As an office of cat lovers, we completely understand why cat videos have dominated the Internet.  There are over 10 million cat videos floating around on YouTube. They’ve become so prevalent that the Museum of the Moving Image currently has an exhibit called “How Cats Took Over the Internet.”  An entire Internet Cat Video Festival was started in 2012 to celebrate the craze.  Celebricats such as Grumpy Cat and Lil Bub have become a part of our daily lives.  However, for those who can’t understand the phenomenon (I see you dog lovers), I’ll dive into why our feline friends are so popular online.

 

We’re hardwired to adore them
As humans, we’re biologically programmed to nurture infants based on their physical features.  Many of the adorable qualities we’re drawn to in babies are reflected in cats.  We’re suckers for those big eyes, button noses, and helpless expressions.  Our brains automatically feel compassion for kitties.  This response is triggered even when we view videos of other people’s cats.  We instantly form a bond with a cat we’ve never even met in person!

They boost our moods

Videos go viral when they evoke a strong emotional response. Cat videos bring laughter to our lives. This positive, upbeat content is more likely to be viewed and shared. Psychological responses are caused when we watch cat videos. They make us feel warm and fuzzy by increasing our levels of oxytocin (the cuddle hormone).  Viewing cat videos is also a great way to boost energy and concentration. Humorous content decreases our levels of cortisol (the stress hormone).  The next time you’re feeling a little stressed or you’re in a creative funk, watch a few clips of Stalking Cat or the Roomba Riding Shark Cat.  It’s guaranteed to make you laugh and spark your energy.

We want to share our obsession
Similar to parents wanting to share pictures of their kids, we want to spread the cat video cuteness with the world. When something makes us happy or amused we want to share that experience with others.  The Internet provides a space where the cat lovers club can unite and share their silly felines with each other.  No longer do we have to be the recluse crazy cat ladies. Social media outlets have given us a way to share our cat obsession and cause cat content to go viral online.

Cats are innately awesome
They don’t work for their attention. Every feline owner knows that at the end of the day your cat is going to do what they want to do.  They are naturally funny.  They’re not climbing into that cardboard box for your amusement, but we still benefit from the hilarity.  Cats are curious creatures who find themselves in situations that leave their owners laughing.  They have a wide range of facial expressions that provide us with the perfect opportunities to apply silly voice overs to their predicaments. We’re fascinated by cats because they don’t even have to try, they were just born to be internet famous.

If you weren’t a cat lover already, viral cat videos will definitely make you one meow.