Ever since the internet really took off in the ’90s, people have been sharing pictures of cats with funny captions over email.
In 2007, a website went viral for sharing funny pictures of cats. Users were able to upload pictures of their cats, and turn them into LOLcat memes — pictures with writing over the top.
The internet also created some legit cat celebrities, like Grumpy Cat, Lil’ Bub, and Maru. These felines became minor celebs, appearing on TV shows, ads, even film festivals. Some of them got their own merchandise too.
Lil’ Bub’s owner started a charity in her name, and helped raise more than $700,000 for animal charities during her lifetime.
As social media grew, cats found their place in there too. Viral videos like Keyboard Cat and memes like Grumpy Cat spread everywhere.
Websites like ICanHasCheezburger popped up just to collect the best cat content — funny pics, viral videos, and memes — basically acting as a one-stop shop for everything e-cat.
