Adorable Cat Named Ikiru Is Formally The Uncrowned King Of Bleps
Ikiru did not need long to win people over. The Yorkshire cat, with his tiny blep and permanently amused expression, turned a simple breeder photo into the start of a full-blown internet obsession.
Rich and Emma brought him home after falling for his look and personality, then later started sharing his daily antics on Instagram. Since then, the exotic shorthair has become a small celebrity, thanks to the goofy faces, upside-down stares, and tongue-out moments that make strangers stop and stare.
His owners say the little cat is every bit as charming in real life, and his fans seem to agree. Read on.
1.

The cat is named after one of his owners' favorite movies, and "Ikiru" means "to live" or "living" in Japanese. "He's loving, affectionate, and grumpy in the best way. Ikiru is also playful and endlessly amusing. One particular quirk is that he loves tunneling and hiding underneath things like blankets or sheets of paper, or staring at you upside down from the corner of a room."
2.

Rich and Emma say that Ikiru constantly makes them laugh with his escapades and facial expressions, and they are thrilled to share him with others via social media. "We receive messages from all around the world, saying his silly faces, cuteness, and personality brighten their day. He even inspires fan art; people create fantastic illustrations that really capture his cheeky character."
3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Speaking of iconic facial expressions, it’s hard not to think of blepping cats with tongues out, like the internet’s favorite Puss in Boots lookalike.
11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

Want another “blep” moment like Ikiru’s, check out 50 cats’ tiny-tongued blep faces that made the internet laugh.