The crying cat meme has become one of the internet’s most iconic symbols for expressing emotion. From lighthearted humor to deep emotional reactions, this meme blends the universal appeal of cats with human feelings.
If you’ve ever scrolled through social media, chances are you’ve encountered a cat crying meme, whether in GIF form, as a PNG, or even customized through a crying cat meme generator.
This guide dives deep into the origins, variations, and cultural impact of crying cat memes, with examples, tips, and resources for enthusiasts.
Origins and History of Crying Cat Memes
The story of the crying cat begins in the early 2010s when cat images flooded the internet. While cats have always dominated online culture—from LOLcats to keyboard cat—the emergence of cats expressing sadness became a new genre.
One of the first viral crying cat images features a cat with big, watery eyes, often edited to look like it’s sobbing. This simple, relatable expression captured the hearts of internet users. Over time, it evolved into multiple formats: Crying cat meme GIFs, PNGs, and even memes with captions like “me when…”.
The meme’s popularity grew because it taps into relatable human emotions. Users could project their feelings of frustration, sadness, or humor onto the image of a cat crying. It wasn’t just a funny cat—it was a way for people to communicate emotions online, often when words fall short.
Popular Types of Crying Cat Memes
Crying Cat Meme GIFs
GIFs bring the meme to life. Unlike static images, a crying cat meme GIF can show subtle movements, like tears streaming down a cat’s face or exaggerated expressions of distress. These GIFs are perfect for reactions in chats or social media posts, making the emotion feel more dynamic and engaging.
Example Uses:
- Replying to sad news with humor.
- Reacting to frustrating situations in online conversations.
Crying Cat Meme PNGs
For meme creators, crying cat meme PNGs are invaluable. PNGs have transparent backgrounds, making it easy to place the crying cat onto different scenes or combine it with other memes. Designers often use these for personalized memes or mashups with trending templates.
Where to Find Them:
- Meme databases like KnowYourMeme
- Meme-specific subreddits and Discord servers
Crying Cat Meme Generator
Not everyone is a graphic designer, which is where a crying cat meme generator comes in. These online tools let users add text captions, insert props, or customize crying cat images to fit any scenario. Popular meme generators often have preset templates for viral formats, including:
- Crying cat meme thumbs up
- Crying cat meme banana
- Crying cat meme with bow
- Crying cat meme phone
- Crying cat meme screaming
Generators make meme creation accessible to anyone, turning simple ideas into shareable content in minutes.
Unique Variations of Crying Cat Memes
The beauty of the crying cat meme lies in its endless variations. Here are some of the most popular:
| Variation | Description | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Crying cat meme thumbs up | Cat looks sad but gives a thumbs up | Expressing reluctant approval or support |
| Crying cat meme banana | Cat paired with a banana for humor | Absurd, funny situations |
| Crying cat meme with bow | Cat dressed up with a bow | Cuteness overload, ironic humor |
| Crying cat meme phone | Cat holding a phone or looking at one | Reactions to messages or notifications |
| Crying cat meme screaming | Exaggerated open-mouth crying | Extreme frustration or sadness |
These variations allow the meme to fit countless scenarios, from funny to tragically relatable.
Common Uses and Contexts
People use crying cat memes across social media platforms because they convey emotion instantly. Some common contexts include:
- Expressing sadness over failed plans
- Showing disappointment in a humorous way
- Reacting to unexpected messages or news
- Providing comic relief in relatable everyday situations
Reddit, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok are hotspots for cat crying memes, especially in communities like r/memes or r/wholesomememes. Users often caption them with situations like: “When your favorite snack is gone” or “Me after finishing my responsibilities.”
How to Create Your Own Crying Cat Meme
Creating a personalized crying cat meme is easier than ever. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Choose your base image – Decide between a GIF, PNG, or classic meme image.
- Pick a generator or editor – Sites like Imgflip, Kapwing, or Canva are great choices.
- Add captions – Keep them short, relatable, and emotionally resonant.
- Customize with props or variations – Add elements like thumbs up, banana, bow, or phone.
- Download and share – Save as PNG or GIF for social media, chat apps, or forums.
Tips:
- Match the tone of your caption with the cat’s expression.
- Avoid overcrowding the image; simplicity often enhances humor.
- Use trending references for higher engagement.
Downloading and Sharing Crying Cat Memes
To share crying cat memes online, you’ll need quality images or GIFs. Here’s what you need to know:
Formats:
- PNG – Best for custom edits, transparent backgrounds.
- GIF – Ideal for reactions and dynamic expressions.
- JPEG/Images – Quick to share, standard format.
Best Sources:
- KnowYourMeme
- Reddit meme threads
- Meme databases and social media pages
Sharing Etiquette:
- Credit the original creator when possible.
- Avoid reposting low-resolution images.
- Use appropriate formats for platforms (GIFs for Twitter, PNGs for image posts).
Why Crying Cat Memes Are So Popular
Crying cat memes resonate because they mix humor, cuteness, and relatability. Humans naturally empathize with cats, and the exaggerated expressions make the memes both funny and emotionally engaging.
Psychological Appeal:
- The “sad but cute” factor triggers empathy.
- Visual exaggeration amplifies emotional recognition.
- Cats serve as a neutral, universal subject, making memes widely relatable.
Cultural Impact:
- Crying cat memes have inspired merchandise, art, and countless spin-offs.
- They often appear in reaction compilations and meme challenges on TikTok.
- Their viral nature makes them a staple in internet culture, even beyond English-speaking communities.
FAQs About Crying Cat Memes
What is a crying cat meme?
A meme featuring a cat with tears or a sad expression, often used for humorous or emotional reactions.
How can I make my own crying cat meme?
Use online meme generators, PNGs, or GIFs, and add captions or props to fit your context.
Where can I download crying cat memes?
Reliable sources include KnowYourMeme, Reddit threads, and meme-specific social media pages.
Why are crying cat memes so popular online?
They combine cuteness, humor, and relatability, making them highly shareable and emotionally engaging.
Are there variations of crying cat memes with props?
Yes. Popular variations include crying cat meme thumbs up, banana, with bow, phone, and screaming versions.
Conclusion
The crying cat meme is more than just a funny image; it’s a cultural phenomenon. From early viral pictures to GIFs, PNGs, and meme generators, this meme allows people to express emotions in a relatable and humorous way. Whether you’re laughing at a cat crying meme funny or sympathizing with a crying cat meme sad, it’s clear why the internet loves this feline so much.
