What happened to the I will survive meme kitten? - briefly
The "I will survive" meme kitten, featuring a cat with a determined expression set to the Gloria Gaynor song, became a viral sensation in the early 2010s. The actual cat, named Venom, was adopted by a couple from Ohio and lived a comfortable life until its passing in 2014. The meme continues to circulate online, maintaining its status as a classic internet joke.
What happened to the I will survive meme kitten? - in detail
The "I will survive" meme kitten, also known as "Keyaro" or "Keyboard Cat," became an iconic figure in internet culture. The meme originated from a short video featuring a cat named Fatso, who appeared to be playing a keyboard. The video was uploaded by Charles Schroeder in 2007, but it gained widespread popularity in 2009 when it was used in various online memes and remixes.
The original video showed Fatso, a calico cat, sitting in front of a keyboard and seemingly playing a short, catchy tune. The clip was edited to include captions that made it appear as if the cat was singing the lyrics to Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive." This humorous and creative use of the video quickly spread across the internet, making it a beloved meme.
However, the story behind the meme took a tragic turn. Fatso, the cat featured in the video, was hit by a car and died in 1987, long before the internet meme phenomenon began. Schroeder, who had recorded the video, passed away in 2011. The popularity of the meme continued to grow even after Schroeder's death, but it was later revealed that the cat in the original video had not survived to see its internet fame.
In 2012, another cat named "Nyan Cat" gained popularity, but it was not directly related to the "I will survive" meme. The legacy of the "I will survive" meme kitten lives on in internet culture, often referenced and remixed by users who appreciate its humor and creativity. The meme's enduring popularity is a testament to the power of viral content and the enduring appeal of cats in online culture.
The "I will survive" meme kitten remains a significant part of internet history, remembered for its catchy tune and the unexpected twist in its backstory. Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding the original cat, the meme continues to be celebrated and shared, highlighting the enduring impact of viral content on the internet. The meme's legacy serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of internet fame and the enduring appeal of viral sensations.