The cat filter that many Snapchat users have come to know and love is officially called the Snapchat Cat Lens. This fun and popular augmented reality lens allows users to overlay a cute cartoon-like cat face with ears, nose, and whiskers over their own face when taking a selfie or video in the Snapchat app.
What Does the Snapchat Cat Lens Do?
The Snapchat Cat Lens uses advanced augmented reality technology to digitally overlay cat-like features on top of a person’s face in real-time. Here are some of the main effects and capabilities of the Snapchat Cat Lens filter:
- Adds cat ears that seem to seamlessly arise from the top of a person’s head
- Overlays whiskers on a person’s cheeks
- Transforms a person’s nose into a small pink cat nose
- Applies blushing pink cheeks
- Enlarges and brightens the eyes for a cutesy cat effect
- Detects and tracks facial features as the person moves their face
- Works in real-time selfie mode as well as on pre-recorded videos and photos
When used properly, the Snapchat Cat Lens can make a person appear as if they have temporarily transformed into a cute cat hybrid. The lens has become popular for taking silly and fun selfies as well as making viral videos.
How Did the Snapchat Cat Lens Get So Popular?
The Snapchat Cat Lens exploded in popularity shortly after its release in September 2015. There are a few key reasons this particular lens took off:
- It was one of Snapchat’s first major augmented reality lenses that performed facial tracking.
- The cat aesthetics and effects are cute, silly, and amusing.
- Influencers and celebrities like the Kardashians began using the lens and helped kick off viral trends.
- It created a way for Snapchat users to transform into a cute animal and entertain friends.
- Snapchat heavily promoted the lens upon release to its large userbase.
Once teenagers and influencers alike started playing with and sharing the lens, it quickly spread through word-of-mouth and social media. Various viral challenges like the Snapchat Cat Dance also amplified awareness. The lens has remained popular since its debut.
How Can You Access the Snapchat Cat Lens?
Using the Snapchat Cat Lens filter is easy and only takes a few steps:
- Open the Snapchat app and switch to the selfie camera mode. You may need to press and hold on your face on the preview screen.
- Tap the screen once and select the face filter icon in the right corner.
- Swipe left or right through the available lenses until you find the Cat filter.
- Tap the Cat icon to apply the lens effect.
- Angle your face appropriately so Snapchat can detect your facial features.
- The cat filter will overlay on your face in real-time as you move and take snaps!
Note that Snapchat often moves the Cat Lens into different sections of the lens carousel, so you may need to search for it. It’s most commonly found in the Misc or Animals sections.
Why Has the Cat Filter Disappeared Before?
Despite being one of Snapchat’s most famous lenses, the Cat filter has temporarily disappeared from Snapchat on a few occasions. Here are some of the reasons it has gone away for periods of time in the past:
- Snapchat removed it while making improvements to facial recognition and tracking features.
- Copyright issues arose over the cat art and design.
- It was taken down for seasonal refreshes when new lenses are highlighted.
- Glitches caused the lens to crash and be removed until fixed.
Fortunately, Snapchat has always ended up reinstating the iconic Cat Lens due to popular demand. But its temporary disappearances have made it even more coveted anytime it returns.
What Are Some Fun Examples of the Snapchat Cat Lens in Action?
Here are some fun ways people have used the classic Snapchat Cat Lens filter over the years:
- Dancing with the cat ears and nose booping up and down.
- Singing with the filter applied to make “meow” sounds.
- Letting pets play and interact with the filter.
- Using the lens on babies for cute effects.
- Applying the filter during conversations to be silly and casual.
- Recording videos getting “attacked” by an invisible laser pointer like cats do.
- The “Snapchat Cat Dance” viral videos and memes.
Part of what has made the lens so popular is all the creative, humorous ways Snapchatters have incorporated it into Snapchat culture. Expect people to continue finding new ways to use the classic Snapchat Cat Lens for laughs.
Can You Use the Cat Filter on Other Platforms?
Currently, the Snapchat Cat Lens and its unique facial tracking capabilities are exclusive to Snapchat. However, there are some options to essentially recreate the effect on other platforms:
- TikTok: TikTok has similar cat lenses such as Kitty Face and Meow Face to make cat sounds.
- Instagram: Instagram has a basic 2D Cat Face filter in Stories that adds cartoon ears and nose.
- Facebook: Facebook’s Spark AR platform has community Lenses like Fierce Cat that add animated 3D cat features.
- Zoom: Zoom allows uploading custom lenses, so you can create your own cat lens.
While not exact replicas, these alternatives let you get the cat look on apps beyond Snapchat. But the original Snapchat Lens still stands out as the go-to for cat transformations.
Does Snapchat Have Other Animal Lenses?
Yes, Snapchat has expanded their animal-themed lenses beyond just the classic Cat filter over the years. Here are some other popular animal lenses and filters you can try out:
Animal Lens Name | Effect |
---|---|
Dog Lens | Adds dog ears, nose, and tongue. |
Bunny Lens | Gives bunny ears and nose. |
Panda Lens | Applies panda eye makeup and ears. |
Fox Lens | Adds fox ears and nose. |
Deer Filter | Places deer antlers and nose. |
Snapchat has also created lenses for more exotic animals like tigers, elephants, bears and gorillas. Trying out the assortment of animal lenses can be just as fun as the original cat lens.
Does Snapchat Have Filters for Other Stuff Too?
Absolutely! While animal lenses have been popular, Snapchat has all kinds of augmented reality filters and lenses beyond just cats and dogs. Here are some examples of the variety you can find:
- Face warping lenses like Baby Face, Big Face, and Old Person
- Beauty lenses that smooth skin, whiten teeth, and more
- Masks and visual effects like Flower Crown and Butterfly Crown
- Caption lenses that overlay text like “Yaaas!” and “I’m So Fancy”
- Interactive animated lenses like the dancing hot dog
- Contextual geofilters for cities, events, and locations
- Collaboration lenses for status effects
- Holiday and seasonal lenses for Halloween, Christmas, etc.
New lenses go live daily, with many being timed exclusives. Part of Snapchat’s appeal is the variety of fun, wacky effects always being added into the mix.
Conclusion
The iconic Snapchat Cat Lens remains one of the app’s signature filters even years after launching. It’s evolved into a culture-defining augmented reality effect that epitomizes silly, viral Snapchat fun. While the lens comes and goes, it continues bringing joy and entertainment every time it returns. People just can’t get enough of becoming cute Snapchat cats thanks to the facial tracking capabilities that set this lens apart from the rest.