Colonel Meow

Colonel Meow was a Himalayan–Persian cross famous for two things: an enormous, gravity-defying coat, and a permanently furious facial expression that made him look perpetually outraged at the state of the world. Rescued by the Himalayan and Persian Society in 2011 and adopted by Anne Marie Avey, he rose to internet fame in 2012 when photos of his scowling face and extraordinary fur spread across social media. His owner leaned into the joke, presenting him as a tyrannical military dictator plotting world domination from his cushion. In 2013, Guinness World Records officially recognised Colonel Meow for the longest fur on a cat, with hairs measured at an average of 22.87 centimetres (9 inches) — a coat so dense it required twice-weekly brushing to prevent matting. At the height of his fame he had hundreds of thousands of followers across Facebook and Instagram. Sadly, Colonel Meow died in January 2014 from heart complications, at only a few years old. His owner announced his passing with the characteristic humour of his online persona, and tributes poured in from fans around the world who had been charmed by the angriest-looking cat on the internet.