The Story Behind the Woman Yelling at Cat Meme
Few memes have had the cultural impact of Woman Yelling at Cat—the two-panel image of a distressed woman shouting while a confused white cat sits in front of a plate of salad. But where did it come from? Who is the woman? And why does the cat look so offended?
In our latest video, we break down the hilarious and unexpected origins of this legendary meme, from its reality TV roots to the rise of Smudge the Cat as an internet icon.
The Real Housewives Scene That Started It All
The “yelling woman” in the meme is none other than Taylor Armstrong, a star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. The image comes from a dramatic season two episode where Taylor is in the middle of an emotional breakdown, being comforted by fellow housewife Kyle Richards. While the moment was intense on the show, the internet had other plans.
Screenshots of Taylor’s tearful outburst took on a life of their own—until one key addition turned it into an all-time classic.
Who Is Smudge the Cat?
Enter Smudge, the fluffy white cat with a disgusted expression. The famous image of Smudge sitting in front of a plate of salad was first posted by his owner on Instagram and Tumblr, where he gained a cult following as a picky eater who hated vegetables.
In 2019, someone online paired Taylor’s screaming with Smudge’s baffled reaction, and a meme legend was born. It instantly became a go-to reaction image for any situation where someone is outraged, but the other side doesn’t care.
The Meme’s Lasting Legacy
Years later, the Woman Yelling at Cat meme is still going strong, popping up everywhere from social media debates to Halloween costumes. It has inspired endless variations, and even Smudge himself has embraced his internet fame, with his owner continuing to share updates about his life.
But why did this meme resonate so much? Maybe it’s because we’ve all been Taylor, passionately trying to make a point—only to be met with a blank stare, just like Smudge.
Want the full breakdown of this iconic meme? Watch our video here.
