Viral pet cat photos trend on Japanese social media

Social media users in Japan are sharing viral stories regarding the humorous and dramatic transformations of their pet cats.

One X user, @tonotohon, gained significant attention after capturing a pet camera image of their cat, ‘Tono’. The cat was seen sleeping on its back with its legs spread wide, a pose that users described as looking dignified or like a ‘lord,’ fitting its name.

In another trending post, X user Caroline (@mayomayo74) shared the dramatic physical change of her cat, Koume. Photos compared the cat at two months old, described as an ‘angelic’ kitten with large eyes, to its current one-year-old appearance, which features a much more intense and dignified expression.

Separately, data from the Pet Food Association indicates that the cost of raising cats in Japan has been steadily increasing annually between 2021 and 2025, with rising expenses for medical care and food.