The Persian Cat Room Guardian meme features a handcrafted, poseable art doll created by artist Anya Boz. Contrary to popular belief that it is a real cat or a failed taxidermy attempt, the 'Room Guardian' is part of a series of dolls designed to protect rooms from negative spirits. The specific white Persian cat doll went viral in early 2016 after being posted on Instagram and Tumblr, where users fell in love with its intensely wide-eyed, startled expression. It is primarily used as a reaction image to convey feelings of extreme shock, disbelief, or the silent horror of watching a situation spiral out of control.