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 Is Smudge From the Internet Memes? Iconic Kitty Facts

white cat sitting on the floor

If you were on the internet in 2019, you couldn’t miss the “women yelling at a cat” meme. On one side of the meme was a picture from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills with a woman yelling and pointing, and on the other side was a picture of a cat sitting in front of a salad at a dinner table.

That cat’s name is Smudge, and it’s quite an interesting story about how he got there. He’s a rescue cat, and we’re not quite sure exactly what kind of cat he is, but there’s no doubt that he took the Internet by storm, and you can still see pictures of him circulating from time to time!

divider cat paws oct 2024

What Kind of Cat Is Smudge?

Finding out what kind of cat Smudge is is actually pretty difficult. But that’s probably because Smudge is a rescue cat and likely isn’t a purebred. In fact, even Smudge’s owner might not know what kind of cat Smudge is.

As of right now, it doesn’t seem like the owners are allowing that information out to the public. And since Smudge is likely a mix of cat breeds, we can’t tell what kind of cat Smudge is from the memes and pictures alone.

Where Did the Smudge Memes Come From?

The Smudge cat memes burst onto the scene in 2019, but the original picture of Smudge sitting in front of a plate of salad actually first appeared on Tumblr in 2018. At this point, the picture of Smudge didn’t include the lady yelling at Smudge.

Over the next year, the post gained over 50,000 likes and reblogs. But while this is a pretty impressive number by itself, it doesn’t fully account for Smudge’s viral fame.

This started in May 2019—almost a full year after Smudge first appeared on Tumblr in June 2018. An unknown Twitter user with the handle @MISSINGEGIRL combined the photo of Smudge with a picture from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and the Internet loved it.

From there, Smudge has acquired a website, over 1.6 million Instagram followers, and even has tons of unofficial Facebook groups in his honor.

While the picture of Smudge sitting in front of a plate of salad is by far his most well-known, there are plenty of other pictures out there of him to look through.

A Little More About Smudge

While Smudge is most famous for his picture of him sitting in front of a plate of salad, there’s more to a cat than just a single picture. Smudge’s owners state that Smudge loves to sit at the table for dinner, which is where the original picture came from.

If Smudge’s owners sit down for a meal, he wants a seat at the table! And while Smudge certainly isn’t a big fan of salad, there are plenty of meals that Smudge gets that he happily gobbles down. But if you’re looking for a similar reaction, Smudge really doesn’t like nachos either.

Smudge’s owners report that he certainly has a strong personality and attitude, but overall, he’s a very loving cat. Finally, Smudge was 6 years old when they took the picture that has taken the internet by storm.

divider cat paws oct 2024

Final Thoughts

Smudge’s owners have used the attention he’s gotten to try and raise awareness for shelter cats, and we want to take a moment to do that here. Smudge is a great cat that needed a home, and even though he doesn’t have a high-end pedigree, that didn’t keep him from warming the hearts of millions of people around the world.

So, if you’re looking for a cat like Smudge, check out your local shelter and there will likely be plenty of cats for you to choose from.

See Also: 


Featured Image Credit: The3dragons, Unsplash

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

How to Tell If Cats Are Bonded: 6 Vet-Verified Signs to Look For

There is no doubt that cats are mystical creatures that often march to the beat of their own drum. Some felines prefer to...

9 Vet-Reviewed Signs Your Cat Is Bored & How to Fix It

Heaven forbid your cat should be short on entertainment. If they don’t have enough to do, you might notice a few different behaviors...

How to Open a Cat Café in 2025 (10 Crucial Steps)

Are you thinking about opening a cat café? While the cafes are becoming more popular with entrepreneurs and those who frequent them, it...

10 Best Budget Cat Litter Boxes in 2025 — Reviews & Top Picks

If you are bringing a new cat home for the first time, getting all their supplies can be costly. However, a litter box...

More related

Persian Cat Grooming Tips: A Quick Guide

Persians have a striking appearance with their gorgeous long fur. This unique appearance has made them quite popular amongst cat fanciers, but many...

Why Did My Cat Stop Sleeping With Me? 8 Possible Reasons & What to Do

Do you ever wonder why your cat stopped sleeping with you? It’s a question that has puzzled cat owners for years. There are...

Can Cats Eat Crawfish? Vet-Reviewed Risk & Benefits

It’s no secret that felines are seafood lovers. Crawfish might seem safe for your cat, and you might consider giving them a sample....

How Contagious Is Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)? Our Vet Explains

Dreaded by veterinarians and cat parents alike, feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a serious disease. There are some promising new treatments on the...

Keep reading

How to Train a Cat Not to Bite: 8 Vet-Approved Tips and Tricks

Is your cat constantly biting you? You are not alone. The behavior is typical for kittens and adult cats, but they do it for different reasons. Adult cat bites are painful and potentially dangerous, but bites from kittens shouldn’t be...

a young tabby cat bites a womans feet

How Long Should Kittens Stay With Their Mother? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Development

There is no doubting the attraction of young kittens. They’re tiny and stumble around, and our instinct to protect them takes over. However, taking a kitten away from their mother too soon can be detrimental to the little furball. Not...

cat smelling kitten

Inappropriate Elimination In Cats: Vet-Approved Guide & Explanation

Cats usually are pretty good about going to the bathroom in their litter boxes, but some occasionally veer off course and start peeing and pooping in other places. Inappropriate elimination can have various causes, but it’s almost always something to...

cat sitting in a litter box and looking sideways

How to Care For a Three-Legged Cat: Expert Tips & Advice

Tripawd, tripod, trilimb—whatever you call them, a three-legged cat is just a different kind of pet. They might need a bit of help to live their best lives, but these animals make as wonderful companions as any full-limbed pet. Whether...

Three-legged cat sitting near the railings

Can Cats Eat Deli Meat (Lunch Meat)? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

If you’ve ever looked up from a leisurely lunch to find your cat eyeballing your meal, you know our feline friends can give dogs a run for their money when it comes to begging. Before you give in and share...

Can Cats Eat Deli Meat (Lunch Meat)

Can Cats Drink Bone Broth? Vet-Approved Nutritional Facts & FAQ

Bone broth has become a very popular topic of conversation for pet owners. It is being touted as a more natural way for cats to get key nutrients. Some people even claim that drinking bone broth brings cats back to...

Can Cats Drink Bone Broth

Nom Nom Cat Food Review: Recalls, Pros, Cons & Verdict

Disclaimer: Nom Nom has discontinued its fresh cat food recipe and is no longer taking orders. Nom Nom hopes to return to providing fresh food to cats in the future when they have more readily available high-quality ingredients. We have...

Nom Nom Cat Food

Is Freeze Dried Food Good for Cats? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts & Tips

Cats are notoriously fussy eaters, and finding food they won’t turn their noses up at can feel like a never-ending challenge. There are many different types of cat foods, from canned food to kibble to raw diets and everything in...

Is Freeze Dried Food Good for Cats