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“Colonel Meow” meme: meaning, origin and rare card

Colonel Meow refers to a fluffy Himalayan-Persian cat that went viral in 2012 due to his stern look.

MyMemeCards editorial teamPublished 8 min read
Colonel Meow meme
The “Colonel Meow” meme, 2012

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In MyMemeCards, the meme card game, “Colonel Meow” is a rare card of the Memes World series 72, number 21365 of the collection, and the 1st best-known meme of its 300 cards. Here is what the meme means, where it comes from, and how to get its card.

What does the “Colonel Meow” meme mean?

This meme expresses dismissive authority and judgment without appeal. It captures the attitude of a strict superior or parent observing with disdain. Users employ it to project false military gravity onto mundane situations, turning a simple frowning face into an imperative order or sharp critique of the immediate environment.

Where does the “Colonel Meow” meme come from?

The subject is Colonel Meow, a male Himalayan-Persian cross adopted by Anne Marie Avey in October 2011. His fame began in 2012 after the creation of a Facebook page dedicated to his severe facial expressions. Images circulated widely on social platforms like Reddit, Instagram, and BuzzFeed. The major media relay came from The Daily What in September 2012, though the exact date remains uncertain. A YouTube channel also existed, but the origin of the viral video is undocumented. The pair was interviewed on *Anderson Live*, without a confirmed date. The name attributes a prestigious military status to the feline, amplifying his natural menacing appearance to create a satirical character.

  1. 2011Anne Marie Avey adopts the cat and names him Colonel Meow.
  2. 2012Creation of the Facebook page highlighting his severe expression and start of virality.

How to use the “Colonel Meow” meme

  • Add a dictatorial caption to a photo of your boss to criticize their micromanagement style.
  • Use the image to comment on a news article by simulating supreme contempt for an absurd update.
  • Post a card reacting to a chaotic household situation while feigning the authority of a head of state.

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The “Colonel Meow” card in MyMemeCards

Colonel Meow card
NumberNo. 21365
RarityRare
CollectionMemes World series 72
Fame70/100 · #1 of 300
Recycle value10 MemeCoins (30 in Shiny)
Rarities of the Memes World series 72: 300 cards
  • Rare300100%

How to get the “Colonel Meow” card

Every pack holds 5 meme cards, the first 3 of them Common; Colonel Meow comes out of the Memes World series 72 as a rare card. The pack odds say what each rarity weighs.

Your first pack is free and needs no account. After that a new free pack lands every 10 minutes, up to 3 waiting for you. You can also buy the card with MemeCoins on the market, bid for it at auction, or trade it — and a double recycles into 10 MemeCoins.

Open your free pack

5 meme cards, one of them at least Rare. One free pack per person.

Free · no account needed

Odds per card, averaged over a pack: Common 72%, Rare 23.9%, Epic 3.2%, Legendary 0.56%, Mythic 0.3%, Full Art ≤ 0.1%, Shiny 0.2%. Cards 1 to 3 are always Common, cards 4 and 5 climb the rarities. Rates drop for cards that circulate a lot. Details

Memes like “Colonel Meow”

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Frequently asked questions

Who is Colonel Meow?

He is a Himalayan-Persian cat who became famous on the internet around 2012 for his grumpy and authoritative appearance.

Why is Colonel Meow famous?

His popularity stems from his ability to look perpetually unhappy, exploited by humorous military-style captions.

What is the origin of the #spreadthefrown hashtag?

This hashtag accompanied posts about the cat, inviting users to share his frowning expressions rather than smiles.

How do I get the Colonel Meow meme card?

Open a pack of MyMemeCards: “Colonel Meow” is a rare card of the Memes World series 72. Your first pack is free, with no account, and you can also buy, trade or win the card at auction.

How rare is the Colonel Meow card?

It is a Rare card. Rarity decides which pack slot can deal it, and what it is worth on the market.

Sources: The Complete History of Internet Cat Memes: From Caturday to ... · RIP Colonel Meow, World's Furriest Cat, Dead at 2 · Colonel Meow : Un militaire au regard persan - La chronique facile du mercredi · checked on October 13, 2026.

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