Back in 2007, an unusual cat photo took the internet by storm—a grinning British Shorthair with the curious caption, “I Can Has Cheezburger?” This image didn’t just entertain; it launched a meme phenomenon that not only highlighted this delightful feline but also brought attention to the fascinating history of the British Shorthair breed.
The British Shorthair, a cat now known for its blue-gray coat, traces its ancestry back to the Roman Empire. Roman soldiers, intent on conquering the British Isles, carried these cats aboard their ships. These four-legged companions were adept at keeping rodents at bay, and when the Romans eventually left Britain, they left these cats behind. These early British Shorthairs mingled with local wildcats, leading to the breed we recognize today.
Fast-forward to the 1800s, breeders began to refine the British Shorthair’s appearance to the striking bluish-gray hue that’s now synonymous with the breed. This particular look gained fame after its appearance in the first cat show in 1871, though two subsequent World Wars nearly eradicated the breed. Brave breeders mixed in Russian Blues, Persians, and French Chartreux to restore its numbers, ensuring the survival of this beloved cat. By the late 20th century, major feline organizations worldwide officially recognized the breed, securing its place in cat lovers’ hearts everywhere.
The journey of the ‘I Can Has Cheezburger’ cat began in 2003 with a Russian ad featuring the cat—potentially named Misha or Frank—smiling inexplicably at the camera. Forgotten until 2007, it resurfaced on the Something Awful forum with the iconic caption. The internet embraced this quirky humor, transforming it into the LOLcat meme, which featured cats speaking in a funny, toddler-like language and quickly became a cultural phenomenon.
Eric Nakagawa and Kari Unebasami capitalized on this meme’s popularity by launching the ‘I Can Has Cheezburger’ website. Acquired for a cool $2 million just months after its launch, it expanded into a broader entertainment network. Yet, like all memes, LOLcats eventually faded into internet history. Still, the British Shorthair remains as popular as ever, charming cat enthusiasts with its loyal and friendly nature.
Though the LOLcat meme has journeyed into obscurity, the legacy of the ‘I Can Has Cheezburger’ cat lives on in the enduring allure of the British Shorthair. These cats continue to warm hearts with their history of resilience and charm.
