There are not a lot of communities on the internet that you can just leave to self-govern and come back a few years later only to see it as wholesome as it was in the beginning.
But animal lovers seem to be one of the few. For example, there's a Facebook group called 'Cat Memes.'
It originally started in 2019 because of a competition during a Ferrum College women's soccer team's scavenger hunt but has grown into a 1.6-million-member online space, maintaining its positive and vibrant atmosphere.
More info: Facebook
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It's not just the wholesome Facebook group that has seen rapid growth. For example, pet ownership in the U.S. has jumped significantly over the past three decades. As of 2023, 66% of American households (86.9 million homes) own a pet. That's up from 56% in 1988!
From companionship to emotional support, animals have become a vital part of our lives. In fact, 85% of dog owners and 76% of cat owners see their pets as a member of the family.
Well, you won't get me boots and spurs, so get over here and push this thing!
Currently, Millennials make up the largest percentage of pet owners (33%), followed by Gen X (25%) and Baby Boomers (24%).
However, Gen Z pet owners are far more likely than other age groups to have a variety of pets.
But the roots for our feline frenzy go way back. The ancient Egyptians are generally thought to have been the first to domesticate cats, breeding them to produce a distinct new species around 4,000 to 3,900 years ago.
Although researchers have long suspected that humans began taming wild cats much earlier, for a long time they had limited evidence supporting this idea.
But scientists have discovered a site on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus from around 9,500 years ago with the remains of a human and a cat, as well as a rich variety of offerings, and it is now believed to be the oldest known evidence of our special friendship.
Oh, I often visit a cat cafe with former stray cats, saved from the street. They often hop on the table, once grabbed the cream from my pudding, but otherwise are well behaved. My cat also hops on the table to check what we are eating.
I really REALLY want to go to a cat cafe, I’ve never been but I’m sure I’d love it, they sound great
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Kitty: "I suggest you try the fish next time!"
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Yes, cats are adorable, but NOT on the table while I'm eating, thank you. (lifts offending feline and gently places it on floor.)
Why are you eating at our table, then? Soft can-openers are SO unreasonable!
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Hello; My name is Antonio, I'll be your server this morning. May I start you with some milk? ...And share it with you?
"Hello sir, ma'am, is everything satisfactory? I'm am your personal table cat and will assist you in eating anything that is not to your taste...I will even eat things that are to your taste. There's no limit to my commitment."
*gets intense need to go to the purple cat cafe* uh umm but im nnnot paid until wednesday...
Right? They let me in their beds if I want... I assume anyway.
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"Excuse me, could you add a bowl of tuna for my new cat friend to my order, please?"
I expect as much. It's a CAT cafe after all.
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My sister took me to a cat petting place for my birthday. The cats could not be bothered...they slept the whole time. Here are two women over 40 rolling around on the floor for an hour and not one cat would give us the time of day. The tea was lovely though. I just went home and played with my cats but my poor sister can't have animals. They've since closed down.
AWW, I would be asking if that dear sweet little kitty had a home because I would adopt that dear sweet little kitty if they did not have a home 😻💖
Dr. Patricia Pendry of Washington State University, who studies human-animal interactions, speculates that it might be the felines' discriminating behavior that's so irresistible to humans.
"The subtle and somewhat unpredictable responses cats give us, give us the perception that we are chosen — or perceived as 'special' when a response from a cat does occur," she said. "I also believe that because the response tends to take a little bit more time to emerge, we are captivated by a desire to know what the cat will do."
No one answered the ad he put up on Craigslist for a servant, so he has to go and scout for one.
It is also possible, according to some research, that we cannot help but find felines to be cute due to the features they share with human babies. We instinctively respond to the large eyes and playful behavior, an evolutionarily beneficial response that has helped ensure we care for our young.
The Facebook group 'Cat Memes' captures this beautifully. Whether it's a kitty curled up in a cozy spot, batting at a dangling toy, or donning a quirky expression, each image showcases the charming antics that make our feline friends so lovable.
The little hairnet whilst he has fur all over 😂 very cute though
Especially if you can get the motor going - nice, warm, vibrating kitty massager!
We're beautiful from any angle, particularly our butts.
*facepalm* I can practically hear my dad fighting to come back to life just to tell this dad joke.
Note: this post originally had 77 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.
