Famous Cats Who Shaped Society

Cats pretty much rule the internet. But they ruled our hearts for decades before that. So in honour of our regal feline friends, we’re looking into some of the most famous cats in history.

If you’re more of a dog person, don’t run away quite yet.  We wrote about famous dogs earlier too – now it’s just time to give the cats their chance to shine.

Surprisingly, it’s hard to narrow famous cats down to just a few. There’s so many throughout history. There’s even been cats (yes, plural) who ran for elections. Seriously, we’re starting to think they’re taking this whole “ruling” thing a bit too far.

Then there’s also been the oldest cat (which we mention in our article how long do cats live) as well as the most expensive cats (Asheras and Savannahs can go for well over US$20,000!).

Phew, records everywhere. So we had to start somewhere. And these are the cats we think have helped shape society today.

The most famous cats in history

Ok, so we already know there are enough famous cats for an entire book. But some cats aren’t just famous, they’ve become almost iconic. Those are the ones we’re looking at today:

• A famous cat from literature.
• An Instagram famous cat.
• The most famous conceptual cat.
• A cartoon cat who’s almost as famous as Tom Cruise, probably.

Without further delays, let’s get into these famous cats.

Cheshire Cat: one of literature’s most famous cats

You’ve no doubt heard the saying “grinning like a Cheshire Cat.” And once a phrase about a fictional cat makes it into mainstream language, you know they’re truly famous.

The Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland kicks off our list of famous cats with a bang. And obviously, his best-known quirk is breaking out that Cheshire Cat grin and then disappearing.

If Alice had invested in a cat microchip of the Cheshire variety, maybe he’d be less adept at pulling the disappearing act? Or perhaps that’s wishful thinking.

Here are a couple of Cheshire Cat facts:

• Why is he famous? The Cheshire Cat gained famed when he played a starring role in Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland novel all the way back in the 1800s. Kind of like the Barney of yesteryear – but perhaps a tiiiiny bit creepier.
• Breed. The Cheshire Cat is based on a British short-haired cat… those beautiful dark grey ones. Read more about them here.

Most famous internet cat: Nala

We’re guessing Nala is named after Simba’s lifelong companion from the Lion King. And though she might not be battling Scar and securing the jungle, she’s certainly started ruling over her own Kingdom. (AGAIN with the ruling.)

This is officially the world’s most famous cat. Well, on the internet anyway. She’s an influencer and public figure with…wait for it…over 4 million followers. Yes, for a cat. And most of us are proud if we reach the 1,000 level.

Adorable Nala is a rescue cat who found her furever home and became one of the most famous cat Instagram accounts. Is she the lucky one to have landed in such a fabulous home, or are her parents? After all, they’ve a furkid with star power now.

• When? Nala’s Instagram account started in 2012 and ten years later, she’s a superstar.
• Breed? Siamese and tabby mix. The best of both worlds!

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Schrödinger’s Cat: the most famous conceptual cat

So, technically, Schrödinger’s cat is not an actual cat. If he was, he’d be one of the most famous cats ever.

We’re still including him, because he’s still out there getting traction for cats around the world. But what exactly is Schrödinger’s cat? Get your thinking cap out, because this one gets complex. Basically, it’s an idea or thought experiment that sprang out of a conversation between two great minds: Erwin Schrödinger and Albert Einstein.

It’s complex, but Schrödinger’s cat revolves around the idea that if there is a cat inside the box, he may or may not be alive. We don’t know, because we can’t see inside. So the cat can simultaneously be considered alive and dead.

Complicated, right? If you want to delve more into this idea, here’s a video:

And just to put your mind at ease, this was only a thought experiment. An idea. Schrödinger never actually put a cat inside a box!  

• When? 1935, possibly over a good glass of red, as with many great ideas. Either way, there was definitely some intellectual discussion happening.

Garfield, the most famous cartoon cat in existence

If you ask a kid who the most famous cats are, what do you think they’ll say? We reckon Garfield would be there, hands down. The fat, lasagne-loving ginger cat is iconic. While he once only existed on the pages of cartoons, he’s now graced TV screens and more.

It’s a good thing he’s not a real cat, because lasagne isn’t exactly an ideal diet for cats. And though we love the big cuddly Garfield cartoon, it’s worth knowing that obesity is actually dangerous for pets. It’s a leading cause of diabetes in dogs and cats.

• When? Garfield was created in 1978 by cartoonist Jim Davis and based on his grandfather.
• Breed. Persian and tabby cat cross. Read more about different cat breeds and their personalities.

Insurance for your cat, famous or not

We’re sure you wouldn’t trade your cat for anything, not even an Instagram superstar. And anyway, it’s only only famous cats who deserve a soft landing with cat insurance. All they need is a loving owner who wants the best for them – you.