Throughout the ages, we humans have celebrated what could be described as some rather odd customs but now we have a vehicle to take that to a whole new level – the internet.
These days we are one click away from learning about all sorts of weird and wonderful things – including the funny, cute or artistic things our pets do.
However, not satisfied with just looking at videos in their own homes, later this year a Cannes for cats will take place at the second Walker Art Internet Cat Video Film Festival in America.
Last year an unexpected 10,000 people, some in costume, turned up at the Minneapolis centre to watch entertaining videos of cats on the big screen and this year they are hoping for even more.
The winner of last year's People's Choice category in the video competition was Henri the cat, entitled Henri – Paw de Deux, by Will Braden, which sees the black and white feline lamenting his life in French with English subtitles.
But why has something which started as people enjoying so called 'internet memes' – pronounced meems – in their own homes turned into mass entertainment?
The appropriately named Cat Evans, web editor for EDP24.co.uk, said: 'As with anything that a large number of people enjoy doing, or watching, they love to get together and share how they feel. There are already hundreds, if not thousands, of science fiction and comic gatherings across the country, and even more across the world. It's sharing what you like, with people like you.
'Memes are forms of communicating ideas in a quick and humorous fashion. The subject matter ranges from animals, to people, and even inanimate objects. They appear to be popular because of the 'mocking' or 'joke' nature of the subject. They are also very good at communicating expression, with very few words.
'I think it is because of that 'joke' aspect that animals in particular are so popular. To have a cat peeking its head through the ceiling in a curious manner sparked off a huge semi-cult of ceiling cat memes. Another, more recent example, would be grumpy cat. A cat who looks like he is fed up all the time. This has taken off hugely since the end of 2012, and has even sparked parody Twitter accounts and T-shirts. With grumpy cat, it's the juxtaposition of a positive quote, followed by a rather solemn face.'
If you happen to have a favourite cat video you can nominate it for the festival. For more details please visit www.walkerart.org/catvidfest.
To view the official Walker Art Centre cat festival playlist and many other cat videos click on the links at the top right.
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