8 Cat Instagram Accounts to Calm Your Anxieties

November 03, 2016 | Filed in: Your Brain

Don’t worry—this isn’t another “cats are having a moment” post. Like many cat people, I was a fan of felines long before the Internet made them cool. And while I’ve certainly enjoyed the uptick in pictures of them online, their cuteness is hardly a new discovery.

Lately, though, cat photos have taken on a new purpose: assuaging election-season nerves. Regardless of your political affiliation, we can probably all agree with Hillary Clinton’s recent statement that the political climate makes people “want to unplug the Internet or just look at cat GIFs.” Whether you’re trying to escape political anxiety or just the regular kind, I can personally vouch for the calming effect of cat photos, and as we approach Election Day, it seems only fair that I share my favorites with you. Scroll through these furry faces to shake off the jangly aftershocks of reading the news (and don’t forget to vote!).*

1. @superhirocat: Existential captions paired with captivating videos of Hiro the cat, self-described “legend since birth.” I could watch him play with eggs all day.

Superhirocat, doing what he does best.

2. @breaded_cats: Cats and carbs in one account. I do love a multi-tasker!

Cats and bread.

3. @makicocomo: Don’t let the Japanese captions intimidate you: These photos of cats with (adorable, usually napping) toddlers require no translation.

Domestic feline bliss.

4. @millathecat: According to scientists, humans find cats cute for biological reasons—their large eyes are proportioned similarly to those of our own babies. Case in point: Milla’s eyes are enormous, and she is adorable.

Milla keeps it real.

5. princesscheeto: This account is downright artistic. Enjoy beautifully-composed shots of Cheeto the cat featuring bright backgrounds, food props, and creative cropping.

Cheeto does performance art.

6. @hamilton_the_hipster_cat: Hamilton has a perfect mustache. Need I say more?

Hamilton and his handlebar.

7. @albertbabycat: This list wouldn’t be complete without a kitten account, and it’s impossible not to be smitten with “munchkin cat” Albert, who has been known to pose in miniature bathtubs.

Albert fits… everywhere.

8. @kittersdoingthings: Featuring felines large and small engaged in everyday activities (cuddling with bulldogs and wearing hair nets, for example), there’s never a dull moment.