Australia’s internet culture has taken another quirky turn with the rise of Bender, famously known as Huh Cat. This rotund feline has captured hearts and gone viral, accumulating millions of followers across social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Bender, who weighs 13 kg, gained fame largely due to his meowing, particularly following the dubbing of videos with the now-iconic phrase ‘huh?’ The viral moment burst onto the scene seemingly overnight, with some videos showcasing his confused expression as he meowed about food, making him relatable to cat lovers everywhere. "It was an overnight success. I don’t know who did the dubbing of the ‘huh’. There were two videos; one went viral when he was by the refrigerator meowing to me," shared Bender's owner, 73-year-old Nellie Cage, who manages his social media presence from their home.
Cage lives with Bender in the quaint suburb of Tecoma, located 35 kilometers east of Melbourne, amid the scenic Dandenong Ranges. She, who never imagined herself becoming a content creator at her age, initially uploaded simple videos of Bender, never expecting them to resonate so broadly and deeply with people. "I started with bits and pieces and then one day I just posted him meowing, and his meow just went viral," Cage explained.
Since then, Huh Cat's presence has reached far beyond Australia; his face graced billboards across Russia, with affectionate fans creating artwork, plush toys, and even tattoos inspired by him. Bender's charm has led to numerous adaptations and offerings from his burgeoning fanbase. Inevitably, this international appeal has turned Bender not just events but encounters, as Cage noted, "The part that's surprising is how far people are willing to go to connect with Bender."
The impact of Bender's fame extends to Cage's grandchildren as well. Nine-year-old Bastian and his seven-year-old brother Ben have found their own joy and confusion at school as they share their unique family connection to the beloved meme star. Bastian stressed, "The kids at school say I’m lying. I think they’re jealous." Meanwhile, Ben remarked on Bender's appeal, saying his favoritism is rooted simply because “he’s famous and very fluffy too.”
Despite the charms of internet celebrity, Cage still describes herself as surprised by the situation. She admits her life has taken on vibrant new meaning since Huh Cat’s rise to fame. "I just wonder why. I think, how did this happen? I’m in awe. I’ll never understand it,” she admitted. Nevertheless, her daughter Nikki witnesses the transformation firsthand, expressing joy over her mother's newfound happiness, stating, “Not many people her age are doing this, but she is.”
Bender's personality shines not just through the screen but also within the walls of their home. Cage, with endearing pride, claimed, "He’s the boss of the house." Although he seems blissfully unaware of his meme status, Cage feels he senses the attention directed his way. When visitors come by, it’s Bender they seek out, not her. “I think he knows. He’s the focus of attention,” she added.
At the core of this unexpected fame, Cage emphasizes the delightful simplicity of Bender's presence. Her heartfelt wish for the world is reflected in her conclusion about the Huh Cat phenomenon. "I just want them to be happy. Just the simplicity of it can make people feel good," Cage asserted.
So, whether it’s through captivating meows or the entertaining chaos of his antics, Bender the Huh Cat serves as more than just another viral meme; he’s become a joyful slice of everyday life, hence allowing countless users to beam with amusement and connect over the endearing antics of one fluffy feline.
