Why are cat videos so popular? – Quiz

1. Read the text and answer the questions. 

1. What might we have been doing before we started watching cat videos?
We might have been doing something serious like looking for recipes or something for work.

2. What do many of us think are the characteristics of dogs?
Many of us think dogs are innocent, trusting and silly.

3. What do many of us think are the characteristics of cats?
Many of us think cats are independent, smart and untrusting.

4. Why is it not as funny to trick a dog compared with a cat?
Because dogs are trusting, it’s easy to trick them. Cats on the other hand don’t seem as trusting – so when you trick them, there’s more payoff.

5. Why is it funny to watch a cat pull a funny face?
Because it is unexpected and out of character.

2.  Choose the appropriate words or phrases to complete the following sentences.

1. I can’t stop laughing – I’ve got the giggles .

2. I thought she was so kind, but when I found out she had been spreading bad rumours, it really was a fall from grace.

3. Wow! Your video has so many views. I think it went viral .

4. I find these sorts of videos really engrossing . I can’t stop watching them.

5. Stop sending me memes . My inbox is overflowing with silly images! 

Why are cat videos so popular?

We’ve all been there. One minute you’re searching for something serious, like a recipe for dinner, or something for work, and the next you’ve been sucked in by endless videos of cats doing funny things after seeing a catchy title in your suggested videos column. They’re compelling, engrossing and captivating, and you can end up spending hours watching kittens make funny noises or mistiming jumps. But why do these videos so often end up going viral? What makes them so enthralling? And why are they more popular than dog videos?

First, let’s talk about stereotypes. When many of us think about dogs, we imagine them rolling over onto their backs, tongues hanging out, or making a mess. They seem trusting and innocent – and they do silly things. Cats, on the other hand, seem somewhat more refined and independent. There’s a reason we have an expression ‘cool cat’. In short, cats seem more serious – and savvy. If we can get one over on a cat and make them do something like get in a box that slides down a hill, it’s comical. But with a dog, it’s not as funny because they trust you – and it’s easier. Tricking a cat, due to their wiliness, has more payoff.

The internet is filled with videos of cats making funny faces or reacting strangely. But why are they so funny? Well, simply – it’s unexpected. If you saw a cat walking down the street coolly or observing and preparing to attack a mouse, it wouldn’t be funny. But if that cat was walking sideways, wearing a silly costume, or becoming best friends with the mouse, suddenly we might start to laugh. Watching a cat that is normally majestic walk clunkily or pull a bizarre face is hilarious because it’s not something we would normally associate with that animal. It’s like watching someone who is normally very serious get the giggles. In some ways, we’re all laughing at their fall from grace.