Nyan Cat began as a viral internet meme in 2011, built around a pixel-art cat with a Pop-Tart body flying through space and leaving a rainbow trail behind it. The accompanying upbeat Japanese pop tune helped the short animation spread rapidly across YouTube, forums and social media, where it was remixed, parodied and turned into countless reaction images and videos. More than a decade later, the character remains shorthand for cheerful, chaotic internet humour, which is why short Nyan Cat voice clips still land instantly in memes and edits.