gone wrong. One minute, you’re petting your cat’s fuzzy head, and the next, they’re biting your fingers. Well, assuming that your cat isn’t drawing blood with the bites, it is safe to assume...

A,Young,Tabby,Cat,Bites,A,Woman's,Feet.,Cute,Kitten

Do Cats Eat Less in Summer? Vet-Approved Seasonal Feeding Guide

Have you ever noticed that when winter comes, you start to eat more and crave heartier foods, while when summer rolls around, you move more and eat less? Believe it or not, cats may also eat less food in the...

Bengal cat beside food

How to Bathe a Sphynx Cat: 8 Vet-Reviewed Tips & Advice

It’s easy to assume that a Sphynx cat would require less maintenance than a furry cat, but owners of these hairless cats will know that the opposite is true. Sphynx cats need regular bathing to keep their sensitive and delicate...

Hairless Cat in Towel

Does Cold Weather Kill Fleas on Cats? Vet Approved Advice

Do fleas die in winter or cold weather? According to Athens Animal Wellness Center1, fleas can survive for up to 5 days in temperatures as low as 46 degrees Fahrenheit. That means unless you keep your house at sub-50 temperatures,...

close up flea on a cat

How Many Fleas Is Considered an Infestation on a Cat? Vet-Approved Signs & FAQ

Fleas are a common problem for cats and not only cause various degrees of itchiness and discomfort but can also transmit diseases and pose a risk to anyone in the household. Even one flea on your cat is a big...

Cat wearing collar scratching and itching

Can You Use Shredded Paper for Cat Litter? Vet-Approved Facts & Tips

All cat owners are familiar with the traditional clay cat litter, whether you started with it or still use it today. However, when scooping that dusty litter box becomes too much to bear, you might have come across an exciting...

Shredded Paper

Love Cats? So Do We! Join the Catster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Catster Email Newsletter

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.