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Why are Cats So Darn Popular on the Internet?
This is the question that’s been on my mind a lot lately, and I want some answers! I’ve noticed over the years that some of our most popular posts have had something to do with cats. From LOLcats to cat games, from famous cats to your own cats, we’ve seen and written about ‘em all. But that doesn’t help me answer the question: why are they so popular on the Internet?
I’m a dog person, so maybe my problem with all the unabashed cat-fuss is simple envy.
But, as the old saying goes, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. So here goes nothing: My brother adopted a kitten not too long ago and he’s so caught up in the hubbub, he even wrote and shot a love letter for the feline (named Barkley) in the form of a music video. Check it out below and let us know what you think. If enough of you like it, maybe Barkley will start making semi-regular appearances on the blog. And maybe I’ll fall into the fold then, too…
Comments (22)
Comment
That is extremely cute. Moreso than the Mean Kitty Song even.
posted by Valerie on 7-29-2008 at 10:40 am
As long as they aren’t penguins. I am SO SICK OF PENGUINS!
posted by The Other Brian on 7-29-2008 at 10:53 am
LOVE IT!
posted by KG on 7-29-2008 at 10:57 am
So cute! I wish I could get a kitty! My property manager won’t allow it. :(
posted by Marta on 7-29-2008 at 11:27 am
Love it! Reminds me of my late, great, black kitty Studebaker. More cat videos and stories!!!
posted by Carol on 7-29-2008 at 12:11 pm
I love it! And I love Barkley! Let’s see more of him!
posted by lleachie on 7-29-2008 at 12:18 pm
Fabulosity!
I heart Barkley!
posted by Salome on 7-29-2008 at 12:27 pm
Love Marc & Barkley! More, please :)
posted by Beth on 7-29-2008 at 12:27 pm
Fabulosity!!!
I heart Barkley!
posted by salome on 7-29-2008 at 12:28 pm
Loved it!
The reason cats are so popular is A. because a catlover somewhere got the idea for a site, it was so popular that everyone followed suit whether they were particular cat fans or not, and B. because cats are mysterious, persnickity, rude, cyncical, and sarcastic (have you ever listened to one while you’re complaining about your hangover?) and yet still manage to be SO DARN CUTE. Dogs are cute, and sweet, but many don’t have as /visible/ a personality (it’s still there). It’s fun to make fun of something that was already..maki- er, ridiculing you, especially when you don’t fully understand it.
posted by Jennifer on 7-29-2008 at 12:40 pm
Mer…I’m sick of cats.
posted by Orange on 7-29-2008 at 12:40 pm
(!!!!)
I just love that wee ode to his barkley. & I love the name… barkley… cuz… ya know… cats don’t… bark…
More kitties! More Cats! More Barkley!
I am now seriously considering doing a similar love song for my huge orange tabby, Chedder.
posted by Kathryn on 7-29-2008 at 1:01 pm
Barkley is one cute kitty!
re: cats and Internet – old library clipart always features cats and computers – CATalogues, also, cats just fit better in offices, cats are more loners, computer geeks are loners, you see where it goes…
posted by Mare on 7-29-2008 at 1:26 pm
More Barkley!
posted by tej on 7-29-2008 at 1:29 pm
Like the song, but he might as well be singing about a somnolent black pillow. (I’m a dog person, too.)
posted by rbonotto on 7-29-2008 at 2:06 pm
So I’m closer to Orange on this one. I have had many cats and loved them all. I have also had many of everything else from dogs to hamsters to birds. Barkley is cute and sort of reminds my of our cat Jake (up in kitty heaven) but a) that song was WAY too long and b) if you have to devote that much time to your cat, you are in jeopardy of becoming the Old Cat Lady (or the male equivalent).
posted by Diane on 7-29-2008 at 3:27 pm
Awww…Marc and Barkley 4-ever! LOL at going to the bathroom together…priceless. Tell Marc he’s got great hip motion skills while vaccumming, and tell Barkley he’s the best feline pianist and drum player I’ve ever seen!
posted by Brandy on 7-29-2008 at 3:36 pm
Great video, cute song. Nice sexy vacuum dance, too!
Cats are popular because, besides being cute, they’re highly individualistic and exhibit a huge array of eccentricities. A dog has pretty much has 3 modes – play, bark, and eat.
posted by tona b. on 7-29-2008 at 3:37 pm
I loved it! I’m laid up with a broken leg for a while, with the cats as my only company sometimes. I feel a song in my heart coming on for Sean and Wesley!
posted by JHop on 7-29-2008 at 7:05 pm
I’m officially sick of cats on the internet.
posted by DanO on 7-30-2008 at 6:35 am
I love you Barkley AND your hotty owner.
posted by Dianne on 7-30-2008 at 1:46 pm
I’d love to see more of both Barkley and of Mark on the Mental Floss Blog. A talented human and cutie cat… or is it a talented cat and cutie human? No, wait… Well, just plain good stuff!
posted by Nancy on 8-1-2008 at 12:56 pm