‘Is the Polite Cat Meme’ Face Real? The truth behind the Viral Cat expression

Representational image via Steve Tsang on Unsplash
Representational image via Steve Tsang on Unsplash

Memes can become viral for almost the weirdest things on the internet. The more absurd the content, the higher the chances of the meme gaining user traction. “The polite cat” meme is one such meme that has captured the hearts of millions.

The meme is based on a cat named Ollie, who has an adorable expression on its face. The meme is amusing and endearing at the same time. Since its origin in 2018, users have widely used the meme in different contexts. Many versions have emerged that show animals being replaced by the “polite cat” or celebrities who are compared to the cat.

With the fast-paced culture of the digital age, the audience will continue to embrace the introduction of such absurd memes. These memes often relate to the younger generation, which shares similar experiences. Let us talk about how “the polite cat” meme has become a viral trend on social media since its arrival.

Disclaimer: The article contains the writer's personal views and opinions


Origin of the “Polite Cat” meme

The meme originated with a 9GAG post on June 7, 2018, featuring a cat named Ollie looking innocent and smiling at the camera. Her smile resembled a human’s expression. The post was captioned, “My face when someone expects me to be excited about something that I’m not excited about.”

The image instantly went viral online, and the post garnered thousands of likes. Many users resonated with the meme when they found themselves in uncertain circumstances.

But how did the meme originate? Well, the meme was created by a user on July 2, 2018. He shared a mock conversation between a landlord and a tenant. In the text message (likely fake), the landlord disagrees with having a pet in the apartment, but when the tenant sends him a picture of Ollie, he makes an exception because it looks polite. The meme led to the birth of many versions based on different scenarios.

According to Know Your Meme, on July 9, an Instagram user named @Khan_Amon_Ra claimed ownership of the cat. The account was reportedly hacked and later opened as polite_cat_olli_official.


Some examples of “the polite cat” meme

1. Pop Culture reference

Many pop culture references sprang up after the birth of “the polite cat” meme. One user commented that David Tennant looked very similar to a "polite cat."


2. K-pop version

The K-pop version was also unique in itself and perfectly captured the expressions of the celebrities.


3. The Starbucks reference

Some users compared the “polite cat” to a cake pop launched by Starbucks in 2023.


4. Polite young man

Another version of the “polite cat” meme highlights a person's manners and how they behave when they approach someone.


5. Several other versions of “the polite cat” meme

Here are a few more viral memes of the "polite cat that will leave you in splits.

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Edited by Rachith Rao