# Smudge the Cat > Smudge the Cat is a 2019 image meme of a tabby cat at a dinner table with a confused or judgmental expression, used to convey skepticism or disagreement. 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. ## Origin 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. - **Platform:** Instagram - **Creator:** Unknown (@smudge_lord) - **Date:** 2019 ## 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. ## 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. ## How to Use 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 ## 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 ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is Smudge the Cat? Smudge the Cat a 2019 meme format featuring Smudge, a tabby cat sitting at a dinner table with a confused or judgmental expression. ### What does Smudge the Cat mean? 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. ### Where did Smudge the Cat come from? Smudge the Cat originated on Instagram around 2019. The original photo captures Smudge at a dinner table in a moment of unexpected expressiveness. ### How do you use Smudge the Cat? 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. ### Is Smudge the Cat still popular in 2026? Yes, Smudge the Cat is still very popular in 2026. It is considered evergreen and gets regular use across social media platforms. ### Who created Smudge the Cat? Smudge's owner (tumblr_hamfeist) created Smudge the Cat. 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. ### When did Smudge the Cat start? Smudge the Cat first appeared around 2019 on Instagram. 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. ### What platform did Smudge the Cat originate on? Smudge the Cat originated on Instagram around 2019. Smudge the Cat is a 2019 meme format featuring a tabby cat with a confused or judgmental expression sitting at a dinner table. ### What are the best examples of Smudge the Cat? The best examples of Smudge the Cat showcase its core format at its most effective. Notable variations include Smudge photoshopped into various scenarios, Smudge surrounded by other animals or characters, Smudge in elaborate dinner party scenes. ### What memes are similar to Smudge the Cat? Memes similar to Smudge the Cat include Doomer, Baby Yoda, Dicaprio Laughing, Scroll Of Truth. These share a similar format, humor style, or cultural context. ### Is Smudge the Cat dead? Not at all. Smudge the Cat is considered evergreen, meaning it keeps coming back and gets used regularly regardless of trends. ### Has Smudge the Cat been used by celebrities or brands? Various brands and public figures have referenced Smudge the Cat in their social media and marketing. Memes with broad recognition like this one often get picked up for commercial use. ### Can I buy Smudge the Cat merchandise? Yes, Smudge the Cat merchandise is available on platforms like Redbubble, Amazon, and Etsy. You can find t shirts, stickers, mugs, phone cases, and other items featuring the meme. ### Where can I find the Smudge the Cat template? Templates and references for Smudge the Cat are available on sites like Imgflip and Know Your Meme. Search for the meme name to find usable versions. ### How do I make my own Smudge the Cat? 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. ### Did Smudge the Cat inspire any other memes? Yes, Smudge the Cat inspired several variations and spinoffs, including Smudge photoshopped into various scenarios, Smudge surrounded by other animals or characters, Smudge in elaborate dinner party scenes. ### Is Smudge the Cat copyrighted? Most memes exist in a legal gray area. The original image or video may have copyright protection, but meme formats are generally treated as fair use. That said, this is not legal advice. ## References 1. [Smudge the Cat, Wikipedia]() 2. [Smudge the Cat on Reddit]() 3. [Smudge the Cat, Know Your Meme]() 4. [Google Trends: Smudge the Cat]() 5. [Smudge the Cat Meme Explained, YouTube]() 6. [Smudge the Cat on X/Twitter]() 7. [Smudge the Cat Meme Templates, Imgflip]() 8. [Smudge the Cat on TikTok]() 9. [Smudge the Cat Meme, Pinterest]() 10. [Smudge the Cat, Memedroid]() 11. [Smudge the Cat, 9GAG]() --- Source: https://meme.com/memes/smudge-the-cat Published by meme.com — The Internet Meme Library