Pop Cat | What Is The Story Behind The Pop Cat Meme?

With more and more people and teenagers creating new accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, their use has skyrocketed ever since its launch.

With 2020 being the year where the Covid pandemic took center stage and locked out almost every outdoor activity for a few months, meme creators became overnight sensations on social media. This caused a massive surge in the creation of memes to relieve the tension and boredom in our hearts.

However, one cat unknowingly became a social media sensation overnight when memes were made of him. Soon, it got turned into a casual clicking video game too, where almost everyone who has played it enjoyed it thoroughly.

This story is about the rise of Oatmeal, now popularly known as the Pop-Cat meme.

What Is Pop Cat Meme?

Pop cat is the name given to memes creators and every teenager on social media who had absolutely nothing productive to do with their free time. The real name of the cat is Oatmeal, a Cheshire cat owned by a Twitter user named Xavier BFB.

The meme in question that made pop cat so famous has been seen by almost every social media user on the internet. The meme has two pictures inside it. The first picture on the top shows a cute cat who seems to be somewhat smiling.

The second picture of the meme is a highly edited and warped picture, which shows the cat laughing out loud and making an O-shaped laugh. Even though I am writing this in words and it sounds pretty boring, see the image below to cry out loud in laughter. 

How It All Started ?

The story of Oatmeal becoming revered as the pop cat. Has now become legendary in the community of meme creators. It is a funny yet well-respected story that meme creators will remember and even pass on to their children and grandchildren.

It all started with Xavier, the owner of Oatmeal, posting a video of his cute cat chirping at a bird on a private Discord server. Soon, his friends made memes out of that video, where a significant GIF got way more popular than it should have been.

The GIF had two images in it. One showed Oatmeal, sitting normally with his mouth closed. The other image that followed showed oatmeal with his mouth wide open, shaped like an O. This was done using a photo editor.

Oatmeal’s First Appearance:

Only a handful of people are actually aware of how Oatmeal became famous much before the whole Popcat phenomenon. In the middle of October 2020, a user on Twitter posted two photos of his pet cat on Discord. And that was it! 

One photo featured a smiling cat, and the second photo was edited to feature the same cat with an o-shaped mouth. Then, this user, @XavierBFB’s friend, went ahead and posted a basic GIF made from thes images to a subreddit platform called r/MEOW_IRL.

Here’s the Tweet!

https://twitter.com/XavierBFB/status/1315184155274211329

Who Created The Pop Cat Meme?

The original video of the oatmeal was posted when he was chirping at a bug. Later on, the meme was developed by the computer science students of Sheffield University. You can see three students’ involvement in a more prominent way. Joshua O’Sullivan, Freddy Heppell, and Edward Hollis

Soon, this GIF spread from server to server, and soon it got posted on Twitter by many users, mostly to be used as a meme. 

Over time, the meme of oatmeal spread like wildfire, and soon, everyone started calling the meme the Pop-cat meme. 

Read more: The Most Popular Names For Orange Cats: What’s Trending In 2023

How It Spread: Oatmeal’s Rise To Fame!:

Only a handful of people are actually aware of how Oatmeal became famous much before the whole Popcat phenomenon. In the middle of October 2020, a user on Twitter posted two photos of his pet cat on Discord. And that was it! 

One photo featured a smiling cat, and the second photo was edited to feature the same cat with an o-shaped mouth. Then, this user, @XavierBFB’s friend, went ahead and posted a basic GIF made from thes images to a subreddit platform called r/MEOW_IRL.

Here’s the Tweet!

How It Spread

Over time, more and more users started using this meme to create memes of their own since its popularity made it a staple amongst meme creators. Soon it became a basis for more memes to be created, as its popularity made it a staple meme template. 

However, its main climb to the top of the meme ladder boards came when many famous Instagram influencers used the pop cat GIF to make music videos. These videos played a song in the background, along with the GIF being played in a loop. 

This made the pop cat look like he was opening and closing his mouth and appeared to be singing the song played in the background. This format became so famous that the pop cat even received a new name – the wide-mouth singing cat. Soon, pop cat funko pop keychains became popular after their name spread. 

The Pop Cat Game

A game was created by three Sheffield University students – Fredy Heppell, Joshua O’Sullivan, and Edward Halls on the internet. This game and its website are named Popcat.click, which is a casual but extremely funny clicking game.

In this game, all you had to do was click on the image of a pop cat sitting normally. After you click on the image several times, the pop cat will laugh out loud, with the shape of his mouth being his signature O-shaped smile. 

However, the main intention of creating this game was different. What started as a prank game soon became one of the most competitive games globally. What many later figured out was that every time you click on the pop cat, the name of your country gets recorded in the game’s server. 

Soon, a race started between Asian nations to compete for the top position to become the leading nation to play the pop cat game. Here, Thailand initially came out at the top because the pop cat meme was highly popular there. However, the current leading country is Hong Kong, followed closely by Thailand and then Taiwan. 

A Look Into Domestic ShortHair Cat’s Personality and Temperament

The Domestic Shorthair, often called the “alley cat,” is a favorite for many reasons, and their personality is a big part of that. Unlike some breeds with more predictable temperaments, Domestic Shorthairs can be a delightful surprise. Their personalities are just as varied as their fur patterns!

Here’s a glimpse into the possible personalities you might encounter with a Domestic Shorthair:

• Social Butterfly: These cats crave companionship and love to be around their humans. They might greet you at the door, curl up on your lap for a cuddle, and shower you with purrs.
• Playful Hunter: Their natural instincts make them born players. Expect bursts of energy, stalking toys, and pouncing on anything that moves (including your feet!).
• Independent Spirit: Some Domestic Shorthairs are more aloof and content with their own company. They’ll still enjoy your presence but might not be cuddle bugs.
• Easygoing Charmer: Many Domestic Shorthairs strike a balance between affection and independence. They’ll enjoy playtime and attention but are also happy to entertain themselves.
• Adaptable Roommate: Domestic Shorthairs can thrive in various living situations, from apartments to houses. As long as they have their basic needs met and some enrichment, they’ll be happy campers.

Things to consider before  bringing home a Domestic Shorthair cat

Before bringing home a charming Domestic Shorthair, here are some key things to consider:

Lifestyle Compatibility:

• Energy Level: Can you handle a playful hunter or do you prefer a calmer companion? Domestic Shorthairs come in all energy levels, so consider your lifestyle.
• Attention Span: Are you prepared to provide playtime or are you looking for a more independent cat? Some Domestic Shorthairs crave cuddles, while others are content with their own company.
• Living Space: Do you have a spacious house or a cozy apartment? Domestic Shorthairs are adaptable, but consider providing vertical space for climbing and perching, especially in smaller dwellings.

Financial Responsibility:

• Adoption Fees: Consider adoption from a shelter or rescue. These fees are typically lower than buying from a breeder and often include spaying/neutering and vaccinations.
• Food and Treats: Provide high-quality cat food appropriate for your cat’s age and activity level. Factor in treats and potential vet visits.
• Litter Box and Supplies: Provide a clean litter box and litter that suits your cat’s preferences. You’ll also need scratching posts, toys, and other enrichment items.
• Pet Insurance (Optional): Consider pet insurance for unexpected medical needs.

Commitment and Care

• Lifespan: Domestic Shorthairs can live 15 years or more. Are you prepared for a long-term commitment?
• Grooming: While relatively low-maintenance, regular brushing helps manage shedding and keeps their coat healthy.
• Veterinary Care: Schedule regular checkups and vaccinations to ensure your cat’s health. Be prepared for potential medical needs as they age.
• Scratching Post: Provide a scratching post to redirect scratching away from furniture.
• Considering Adoption:

Many Domestic Shorthairs reside in shelters and rescues. These cats often come pre-vetted, spayed/neutered, and full of love. If you dont have any specific parameters in mind then, consider visiting your nearby shelter to see if they have a Domestic Shorthair cat 

However, if you have your heart set on a specific coat pattern or kitten, consider a reputable breeder. Research breeders who prioritize cat health and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Check out the most frequently asked questions related to the Pop Cat meme mentioned below. 

Wrapping Up!

Pop-cat memes and videos have become a sensation globally after memes, reels, and videos of the cat became some of the most shared on social media. The pop cats meme soon became a template that was used by the so-called “memers” globally. 

After its so-called memes became a hit globally, it soon developed a fandom that gave rise to a browser-based clocking game simply called Pop-Cat. Depending on the number of clicks that led to the pop cat “popping” on screen, countries vied for the top spot, with Hong Kong leading the race currently.

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