Maxwell The Cat Meme: Meaning, Origins, The Real Cat And Variations
Maxwell the Cat meme, also widely known as the Spinning Cat, is one of the most delightfully absurd and enduring memes to rise from internet culture in recent years. With his calm stare and tuxedo fur pattern, Maxwell twirls into frame—often to ridiculous, chaotic, or oddly fitting music.
The meme based on a black-and-white tuxedo cat sitting on a piece of paper labeled “Please Do Not Bend.”
The first known image of Maxwell was posted on November 20th, 2017 by Imgur user Voidhawk42, the owner of the cat.
In this article, we’ll explore where Maxwell came from, why he spins, and how he became a mascot of internet silliness and affection. Prepare for a digital whirl of weirdness—you know you want to.
What Is the Maxwell the Cat Meme?
Maxwell the Cat meme is a meme based on a black-and-white tuxedo cat sitting on a piece of paper labeled “Please Do Not Bend.” It evolved into the Spinning Cat meme after a 3D version of Maxwell was created for Garry’s Mod, spinning slowly and hypnotically to a variety of silly soundtracks.
The meme typically features Maxwell’s 3D model spinning in place while accompanied by bizarre, whimsical, or oddly emotional music, often used as background filler in “21st Century Humor” TikToks.
Where Did the Maxwell the Cat Meme Come From?
On November 20th, 2017, Imgur user Voidhawk42 posted the first known image of Maxwell, whose real name is Jess, sitting on a piece of paper labeled “Please Do Not Bend.”
The image circulated in meme communities through 2020. Then on October 12th, 2022, Steam user шизео кодзима added a 3D model of the cat to Garry’s Mod Workshop. The model received over 20,000 views and 500+ favorites in just two months.
A second model titled “Maxwell the Carryable Cat” was added on October 21st by ScottRim, earning over 119,000 visits and 6,700 favorites.
Identity of the Cat and the Real-Life Story
The real Maxwell is a tuxedo cat named Jess, beloved by her owner, Imgur user Voidhawk42. Jess became unintentionally famous when her photo sitting politely on a “Do Not Bend” envelope went viral in 2020.
Sadly, Jess passed away in early 2020 from complications related to intestinal cancer. In an emotional Imgur comment, Voidhawk42 shared how Jess had been a cornerstone of his fiancée’s mental health recovery. The original image, posted in 2017, has since become both a meme and a touching tribute.
While later misidentified as other viral cats such as Dingus from TikTok user @BigOldBuns or Uni the Cat, it is Jess’s iconic photo and presence that define the true Maxwell legacy.
How Is the Maxwell the Cat Meme Used on Social Media?
Maxwell appears across platforms like TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube, typically used in: Spinning Cat Edits, Reaction Edits, Sound Variants and Fan Art and Tribute Videos.
Check how the meme used below:
- Spinning Cat Edits: Maxwell spins to memeable or nostalgic music.
- Reaction Edits: Used as a surreal or non-sequitur punchline.
- Sound Variants: Users add “Maxwell’s Theme” or humorous SFX to remix the cat’s loop.
- Fan Art and Tribute Videos: Animators and illustrators reinterpret Maxwell in imaginative ways.
Examples include:
- A humorous Half-Life 2 video by Awesome Te4m on YouTube, posted October 25, 2022.
- A viral spinning GIF shared by @blastycat on Twitter, November 4, 2022 (34.1K retweets, 161.3K likes).
- A remix edit by @hacer_kun captioned “You have acquired CAT!” (1.4M views, 171K likes).
Maxwell the Cat Meme Evolution: Variations and Spin-Offs
Spin-Offs of the meme includes Spinning Maxwell with Music, Mashups, Photoshop Challenges and Maxwell the Cat Lore.
Here are the spin-offs of the meme:
- Spinning Maxwell with Music: Pairing the spinning cat with tracks like “Stock Market” by Weebl, dubbed “Maxwell’s Theme.”
- Mashups: Combining Maxwell with characters from Friday Night Funkin’, Floppa lore, or Quandale Dingle.
- Photoshop Challenges: Users hiding Maxwell in unexpected photos like “Where’s Waldo?”
- Maxwell the Cat Lore: Character, Storyline, and Role in the Silly Universe
FAQs
Who is Maxwell the Cat?
Maxwell is a tuxedo cat whose real name is Jess. She belonged to Imgur user Voidhawk42.
Where did the spinning animation come from?
It originated from a 3D model uploaded to Garry’s Mod Steam Workshop in October 2022.
Why is Maxwell spinning?
The spinning became a meme trend symbolizing internet absurdity.
What’s Maxwell’s real story?
Maxwell is Jess, a real cat who passed away in 2020. The meme immortalizes her image.
What music is used in Maxwell memes?
Most famously “Stock Market” by Weebl, dubbed “Maxwell’s Theme.”
Conclusion
Maxwell the Cat meme proves how a single photo of a pet can spiral into a cultural moment. From Imgur to Garry’s Mod to TikTok, this spinning tuxedo feline has captured the hearts of millions with nothing more than a still pose and a dizzying rotation.
Maxwell’s legacy is a testament to how the internet turns the ordinary into extraordinary—and how cats will always be at the center of it all.
