Meet Wilfred the 'Sad Cat.' The Internet Has Fallen in Love with His Stare of Sorrow
Feeling downtrodden, awkward, or ungainly? Someone out there thinks you’re ideal, exactly the way you are.
Not completely convinced? A curious-looking cat named Wilfred might have some especially interesting perspectives to share — that is, if he could actually talk.
Sure, this distinctive Chinchilla Persian may not technically possess the gift of gab. Nonetheless, Wilfred is winsomely expressive, in his own unique way.
Wilfred’s singular “sad-face” has, in fact, taken social media by storm. But his owner, 34-year-old Jenna Millward, thinks his cranky-looking countenance is “purrrr-fectly” pleasing.
Oh, of course, she’s received a smattering of concerned inquiries from people in different parts of the world.
“’He has global appeal,” Millward admits. “I’ve had people from Russia, America, Spain, and China get in touch.”
Some of these folks want to know if Wilfred is in some sort of pain. Others accuse her of Photoshopping his utterly unique expression.
That’s probably because, even on his best day, Wilfred appears to be just … a little bit grumpy. Maybe it’s that sweep of stark white fur, or those sharp pearly whites that represent what is perhaps the most pronounced feline underbite on the planet.
But Millward, who lives in north London, agrees that her kitty’s colossal and protruding eyes are perhaps his most arresting feature. “As Wilfred has grown, he’s become more and more striking and unusual looking,” she tells the Daily Mail.
“I’ve had people ask me, ‘What is it? What’s wrong with him?’” she says. But Millward is quick to assert that “it’s not trickery — he’s definitely the real deal.”
Millward explains that her fluffy friend checks out medically. “As far as I’m aware, there’s nothing wrong with him,” she notes, emphasizing that the vet has given her sweet kitty “a clean bill of health.”
But what about that charmingly enormous underbite? Millward offers assurances that Wilfred “doesn’t have any tell-tale signs of difficulty breathing, like pugs and bulldogs can.”
In fact, Wilfred’s devoted owner would actually describe this despondent-looking puss as “a very happy and healthy cat.” And she’s got plenty of endearing examples to back it up.
The 21-month-old feline is “like this sleepy little ragdoll who stays in your arms and purrs constantly,” Millward explains. She says that Wilfred “normally loves to sit by the bath and watch me — he’s very entertained by the bubbles.”
Millward even mentions that Wilfred has joined her at the local pub, nonchalantly hanging out while his human companions enjoy a quick pint. Evidently, he relishes the occasional social engagement.
Certainly, there have been a few comical comparisons posted here and there. Millward notes that “people have mentioned Kyle, the family pet from Despicable Me; the worm from Labyrinth; and the cat from Frankenweenie, Mr. Whiskers.”
But Millward characterizes her happy cat as entirely unfazed. He’s loving life, ignoring any comments that might ruffle his fur, and simply appreciating the humans who adore him.
It stands to reason, after all. Wilfred’s pedigreed name is actually “Fearless Warrior.”
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