Polite Cat features a white cat named Ollie who became an internet sensation due to his distinctive, tight-lipped 'smile' that conveys a mix of politeness and extreme awkwardness. The image first gained traction in 2018 when it was uploaded to various platforms, though the famous expression is actually a clever Photoshop edit of the cat's real face. Known for its versatile use in reaction memes, Polite Cat is the go-to template for representing situations where one must remain civil despite being uncomfortable, confused, or unenthusiastic. It perfectly encapsulates the universal feeling of being a 'polite' bystander in an awkward social interaction.