We've had cursed cakes, cursed shirts, even cursed Zillow listings. But now, it's time for cats.
It all started with us discovering a couple of subreddits (r/cursed_cats and r/cursedcats). After scrolling through their content, it became pretty obvious to us that these online communities have plenty of pictures that delightfully represent felines' cheeky charm.
From poses that seem to defy anatomy to peculiar-to-priceless expressions, here are some of the most popular posts from the subreddits without any context (because why would we need any).
#1 Cursed_sneeze
Image credits: popdog_
#2 Cursed_witch
Image credits: WonderfulWizardWill
Multiple factors make cats inherently suited for "cursed" content compared to other animals, but Dr. Mikel Delgado, Rover's resident cat expert on The Pet People Panel, says that survival instincts are responsible for a lot of their quirks.
This, paired with an inherently playful personality, might add up to one curious and naughty feline.
#3 Cursed_chickenleg
Image credits: Nyxaea
#4 Cursed_spook
Image credits: alphx_
#5 Cursed_aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
Image credits: popdog_
Cats are mesopredators, and according to Dr. Delgado, this means that they are both predators and prey in the animal kingdom.
"Cats must always be aware of what is going on in their surroundings. They can't afford to miss an opportunity to eat, but they must also be cautious of any dangers," she says. Constant observation, investigation, and learning (curiosity!) are tools felines use for survival.
#6 Cursed_gremlins
Image credits: mrsbunnylooksfunny
#7 Cursed_lamp
Image credits: seronmaster
#8 Cursed_dotcatch
Image credits: yoboialeef
#9 Tentacat
Image credits: PinkBobob
So, cats have developed features that add up to being superior hunters and sneaky prey. From the tip of their independently moving ears to the carpal whiskers on their hind legs—felines are always in tune and exploring their environment.
For example, the inner ear of a cat is so amazing that it's said they can sense a storm rolling in by the drop in air pressure! Their little noses have 40 times more olfactory receptors than ours, and their eyes have six to eight times the amount of rods than humans; in a world so vibrant and alive, it’s no wonder cats are naturally curious about it all.
#10 Cursed_snek
Image credits: wallpaper-engineer
#11 Cursed_black_tongue
Image credits: reddit.com
#12 Cursed_jiggly
Image credits: kaisinel94
#13 Praise The Sun
Image credits: eirasop3l
Cats frequently get themselves stuck up in trees, jammed in trash cans, or peppered with hedgehog quills, but it's all in the name of curiosity.
Some may argue that these situations signal poor judgment or a less-than-smart decision. However, it’s just the opposite.
Curiosity and intelligence are directly linked, so since cats are so curious, they are always learning.
#14 Cursed_face
Image credits: MaterialsAndYou
#15 Cursed_soak
Image credits: SirMalcolmK
#16 Cursed_poop
Image credits: emiel990
#17 Cursed_eggcat
Image credits: CaneTheVelociraptor
Dr. Delgado says it's during kittenhood that curiosity is most likely to form strong, lifelong associations.
"Kittens tend to be more curious because they are learning about things in their environment that they have never encountered before," she explains. "To determine if something is safe, a kitten might want to watch it, slowly approach it, and maybe touch, smell, or taste it."
#18 Cursed_rest
Image credits: seronmaster
#19 Cursed_drink
Image credits: MajesticCat_
#20 Cursed_assembly
Image credits: mrsbunnylooksfunny
#21 Cursed_sneeze
Image credits: lilkaating
"A cat's sensitive period is between two and nine weeks of age," Dr. Delgado adds. "After that, it's not that the door for learning is closed, but they may be slower to form positive associations with new experiences and may be warier."
So this curiosity, imprinted from a young age, becomes a defining trait, shaping their inquisitive nature and unique "cursed" behaviors throughout their lives!
#22 Cursed_timing
Image credits: popdog_
#23 Cursed_balance
Image credits: cheese-cumstard
#24 Cursed_smoothie
Image credits: Cut-My-Grass101
#25 Cursed_handstand
Image credits: Gravidi
#26 Cursed_he Asphixiate
Image credits: Gralheira_tuga
#27 Cursed_lick
Image credits: Zinyak1503
#28 Cursed_salad
Image credits: stryker77x
#29 Cursed_laughter
Image credits: Hullpeer
#30 Cursed_shoeseat
Image credits: kondensmilch_
#31 Cursed_butter
Image credits: seronmaster
#32 Cursed_escape
Image credits: seronmaster
#33 Cursed_car
Image credits: emiel990
#34 Cursed_bowl
Image credits: MadDogV2
#35 Cursed_meow
Image credits: haleyyhelmss
#36 Cursed_armor
Image credits: reddit.com
#37 Cursed_split
Image credits: seronmaster
#38 Cursed_breakdance
Image credits: seronmaster
#39 Cursed_poop
Image credits: moonkitten812
#40 Cursed_cowboy
Image credits: cobtl
#41 Cursed_slurp
Image credits: jjswag64
#42 Cursed_skateboard
Image credits: despair_uwu
#43 Cursed_yawn
Image credits: Gravidi
#44 Snake
Image credits: Zinyak1503
#45 Cursed_attack
Image credits: Belisabeth
#46 Cursed_burger
Image credits: Kkmfy
#47 Cursed_sosage
Image credits: seronmaster
#48 Cursed_wine
Image credits: Mlem-Master
#49 Cursed_sit
Image credits: seronmaster
#50 Cursed_art
Image credits: skateanddestroy222
