Cats basically run the internet. You know it, I know it, and the algorithms definitely know it. But lately, there is this specific trend that has been cutting through the noise of AI-generated junk and doom-scrolling: the nice cat of the week. It’s not just a hashtag or a recurring segment on a blog. It’s a vibe.
Most people think being "nice" is a low bar for a cat. We've all seen the memes about cats being tiny, furry sociopaths who would trip you down the stairs for an extra kibble. But when a feline actually earns the title of nice cat of the week, it usually means they’ve displayed some level of chill or empathy that defies the "jerk cat" stereotype. Maybe they didn't knock the vase over. Maybe they actually let the toddler pat them without a single hiss.
What Makes a Nice Cat of the Week Anyway?
It’s honestly kind of subjective. If you look at community boards on Reddit or niche Instagram accounts like Cats of Instagram, the criteria for a "nice" cat isn't about breed or pedigree. It’s about behavior.
Specific behavior.
Take, for instance, a cat that works as a therapy animal. Organizations like Pet Partners or Love on a Leash have specific certification tracks for cats. To be the nice cat of the week in a professional sense, a cat has to pass a series of stress tests. They can't be startled by loud noises, and they have to genuinely enjoy being handled by strangers. That’s a rare trait. Most cats prefer their personal bubble to be about the size of a football field.
Then you have the "accidental" nice cats. You’ve probably seen the viral videos of cats protecting babies from heaters or guarding their owners during a panic attack. These aren't trained behaviors. They are instinctual. When a community crowns a nice cat of the week, they are usually celebrating these small, quiet moments of inter-species connection that make life feel a little less chaotic.
The Science of Feline Niceness (Yes, It Exists)
We used to think cats were solitary hunters who couldn't care less about us. Science is finally catching up to what cat owners have known forever. A 2019 study published in the journal Current Biology found that cats actually form attachment styles with their owners that are strikingly similar to dogs and even human infants.
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The researchers, led by Dr. Kristyn Vitale at Oregon State University, showed that about 65% of cats are "securely attached" to their people. This means when their owner is around, the cat feels safe enough to explore and be, well, nice.
So, when you see a nice cat of the week feature, you’re often looking at a cat that has a very healthy, secure relationship with its environment. It’s not just "personality." It’s a result of a stable home life and a lack of environmental stress. If a cat feels safe, its "nice" side comes out. If it’s stressed, you get the claws.
Why We Need This Content Right Now
The world is loud. Your phone is probably buzzing with ten different notifications about things going wrong. In that context, a photo of a tabby named Barnaby who likes to share his bed with a stray chicken isn't just "cute." It’s a cognitive break.
Psychologists call this "awe-induction" or "positive emotional contagion." When we view images of animals behaving kindly, our brains release oxytocin. It’s the same chemical that floods your system when you hug a friend. The nice cat of the week serves as a digital micro-dose of oxytocin. It’s a palette cleanser for the soul.
Honestly, it’s probably the healthiest thing on your feed.
Real Examples of Feline "Niceness" That Went Viral
Let’s look at some actual cases that fit the nice cat of the week mold.
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Tama the Station Master: While she passed away a few years ago, her legacy in Japan is the gold standard for "nice." She lived at the Kishi Station and greeted commuters. She didn't scratch. She didn't hide. She sat there with her little hat and basically saved a dying railway line by being incredibly approachable.
Stubbs the Mayor: In Talkeetna, Alaska, a ginger cat named Stubbs served as honorary mayor for 20 years. He was the perpetual nice cat of the week. He would hang out at the local general store and drink water out of a wine glass laced with catnip. He brought the community together because he was a neutral, friendly presence in a world of polarized politics.
Gladstone and Larry: The UK Cabinet Office and 10 Downing Street have their own "Chief Mousers." While their job is technically pest control, their real value is PR. When the news is grim, a photo of Larry the cat being "nice" to a visiting dignitary (or occasionally chasing a pigeon) keeps the human element alive in government.
Debunking the "Cats are Mean" Myth
One of the biggest obstacles to appreciating a nice cat of the week is the persistent myth that cats are inherently aloof or cruel. This usually comes from people who don't understand feline body language.
A cat blinking slowly at you isn't "glaring." It’s a "cat kiss."
A cat showing you its belly isn't always an invitation for a rub; it’s a sign of ultimate trust.
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When people say their cat is "mean," it's often because they’ve ignored five different warning signs that the cat wanted space. A nice cat of the week is usually a cat whose owners have learned to read the room. They know that a twitching tail tip means "back off" and a vibrating tail means "I'm thrilled you're here."
How to Help Your Own Cat Become "Nice" (Or at Least Nicer)
If your cat is currently a tiny terror, don't worry. They probably won't win nice cat of the week tomorrow, but you can move the needle.
First, look at the environment. Cats hate change. If you've moved the litter box or started using a scented candle, they might be lashing out.
Second, play more. A bored cat is a destructive cat. Ten minutes of intense play with a feather wand can turn a "mean" cat into a purring pile of fluff because they’ve burned off that predatory energy.
Third, respect the "no." If your cat walks away, let them go. Forcing affection is the fastest way to ensure your cat stays on the "naughty" list. Nice cats are made, not just born. They are products of patience.
Practical Steps for Finding Your Weekly Dose of Nice
If you want to track the nice cat of the week trend or find your own favorites, you don't need to look far.
- Follow specific hashtags: Instead of just #cats, try #cattherapy or #friendlycats.
- Check local shelter spotlights: Most shelters do a "Senior Cat of the Week" or a "Sweetest Soul" feature. These are the real-world versions of the trend.
- Look for working cats: Search for bookstore cats or bodega cats in your city. These animals are socialized to be the ultimate nice cats because they deal with the public every day.
- Submit your own: If your cat did something particularly empathetic—like staying by your side while you had the flu—share it. The internet needs more genuine stories of feline kindness to balance out the "cat fails" videos.
The nice cat of the week isn't about perfection. It’s about those weird, small moments where an animal chooses to be kind instead of chaotic. It reminds us that if a creature with knives on its feet can choose to be gentle, maybe we can too.
Check your local rescue's social media page today. Find the cat that has been there the longest—the one they describe as "quiet" or "a gentle soul." That is your nice cat of the week. Give their post a share or, if you have the space, go meet them. Sometimes the "nicest" cats are just the ones waiting for the right person to notice.