It's no secret that cat photos dominate the internet. They generate engagement like almost nothing else. But what if we could move beyond intuition and gain a deeper understanding of the data behind their viral success? That's exactly what we set out to do.

Out of curiosity, I examined hundreds of highly liked images using AI. Feel free to click on any image to view the original, high-resolution file.

Here's what I discovered:

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1. Cats Are Everywhere: Everyone Loves Them

The clearest thing we see in top pictures is that almost all of them show house cats. Their many kinds, colors, and ways of acting are everywhere in the pictures. This shows how much people like them as pets and as things people love to look at.

A majestic long-haired ginger cat looking to the side.

A ginger cat lying on a wooden table, looking up playfully.

A grey cat with striking amber eyes looking directly at the camera.

A fluffy tabby cat with vibrant green eyes looking away.

A tabby cat sitting elegantly on white stairs.

Why it's liked & why it sells: Cats have a special mix of being graceful, doing their own thing, and sometimes being silly. This makes them always interesting. They make you feel comfy, like a friend, and often make you laugh. When posts make people feel good and like they can understand, they are much more likely to share it, talk about it, and stay to see what else you have – whether it's about your company or your product. It's a quick way to connect.

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2. Faces That Show Feelings and Eyes That Stand Out: What Gets You Hooked

Many of the very liked pictures show cats with faces that show a lot of feeling, big curious eyes, or ways of standing that seem to tell a story or show a mood. Close-up shots often show their amazing eyes.

A small tabby kitten mid-yawn, showing its tiny fangs.

A white and tabby cat wearing a yellow bandana, appearing to 'smile'.

A Siamese-like cat with piercing blue eyes looking upwards.

A white cat with wide, surprised yellow eyes and an open mouth.

A grey kitten standing on its hind legs with wide, curious eyes.

Why it's liked & why it sells: People naturally look at faces and eyes. When animals show feelings we can understand (or find funny), it makes us feel close to them right away. Eye colors that stand out or big, curious eyes can really grab your attention, making you feel a moment of understanding or wonder. This strong feeling means people look longer, share more, and remember the post better – along with whatever company or message it's tied to.

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3. Comfy and Relaxed Poses: A Quiet Place

Many popular pictures show cats being very comfy – sleeping well, stretching slowly, or just laying in calm ways. These moments often show the quiet fun of having a pet or how much everyone just wants to relax.

A small kitten curled up asleep in a rustic pot.

A ginger cat sleeping soundly outdoors with its paw over its face.

A grey cat peacefully sleeping on a striped bed.

A tabby cat sleeping soundly on the edge of a yellow couch.

A calico cat snuggled deeply under a white blanket, fast asleep.

Why it's liked & why it sells: Pictures of comfort and peace are naturally calming and show something we want. They make you feel warm, safe, and calm, giving a nice break from daily worries and connecting with people's wish to relax. When your post gives this kind of good feeling, it builds a good mood. People who feel calm and happy are more open to your message, making them more likely to connect with your company or look at what you sell, because you gave them a good feeling.

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4. How They Connect: The Heart of the Story

Some very liked pictures show cats with people or other animals. These pictures show the strong bond and friendship that pets give.

A cat resting its head gently on a dog in the grass.

A human hand gently petting a content cat.

A tabby cat cuddling comfortably on a person's chest.

A cat and a dog sitting together, looking in different directions.

A human hand and a cat's paw appearing to high-five.

Why it's liked & why it sells: These pictures touch our deep wish for connection and love. They show the special relationships we have with our pets and the fun we get from animals being friends with each other, making us feel warm and very good. Companies that use such heartwarming posts build trust and make customers feel true to them. It speaks to common ideas of love, being close, and happiness, which are strong reasons for people to pay attention and stay loyal.

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5. Kittens Are Always Liked: Cute Power

Last, and maybe not a surprise, young cats – especially tiny kittens – often appear in the very liked group. They use their natural cuteness, small size, and sweet, innocent look to capture hearts.

A small kitten curled up asleep in a rustic pot.

A small tabby kitten mid-yawn, showing its tiny fangs.

A golden tabby kitten reaching upwards with one paw.

A tiny tabby kitten looking down with a slightly sad expression.

A fluffy grey and white kitten sitting on a bed.

Why it's liked & why it sells: Kittens are the best at being cute, making you feel like you want to care for them and saying 'aww' right away. Their small size, big eyes, and playful way are liked by everyone and show innocence. This strong, fast feeling is very good for getting attention. It makes a strong good feeling that can pass right to your company, product, or message, making it easy to remember, share, and sell.

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The Bottom Line: It's About Connection

Cat pictures don't work because they're beautiful. They work because they feel real. When we see a cat sleeping or playing, it reminds us of simple good things - being comfortable, feeling safe, having fun.

People don't share pretty pictures. They share things that make them feel something. A kitten being silly makes us smile. A cat cuddling makes us feel warm. That's what gets people to stop scrolling and actually care.

The secret isn't fancy photography. It's showing moments that feel familiar and good. These pictures work because they're about the stuff we all want - comfort, friendship, and those little happy moments.

So when you make content, don't just make it look good. Make it feel good. Make people remember why they smiled.