Top 5 Most Influential Internet Cats and Their Stories

Have you ever wondered why the internet is basically run by cats? Well, if you’ve spent any time online, you know that cats have clawed their way to the top of our social media feeds. And guess what? There's even a day dedicated to them! National Internet Cat Day on June 18th is the purrfect excuse to celebrate our furry internet celebrities who've taken the web by storm.

In this article, we'll shine the spotlight on five of the coolest cats on the internet. These felines have racked up millions of followers, inspired countless memes, and even raised money for good causes. So, let's dive into the world of internet cats and see what makes them so special.

1. Grumpy Cat

Grumpy Cat, whose real name was Tardar Sauce, was the queen of cat memes. She looked like she was permanently unimpressed with life, and that's exactly why the internet fell in love with her. She became famous in 2012 when a photo of her went viral. Seriously, her grumpy face launched a thousand memes.

Grumpy Cat wasn’t just a pretty face (or should we say, a grumpy face?). She appeared on TV shows, starred in commercials, and even had her own merchandise. Sadly, she passed away in 2019, but her grumpy legacy continues to bring smiles to many. We’ll always remember her as the cat who looked at life and said, "Meh."

2. Lil Bub

Lil Bub was another internet superstar with a look that was all her own. With her big eyes, short legs, and tongue that always stuck out, she was one in a million. Bub was born with several genetic conditions, but that didn’t stop her from charming the socks off everyone who saw her.

Lil Bub had her own YouTube channel, web series, and even a book. She wasn’t just about the fame, though. Bub raised a ton of money for special needs pets and brought attention to animal welfare issues. She passed away in 2019, but her legacy continues to help special needs animals everywhere. Talk about a cat with a cause!

3. Maru

Maru is the king of boxes. If there’s a box, Maru will find a way to fit into it, no matter how impossible it looks. This Scottish Fold from Japan has been entertaining us with his box escapades on YouTube for years. His videos have millions of views because, honestly, who doesn’t love watching a cat try to squeeze into a tiny box?

Maru's charm is in his simplicity. His videos are just pure, wholesome fun. He’s also inspired plenty of cat parents to appreciate the simple joys of a cardboard box. If Maru has taught us anything, it’s that sometimes, you just need to think inside the box.

4. Nala Cat

Nala Cat’s story is a true rags-to-riches tale. She's a shelter cat who hit the big time on Instagram. Her cute, cross-eyed look and playful personality quickly won her millions of followers. Nala’s journey to stardom proves that with social media and a killer selfie, even a cat can become a celebrity.

With her massive following, Nala has partnered with brands, launched her own pet product line, and used her platform to promote animal welfare. From hardship to high places, Nala's story is an inspiration to us all.

5. Colonel Meow

Colonel Meow, with his incredibly long fur and intense stare, took the internet by storm. This Himalayan-Persian mix held the Guinness World Record for the longest fur on a cat – talk about a purr-sonal best! His stern look and impressive coat made him an instant internet celebrity.

Colonel Meow’s fans adored his unique look and grumpy demeanor. He gained a huge following on social media and became a beloved figure in internet culture. Colonel Meow passed away in 2014, but his legend lives on. He showed us that sometimes, it's good to be a little fluffy and a lot fierce.

Honorable Mentions

There are plenty of other internet cats who deserve a shoutout. Venus the Two-Faced Cat, with her unique split-colored face, and Hamilton the Hipster Cat, with his mustache-like markings, are just a couple of examples. These cats, along with many others, have contributed to the internet cat phenomenon in their own special ways.

Why Internet Cats Matter

Internet cats have done more than just make us laugh – they've made a real impact. They’ve raised awareness for animal welfare, inspired people to adopt shelter pets, and even helped raise money for various causes. These cats have built online communities where people can share their love for felines and connect with others.

So why do we love internet cats so much? Perhaps it's because they remind us of the joy and companionship pets bring into our lives. They make us smile, laugh, and sometimes even cry – all without trying.

How Will You Celebrate National Internet Cat Day?

We've laughed alongside some of the internet's most famous felines over the years – cats like Grumpy Cat, Lil Bub, and Maru who charmed massive global audiences with their hilarious photos and videos.

As we honor these stars and all internet cats on National Internet Cat Day, consider supporting the charities of your favorite celebrity pet. You could also share photos of your own furry friend's comedic escapades on social media.

As long as cats continue delighting people with their entertaining antics and kind deeds, they'll remain the undisputed royalty of online communities. Most of all on this day, let's appreciate the smiles and laughter that companion animals have provided us with through our screens.