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

Share

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.


Catster's Digital Magazine is Back!

Vet-approved health & behavior advice

Real cat stories & community features

Chatting About the Importance of Spaying/Neutering, Cat Retail Shopping Ban & Red-Level Storms | Chatty Cattys, Episode 30

In this episode of Catster’s Chatty Cattys podcast, Nicole and Dr. Karyn are celebrating a major legal win for pets before diving into...

Is Your Cat Happy? Here’s How You Can Tell

Cats have a reputation for being indifferent, even inscrutable. But despite their seemingly ambivalent appearance, cats experience many emotions, including happiness, and they...

Human Brains Age Like Cats – New Study Debunks the 7-Year Rule

If you’ve ever caught your senior cat staring blankly at a wall, wandering the halls at 3 am, calling out for no clear...

Chatting with Devin About Here! Have a Kitten, Fostering, & Why Two Are Better Than One | Chatty Cattys, Episode 29

In this episode of Catster’s Chatty Cattys podcast, Nicole & Dr. Karyn sit down with Devin, the founder and one-woman show behind “Here...

More related

Why Does My Cat Have Dandruff? 11 Vet Reviewed Causes & Treatment

Perhaps you’ve noticed some white flaky bits on your cat’s skin or in their coat and you were wondering about it. Cats have...

10 Cat Litter Alternatives: Vet-Verified Options (With Pros & Cons)

If you’re sick of regular cat litter and were wondering if there are any alternatives you could use, we have good news! Cats...

Where Do Stray Cats Go During the Day? Vet-Reviewed Facts

There are believed to be millions of stray and feral cats in the U.S. alone, and the overpopulation problem only continues to increase...

Abyssinian Cat Lifespan: How Long Do They Live? Vet-Verified Facts

The Abyssinian, also known as the “Aby,” is a medium-sized cat with a short coat and a lean but muscular body. They’re known...

Keep reading

How to Make a Cat Feel Better After Vaccines: 3 Vet-Approved Tips

Vaccines are vital for any cat’s long-term well-being and quality of life, but for a short period after receiving them, shots can cause several irritating side effects. Mild pain is typical, as is mild tiredness. Depending on your cat’s personality...

smiling female veterinarian petting a cat

Can Cats Drink Sunflower Oil? Nutritional Facts & FAQ

Cats are incredibly curious creatures that like to poke their noses, tongues, mouths, and paws into anything and everything. An inquisitive cat in the kitchen is a common occurrence for cat owners who cook. It is essential to know if...

Can Cats Drink Sunflower Oil

Can Cats Eat Pears? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Fruit is a tasty addition to a healthy diet for humans and even for dogs, as it provides plenty of dietary fiber and many other essential minerals and vitamins. It is well known that dogs can have small amounts of...

Can Cats Eat Pears

How Long Do Cats Mourn the Loss of Another Cat? Feline Grieving Explained (Vet-Verified Info)

Humans are not the only beings that experience emotions. Not only can our cats experience a broad spectrum of emotions that humans share, but they also live entirely complicated lives that we don’t understand. When it comes to a cat...

sad calico cat with third eyelid

Can Cats Eat Blackberries? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Safety Information

Unlike dogs, cats are extremely fussy eaters, so you don’t often have to worry about them chowing down on something they are not supposed to. Some cats will surprise you, though, and they’ll eat things you wouldn’t think they’d like—such...

Can Cats Eat Blackberries

How to Stop Cats From Fighting: 5 Vet-Reviewed Tips & Tricks

Intact cats are territorial and on the prowl for mates. You can curb aggressive You love your cats, and you’d love for them to get along with each other. Are catfights taking away from the peace and tranquility of your...

domestic-cats-fighting

Cat Grass vs. Catnip: Vet-Verified Differences

Sure, all cat owners—and even those without cats—have heard about catnip. It has been a staple in the cat world for what seems like an eternity. Once upon a time, it was even believed to help humans with ailments. You...

Cat Grass vs. Catnip

5 Vet-Verified Reasons Why Cats Need a Scratching Post

A scratching post may seem like an unnecessary purchase for your cat, but this cat-friendly item is actually critical for your cat’s comfort, happiness, and their ability to develop their instincts. Plus, scratching posts help to keep the rest of...

Bengal cat plays with a plush mouse on a scratching post

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.