It’s stuffed animal lover’s day, and how could I not talk about my favorite stuffed animal of all time: Pusheen the Cat. Pusheen is more than just an adventurous feline with a love of snacks and fashion — she’s an internet icon with millions of adoring fans (and I’m one of them).
You might think Pusheen has roots in Asia, particularly with her Hello Kitty collaborations, but you’d be mistaken. Pusheen actually hails from Illinois, born from the imagination of Claire Belton and inspired by Belton’s real-life shelter rescue childhood cat, who was named after the Irish word for kitten: “puisín”
Pusheen first appeared in 2010 on Belton’s webcomic Everyday Cute, where Pusheen’s round body, tiny feet (“peets’), and now-famous “toe beans” captured hearts immediately.
Her relatable and funny antics quickly gained an online following, particularly on Tumblr, and in 2013 Pusheen was selected as one of the first Facebook Messenger sticker packs. And yes, I got that pack and still have it in whatever iteration it is by now. People everywhere began to use Pusheen’s lovable expressions to convey all kinds of moods, whether pouncing on pizza, giving a paw-five (my favorite), or lounging in her favorite spot, the fridge.
Pusheen is known for her love of fashion, with a costume to fit every occasion. Her various personas like Pusheenosaurus, Mer-sheen, and Pusheenicorn reflect her adventurous side, while seasonal selections have Pusheen nestled happily in a pumpkin or accidentally (?) toppling a Christmas tree.
Pusheen also loves good food, and is known for her enormous appetite, happily indulging in pizza, pies, cookies, and ice cream—anything but plain old boring cat food! This part of her personality even inspired real-life products like Pusheen cereal and Pusheen coffee (both of which I tried) and pop-ups like the Pusheen café in Singapore, which opened in 2019 with Pusheen-inspired green tea buns, soft-serve ice cream, and other treats.
Pusheen’s family has become a significant part of her story, too. Her mom (Sunflower), dad (Biscuit), sister (Stormy, Krystal’s favorite), and brother (Pip) also appear in the comics, adding a cozy family dynamic to her adventures. Her circle of friends also includes characters like Sloth the sloth, Bo the parakeet and Cheek the hamster. This ever-expanding cast has helped fans feel like they’re part of Pusheen’s quirky little family.
All of this has helped Pusheen establish a vast merchandising empire. Her face and iconic stripes can be found on everything from plush toys, notebooks, and pajamas to backpacks, slippers, and even refrigerator magnets. The plush toys in particular are a fan favorite, with Pusheen often appearing in adorable costumes like her dragon and mermaid forms.
Companies like Gund and Hot Topic have embraced her aesthetic, and there’s even a popular book, I Am Pusheen the Cat, full of fan-favorite comics. Fans (like me) often incorporate Pusheen into their own decor, decorating their desks and computer stations with Pusheen-inspired trinkets and plushies. This connection to the culture of cuteness is part of what makes Pusheen feel so globally loved.
Her iconic status even reached the Museum of the Moving Image in New York, which featured her in its 2016 exhibit, “How Cats Took Over the Internet”, examining how cats like Pusheen became so popular online, noting that her cuteness and humor play perfectly into social media by giving people a quick dose of joy in their daily scrolls.
Pusheen’s impact goes beyond humor and entertainment; she has also used her platform to make a difference. In 2014, Pusheen partnered with the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) to raise awareness about hunger, releasing a special pack of Facebook stickers featuring Pusheen enjoying various foods, with proceeds supporting the WFP. With her enormous fanbase, she helped to bring attention to an important global issue, further endearing her to fans as a compassionate character who uses her influence for good.
In the end, Pusheen’s appeal boils down to her universal relatability and her endless charm. She is more than just a cartoon; she is a relatable figure for cat lovers and a cozy comfort to millions worldwide. Whether she’s curled up or decked out in a costume, Pusheen represents the little joys in life. She may be fictional, but her adventures resonate with real-life cat owners and lovers who see a little bit of Pusheen in their own pets (or themselves), creating a connection that goes beyond the computer screen.
Running In My Head 