Smudge the Cat — The iconic clean template of the Woman Yelling at Cat meme showing two yelling women on left and Smudge at dinner table on right.

Smudge the Cat

2019imageclassic

Published March 10, 2026

Also known as: Smudge the Cat Meme · STC

A 2019 meme format featuring Smudge, a tabby cat sitting at a dinner table with a confused or judgmental expression. The image became iconic for expressing skepticism, judgment, or disagreement with statements, spawning countless variations and becoming one of 2019's defining memes.

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Overview

Smudge the Cat is a 2019 meme format featuring a tabby cat with a confused or judgmental expression sitting at a dinner table. The image became iconic for reacting to statements with skepticism or disagreement. Created from a candid photo by Smudge's owner, the meme became one of 2019's most popular and enduring formats.

The original photo captures Smudge at a dinner table in a moment of unexpected expressiveness. The cat's face conveys judgment, confusion, and skepticism in a way that felt authentically feline yet relatable to human emotion. The photo was posted to Instagram by Smudge's owner but gained broader traction when the meme potential was recognized. The image's quality and composition made it perfect for meme use.

Origin & Background

Platform
Instagram
Creator
smudge_lord
Date
2019

Smudge the Cat, also known as Cat at Dinner Table, is a white cat who rose to fame online for appearing in a photograph seated in front of a salad plate from the Woman Yelling at a Cat meme. The image features the white feline looking confused or unimpressed while positioned at a dinner table with vegetables.

How It Spread

Smudge the Cat exploded as a meme in 2019, becoming one of the year's defining formats. The image's versatility as a reaction to disagreement or skepticism made it instantly useful across internet culture. People began pairing the image with statements they disagreed with, using Smudge's expression to humorously convey judgment.

The format quickly spawned variations, with Smudge photoshopped into various situations, surrounded by angry people or animals, or captioned with different scenarios. The meme became particularly popular for expressing political disagreement, food preferences, or any situation where skepticism was warranted. Smudge became the face of internet judgment and doubt.

The meme maintained popularity through 2024, though with less prominence than at its peak. Smudge demonstrated the staying power of a truly perfect reaction image, something that captured an emotion or attitude so perfectly that it remained useful regardless of changing trends. The format is still referenced and used, though new content creation has slowed.

Platforms

TwitterInstagramRedditTumblr

Timeline

2019-08-09

Entry published on Know Your Meme

2024-01-01

Smudge is still popular and frequently used

2025-01-01

Smudge the Cat is still actively used and shared across platforms

View on Google Trends

How to Use This Meme

The classic Smudge format involves pairing the image with a statement that the user disagrees with or finds questionable. The cat's skeptical expression is basically a humorous response to the statement. Variations include photoshopping Smudge into different scenarios, surrounding the cat with other characters or objects, or creating detailed scenes around the cat.

1

Learn the Smudge the Cat format by looking at popular examples

2

Think of a situation or joke that fits the meme perfectly

3

Create your own version of Smudge the Cat using a meme tool or app

4

Share it where your audience will get the reference

Create Your Own

Cultural Impact

Smudge the Cat demonstrated the force of a perfectly timed reaction image. The format became a standard way to express skepticism or disagreement online. Unlike trends that rely on novelty or timing, Smudge maintained relevance through its universal applicability. The meme influenced how people used images for emotional expression in digital communication.

Fun Facts

Smudge turned into more famous than many celebrity cats

The original photo was a candid moment, not posed for meme purposes

Smudge has merchandise including t-shirts and plushies

The cat's actual personality is reportedly less judgmental than the meme suggests

Smudge's owner has maintained the cat's social media presence

The Smudge the Cat meme has been shared millions of times across social media

You can create your own Smudge the Cat meme using free tools like Imgflip

Smudge the Cat first appeared in 2019

The meme is still remixed and adapted by creators

Brands and marketers have used Smudge the Cat in their campaigns

The meme is still remixed and adapted by creators

Derivatives & Variations

Smudge photoshopped into various scenarios

A variation of Smudge the Cat

(2019)

Smudge surrounded by other animals or characters

A variation of Smudge the Cat

(2019)

Smudge in elaborate dinner party scenes

A variation of Smudge the Cat

(2019)

Frequently Asked Questions