Longcat
Domestic cat (2002–2020)
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Shiro (シロ;[1][a] c. 2002 – 20 September 2020[3]), nicknamed online as Longcat, was a Japanese domestic cat that became the subject of an Internet meme due to her length. An image depicting her being held with "outstretched paws"[4] became popular on Japanese imageboard Futaba Channel, where it was nicknamed Nobīru-tan[b] (のびーるたん[c]) and Nobiko-san (のび子さん[d]) some time around 2005 or 2006.[1][5][3][6] She was reportedly 65 centimetres (26 in) "from head to toe".[6]
Japan
Longcat c. 2005 | |
| Other names | Nobiko-san (のび子さん), Nobīru-tan (のびーるたん), Longcat |
|---|---|
| Species | Felis catus |
| Born | 2002 Japan |
| Died | (aged 18) |
| Known for |
|
| Owner | Miko |
Subsequently, the meme spread to English-language websites, primarily 4chan's /b/,[3][7] where it was edited into various images, and even had a song written about it.[8] A backstory was invented for the cat, involving a world-ending battle called "Catnarok" with a nemesis named "Tacgnol" (resembling Longcat with the colors inverted).[3][7][8]
In a 2019 interview, Longcat's owner said that the cat was "originally rescued after being discovered on the street in 2002", and at the time was thin with gray hair; as she grew older, she became white and fluffy. The cat was deaf.[9] In 2019, Longcat's owner said that, at age 17, the cat no longer "climbed to high places" but was "relaxing and living her life".[8] In September 2020, after a period of ill health, Longcat was taken to the hospital, and died at age 18.[3][9][10]
A Pokémon design released in 2019, the "Gigantamax Meowth", was compared by some commentators to Longcat.[4][11]