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TikTok trends · first seen

Thinking Cat TikTok trend

MemeUse with caution

Thinking Cat is a TikTok meme that Trendhaus first saw on .

This meme uses a photo of a cat in a thoughtful pose with its paw raised, originally taken by artist Douglas Sacha. It's used as a reaction image or template to represent overthinking, anxiety, or absurdly deep thoughts about everyday situations. People add text overlays to the image, describing a mundane situation that triggers an exaggeratedly profound internal monologue.

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How to make a Thinking Cat video

  1. Find the 'Thinking Cat' image (a cat with a serious expression and one paw raised to its chin).
  2. Overlay text onto the image describing a simple, everyday situation.
  3. The text should imply the cat is deeply contemplating or overthinking this situation, often with a humorous or relatable twist.
  4. Post as a reaction image or a standalone meme.

What Trendhaus measured

First seen
Last covered
Type
Meme
Can a brand use it?
Use with caution. Usable, but it's tied to a specific person, joke or community, so check the context before a brand joins in.
Origin
The original photo was taken by artist Douglas Sacha in 2019, but it went viral on TikTok and Instagram Reels in January 2025.

How Trendhaus tracks trends

Make your own version

Ideas to start from

  • A pet food brand could use the meme with text like 'Thinking about whether I'll get a second dinner tonight.'
  • A coffee brand could show the cat contemplating 'Is it too early for another coffee?'
  • A tech brand could use it to represent a user 'Thinking about all the features I haven't explored yet on my new device.'

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Give me three ideas for my brand using the “Thinking Cat” TikTok trend, based on the videos doing it best.

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Questions

What is the Thinking Cat TikTok trend?

This meme uses a photo of a cat in a thoughtful pose with its paw raised, originally taken by artist Douglas Sacha. It's used as a reaction image or template to represent overthinking, anxiety, or absurdly deep thoughts about everyday situations. People add text overlays to the image, describing a mundane situation that triggers an exaggeratedly profound internal monologue.

When did the Thinking Cat trend start?

Trendhaus first saw it on 27 July 2026. The original photo was taken by artist Douglas Sacha in 2019, but it went viral on TikTok and Instagram Reels in January 2025.

Can brands use the Thinking Cat trend?

Use with caution. Usable, but it's tied to a specific person, joke or community, so check the context before a brand joins in.

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All trends from the week of 27 July 2026 · This week's trends