# Bongo Cat > Bongo Cat is a 2018 animated meme by @StrayRogue and @DitzyFlama showing a white cat-blob playing bongos synced to video game music, originally to Super Mario World's Athletic theme. Bongo Cat is an animated meme featuring a simple white cat-like blob playing bongos, originating from a May 2018 Twitter exchange between artists @StrayRogue and @DitzyFlama[2]. The original video synced the cat's table-slapping animation to the "Athletic" theme from Super Mario World, and the format quickly spawned hundreds of remixes showing the cat playing different instruments to various songs[1]. Multiple outlets named it the best meme of 2018, and it later evolved into key-mapping software, merchandise, and even a Steam game[2]. ## Origin On May 7, 2018, Twitter user @StrayRogue posted a GIF of an animated cat-like blob slapping a table with its two front paws[1]. Fellow Twitter user @DitzyFlama replied with an edited version that added bongos under the cat's paws and synced the animation to the "Athletic" theme from Super Mario World[3]. The reply took off, pulling in over 3,800 retweets and 7,000 likes on Twitter[3]. - **Platform:** Twitter (original GIF and remix), YouTube (viral spread) - **Creator:** @StrayRogue (original cat GIF), @DitzyFlama (bongo edit and remix) - **Date:** 2018 ## Overview Bongo Cat, a minimalist animation of a round, white, cat-like character sitting behind a surface and rhythmically slapping it with its paws. The original creator clarified it was technically a "cat-like blob" rather than an actual cat, even sharing a full-body drawing to prove it[1]. The meme's appeal comes from its flexibility: editors sync the paw movements to virtually any song, swap in different instruments, and create elaborate multi-layered musical performances. The character's simple design makes it easy to edit and adapt, which fueled rapid remix culture across YouTube and social media. ## How It Spread The clip jumped to YouTube on May 14, 2018, when user anon eats crayons uploaded it[3]. Six days later, user GarinBadger posted a full-length version of the "Athletic" bongo performance, which picked up over 61,000 views[3]. From there, the remix floodgates opened. On June 7, YouTube user Kirk Keely edited the cat playing Daft Punk's "Robot Rock" on electric guitar[3]. By September 8, YouTuber BananaManPlays had produced a "Running in the 90s" parody, racking up over 41,000 views[3]. DitzyFlama kept contributing too, dropping edits for DragonForce's "Through the Fire and the Flames" and a-ha's "Take On Me"[3]. The meme's adaptability made it a perfect template. Editors expanded the cat's repertoire beyond bongos to include piano, guitar, drums, and full band setups. @StrayRogue capitalized on the character's popularity by launching official Bongo Cat merchandise[1]. Someone even built an interactive Bongo Cat website where visitors could play along[1]. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is Bongo Cat? Bongo Cat is an animated meme of a simple white cat-like blob playing bongos or other instruments, synced to various songs[1]. ### Where did Bongo Cat come from? It originated on Twitter on May 7, 2018, when @DitzyFlama added bongos and the Super Mario World "Athletic" theme to @StrayRogue's animated cat GIF[3]. ### What does Bongo Cat mean? It's a wholesome, music-driven meme with no deeper meaning beyond the joy of watching a cute animated cat play along to songs[1]. ### How do you use Bongo Cat? Take the cat animation, add an instrument, and sync the paw movements to any song. More advanced versions feature multiple cats forming a full band[3]. ### Is Bongo Cat still popular? The meme peaked in 2018 but saw renewed attention in 2023-2025 through a viral Billie Eilish cover on TikTok and a Steam game release[1]. ### Who created Bongo Cat? @StrayRogue created the original cat GIF, and @DitzyFlama edited it into the bongo-playing version that went viral[3]. ### What songs has Bongo Cat played? Popular remixes include Daft Punk's "Robot Rock," DragonForce's "Through the Fire and the Flames," a-ha's "Take On Me," "Running in the 90s," and Billie Eilish's "What Was I Made For?"[3][1]. ### Is there a Bongo Cat app or game? Yes. An open-source key-mapping program was created in 2018 by Hamish Duncanson, and Irox Games released a commercial Steam version in 2025[1]. ### Why did Bongo Cat go viral again in 2023? A Bongo Cat cover of Billie Eilish's "What Was I Made For?" spread on TikTok, with fans singing the "meow" version at her 2024 concerts[1]. ### Who is the Congressmeow? Filipino congressman Francisco "Kiko" Barzaga adopted the Bongo Cat persona in 2025, branding himself "Congressmeow" and performing the meow lyrics on social media[1]. ## References 1. [Bongo Cat]() 2. [Bongo Cat - Urban Dictionary]() 3. [Bongo Cat - Know Your Meme]() --- Source: https://meme.com/memes/bongo-cat Published by meme.com — The Internet Meme Library