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.

What Kind of Cat Breed Is Pusheen? The Story Behind the Popular Cat GIF

Catster_What Type of Cat is Pusheen

Pusheen the Cat is a fictional cartoon cat taking the internet by storm. She’s seen on comic strips, plush toys, emojis, stickers, and more. In just a simple click, Pusheen steals your heart faster than Google can find her home page.

The adorable Pusheen is a chubby, gray, tabby cat that’s very sweet and a little lazy. Many house cats (and people) can relate to her little adventures and realistic cattitude. This is one of the reasons she’s so popular. Her character is relatable, walking us through dozens of scenarios we’ve all faced a time or two.

If this is the first time you’ve heard about Pusheen, you’re in for a treat! Let’s learn more about this adorable internet sensation.

divider single cat paw oct 2024

Who Is Pusheen in Real Life? Is She Alive?

Odds are, you’ve at least seen Pusheen on your phone. You can find a Pusheen sticker or product for almost any occasion. Are you feeling sleepy? Message someone a picture of Pusheen napping. Are you feeling snacky? Send the photo of Pusheen holding a donut. There’s a Pusheen sticker for almost every emotion and feeling.

For a cat that expresses our emotions daily, the real Pusheen cat is a mystery. Pusheen was a childhood cat of Claire Belton, the co-creator of Pusheen. The sensational kitty was adopted when Belton was only 9 years old. According to Belton’s older comics, she occasionally visited Pusheen at her parents’ house.

While there is no definitive answer, we have to assume that Pusheen is long gone. She would be about 25 years old by now. But thanks to Belton and her co-creator Andrew Duff, Pusheen lives forever in our hearts in the form of gifs.

Meet The Pusheen Family

Pusheen’s stardom gave the creators some new ideas. If you love Pusheen the Cat, you’ll be glad to know that she has six other family members and friends to share the spotlight with.

  • Sloth: Sloth goes by no name other than Sloth. He’s a friendly male sloth and captures the typical characteristics of a real sloth. He takes his time and is a little lazy, which is one of the reasons why he’s friends with Pusheen.
  • Stormy: Stormy is Pusheen’s little sister and best friend. Unlike Pusheen, she’s small and has very curly fur. She’s also a bit more outgoing than Pusheen. Stormy likes adventures and has to groom herself regularly.
  • Pip: Pip is Pusheen and Stormy’s little brother. Pip is also adventurous like Stormy; only his antics get him into trouble. Pip captures the hearts of many cat owners who have curious cats with no regrets.
  • Bo: Bo is an interesting character in the Pusheen family. She’s an adorable blue parakeet and not related to the cats. However, she’s a good friend of Pusheen and strives to be an interior designer. Bo also wants to find her soul mate. People who wear their hearts on their sleeves will appreciate Bo.
  • Cheek: Cheek is a tiny yellow hamster that is too sweet for words. He loves baking, but his snacks are always too small. He shares them anyway because he isn’t aware of his size difference.
  • Pugsheen: Pugsheen is basically the dog version of Pusheen. It’s believed that Pusheen would be a pug in a parallel universe. Thus, Pugsheen was born.

divider single cat paw oct 2024

Final Thoughts

Pusheen is the world’s favorite gray tabby. Her cat-like antics, mixed with her human-like emotions, make her the internet’s most infamous cat. It’s wonderful to know that she’s kind enough to share her spotlight with her other friends and family.

Although the real Pusheen probably isn’t alive today, we have her wonderful cartoon face to keep us company on social media. Plus, she’s even released a book! Are you tempted to cozy up with your cat and read Pusheen stories? We certainly are.

See Also: 


Featured Image By:  Pusheen,  property of  Pusheen Corp.  All rights reserved to the copyright owners.

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

4 Responses

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

11 Best Toys for Active Cats in 2025 – Reviews and Top Picks

When some of us think of pet cats, we picture an overweight feline lounging in the sun for hours on end, waking just...

6 Best Cat Tents in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Do you have an indoor cat who yearns for the wind on their whiskers, but needs a gradual introduction to the great outdoors?...

Purebred vs Mixed Breed Cats: Pros, Cons & Which To Choose? (Vet-Verified Comparison Guide)

Are you in the process of bringing a new kitten into your home? If so, you know that there are countless questions that...

Purple Leash Project: What It Is & Why It Is So Important

We likely all know a victim of domestic violence and are familiar with the devastation that comes with it. Survivors know all too...

More related

How Do I Tell If My Cat Is Constipated? 8 Vet-Reviewed Signs to Watch For

If you’ve noticed that there hasn’t been poop in the litter box for a few days (and your cat isn’t going somewhere else),...

How to Keep Cats from Going Outside: 5 Vet-Approved Ways

One of the challenges that many cat owners face is keeping their cats indoors. Cats can be very curious about what’s beyond the...

We Chat With the Owner of Atchoum the Celebrity Cat

Atchoum is the first French-Canadian celebrity cat. The exotic Persian, who looks like a long-lost relative of the late Colonel Meow, hails from...

How to Stop My Cat From Peeing on My Bed: 8 Vet-Verified Tips & Tricks

Picture this scene: you’re home after a long day at work and finally ready to slip into bed and head off to dreamland....

Keep reading

Can Cats Eat Donuts? Vet-Reviewed Nutritional Facts & FAQ

Many cats are clingy and are interested in everything their owner does, especially eating. So, if you are snacking on a delicious doughnut, your cat might be nosing around, acting like they want a bite, especially if it has a...

Can Cats Eat Donuts

Burmese Cat Lifespan: How Long Do They Live? Vet-Reviewed Info

Burmese cats are known for their social, adventurous, and playful nature. They have an average lifespan of 10-16 years, but depending on the individual’s lifestyle and health, this can be as long as 20+ years in some cases. Burmese cats...

European Burmese cat

Why Do Cats Roll in Dirt? 6 Vet-Verified Reasons for This Behavior

Have you ever looked into your backyard only to find your cat rolling and writhing around on the ground? If so, there should be no need to worry about your cat’s health or well-being. In contrast, cats roll around on...

calico-cat-rolling-in-the-dirt_Cathleen-Wake-Gorbatenko_shutterstock

Can Cats Eat Edamame? Vet-Approved Nutritional Facts & Risks

Not only is it important to be knowledgeable about the proper dietary needs of your cat, it’s equally important to know what kind of different foods in the home are safe and which are dangerous for your beloved feline. With...

Can Cats Eat Edamame

How to Tell if a Mother Cat Has Abandoned Her Kittens: Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Although it doesn’t happen too often, after giving birth, a mother cat may refuse to care for a particular kitten in her litter, whether it’s because she thinks they’re sick or weak or due to another reason. She may even...

abandoned newborn kittens

Is Rhododendron Toxic to Cats? Vet Approved Facts & Safety Tips

Rhododendrons or azaleas are some of the most popular landscaping plants. It’s easy to see why—they’re gorgeous with their colorful, showy flowers. The genus is large and diverse, with over 1,000 species on four continents1. Of course, there are also...

Catster_Is Rhododendron Toxic to Cats

How to Get a Urine Sample From a Cat: Effective Vet Approved Tips & FAQ

A urine sample can help a veterinarian check for various conditions in a feline’s urinary tract and kidneys. If your vet has asked you to bring in a sample of urine from your cat, you might be feeling a bit...

woman collecting urine sample of an orange cat

Human-Grade Cat Food: What Does It Mean? Facts & FAQ

Of all the food available for feeding your cat, human-grade cat food is probably one of the most confusing despite its popularity. It’s a cat food that’s made under FDA regulations for human consumption. However, the principle cannot be applied...

cat eating smalls freeze-dried raw food