32 Meowschievous Cat Memes Risking It All for a Taste of Tuna

Jesse Kessenheimer • Writer and Editor

Jun 12, 2026 9:30 AM EDT

Do cats know when they're being bad? Or can you train them to be purrfect law-abiding citizens?

The short answer is that cats absolutely know what they're up to. They know that when they bite our ankles in our sleep, when they stomp on our soft bits on the couch, and when they dash between our feet in the pitch dark of night, they are causing their hooman companions a fair bit of stress. Funnily enough, I think that cats thrive on this hooplah; they wouldn't continue their sneak attacks and general mischief.

Once, I attempted to scold my best friend's cat, and she looked at me with the most knowledgeable, feisty grin imaginable. Like the Cheshire Cat, the edges of her whiskers curled up, and the light in her eyes twinkled from imminent tomfoolery. Not only did this sassy cat know she was being bad, she was also relishing in it.

Meowschief is strong in the feline race, and they grow stronger with each prank, each toe bite, and every undeserved second dinner. Cats are clever little beings, manipulating our emotions with their cuteness and their cuddles, just long enough to get our guard down for a sneak attack. These silly kitty cat games are part of the reason cat lovers fawn over their felines, though. Enthralled by their surprises and tickling whiskers, humanity was born to serve the felines. We love that they surprise attack us before bed and we love that they grapevine through our feet as we walk to the restroom in the dark. Just like the cats, this chaotic energy is as thrilling as it is charming.

So the next time you try to scold a rebellious cat, just know that they know exactly what they did wrong, and they certainly will not be changing their behavior to accommodate your disapproval. This understanding between hoomans and felines has been strong for a millennium, and there's no amount of drizzled kibble gravy or kitty gogurts that will change that fact. Might as well get used to having a little criminal in the house, because that's what that orange, tabby, or Scottish fold feline is going to guarantee.