Meme lore
What is the Polite Cat meme?
Polite Cat is a reaction template featuring a white cat with an unusually humanlike, tight-lipped smile. It is used for feigned enthusiasm, uncomfortable courtesy, reluctant approval, and situations where someone is trying very hard to appear polite.
Origin & history
This template appears to come from a photograph of a white cat whose facial expression resembles a restrained human smile. It spread through reaction-image and meme communities because the expression can suggest both sincere courtesy and unsettling awkwardness. Exact photographer, earliest posting date, and the cat’s original identity are unclear.
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