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In MyMemeCards, the meme card game, “Smug Cat” is a rare card of the Memes World series 75, number 22496 of the collection, and the 79th 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 “Smug Cat” meme mean?
Smug Cat captures the pleasure of being quietly, annoyingly pleased with yourself. Half-closed eyes, a tight little smile, and the unspoken message “I told you so.” People post it after a small win, a polite but cutting reply, or any moment where they pretend to be innocent. The feeling is mocking pride rather than real anger. The image works because it adapts to any caption or background and instantly turns the cat into a calm troublemaker.
Where does the “Smug Cat” meme come from?
The picture first shows up on October 10, 2009, when a BodyBuilding forum member named Will_B drops it into a thread about underused images. It resurfaces in June 2010 in a discussion about a cat version of Trollface, then lands on FunnyJunk in late 2011 captioned “Smug cat approves.” In April 2014 an edit called Sushicat, with the cat sitting before a plate of sushi, takes off on r/funny. Over on Tumblr, users paste the face into scenes where it stares down a knife, creating the Knife Cat run of edits. Comparisons and fake trading cards followed.
- October 10, 2009A BodyBuilding forum member posts the cat photo in a thread of underused images.
- June 7, 2010The photo is reposted in the forum’s “Cat Trollface” thread.
- November 30, 2011It reaches FunnyJunk with the caption “Smug cat approves.”
- April 28, 2014The Sushicat edit takes off on r/funny.
How to use the “Smug Cat” meme
- Drop it under a reply that finally admits you were right all along.
- Caption it after a perfectly polite but devastating comment.
- Edit the face into a movie scene to crown the cat ruler of the room.
- Send it to a friend who just lost a bet they were sure to win.
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The “Smug Cat” card in MyMemeCards
| Number | No. 22496 |
|---|---|
| Rarity | Rare |
| Collection | Memes World series 75 |
| Fame | 69/100 · #79 of 300 |
| Recycle value | 10 MemeCoins (30 in Shiny) |
How to get the “Smug Cat” card
Every pack holds 5 meme cards, the first 3 of them Common; Smug Cat comes out of the Memes World series 75 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 “Smug Cat”
More cards of the Memes World series 75
Frequently asked questions
What is Smug Cat?
It is a photo of a cat with a smug expression, used as a reaction image. People post it to show they feel pleased with themselves in a slightly irritating way.
Where does the Smug Cat meme come from?
The earliest known post dates to October 10, 2009 on the BodyBuilding forum. It then spread to FunnyJunk, Reddit, Tumblr and Twitter.
What is Knife Cat?
Knife Cat is a Tumblr edit series that puts the Smug Cat face into scenes with a knife. It pushes the cat’s passive-aggressive vibe to the extreme.
How do I get the Smug Cat meme card?
Open a pack of MyMemeCards: “Smug Cat” is a rare card of the Memes World series 75. Your first pack is free, with no account, and you can also buy, trade or win the card at auction.
How rare is the Smug Cat card?
It is a Rare card. Rarity decides which pack slot can deal it, and what it is worth on the market.
Sources: Know Your Meme — Smug Cat · checked on October 18, 2026.
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