Picky eater cat goes viral for hilarious critique of owner’s food

The Rise of Milo the Critic: A Cat with a Discerning Palate

In a world where pets often steal the spotlight on social media, Milo, a ginger tom cat from Minnesota, has carved out a unique niche for himself. Milo has become an internet sensation, not for doing tricks or looking particularly cute (though he is undeniably charming), but for his hilariously blunt reactions to the food his owner, Tammy Smith, offers him. His unfiltered responses have earned him the title of "Milo the Critic," and his TikTok account, @milothecritic, has become a go-to destination for laughter and entertainment.

Milo’s Unique Food Criticism Ritual

The premise of Milo’s viral fame is simple yet endlessly amusing. Tammy Smith, a 40-year-old from Minnesota, often records videos of herself offering Milo a taste of her meals. She presents him with a fork or spoon containing whatever she’s eating—whether it’s a spoonful of soup, a bite of mac and cheese, a piece of salami, or even a McDonald’s chicken burger. Milo’s response is almost always the same: he sniffs the food cautiously, then dramatically gags, often to the accompaniment of Tammy’s laughter.

It’s a ritual that has captivated millions. One compilation video, posted on February 5, shows Milo reacting to a variety of dishes. He turns up his nose at soup, enchilada, mac and cheese, pasta, and even a McDonald’s meal, each time gagging in an exaggerated fashion. However, in a surprising twist, Milo’s demeanor changes when he encounters a piece of roast beef left on the sofa. He sniffs it, seems to approve, and happily devours it.

The Science Behind Milo’s Dramatic Reactions

While Milo’s reactions might seem like a comical way of expressing disdain for certain foods, there’s actually a scientific explanation behind his behavior. According to Tammy, Milo’s gagging is part of what’s known as the "flehmen response," a natural reflex that cats use to process smells. This response involves the vomeronasal organ, located on the roof of a cat’s mouth, which helps them detect pheromones and other scent-based information. When Milo gags, he’s essentially allowing air to pass through this organ, giving him a more detailed analysis of the food’s scent.

While the flehmen response is a normal and voluntary behavior for cats, it’s not extremely common, which makes Milo’s reactions all the more fascinating to watch. Tammy finds the situation both amusing and endearing, especially since Milo often ends up eating the food he initially gags at.

A Social Media Sensation is Born

What started as a joke among friends quickly turned into a full-fledged social media phenomenon. Tammy initially posted Milo’s videos on her personal Facebook page, where they garnered attention from her friends. Encouraged by their enthusiasm, she decided to create a dedicated TikTok account for Milo, a decision she never could have anticipated would lead to such widespread fame.

Today, @milothecritic has become a beloved corner of the internet, with some of Milo’s videos racking up millions of views. The compilation video, for instance, has been viewed over 63,000 times, with fans laughing at Milo’s dramatic reactions and sharing their own stories of how much joy he brings them.

The Community’s Love for Milo

Milo’s impact on his audience extends far beyond mere entertainment. For many, he has become a source of joy and comfort. Fans have shared stories of how Milo’s videos have brightened their days, lifted their spirits, or even helped them through tough times. Tammy has been touched by the outpouring of love for her pet and cherishes the stories people share about how Milo has made a difference in their lives.

The TikTok community has also had a blast engaging with Milo’s content. One commenter joked about how Milo’s food reactions reminded her of her own experiences during pregnancy, while others marveled at his dramatic gagging and even compared him to a "bougie" (bourgeois) cat due to his selective eating habits. The video where Milo finally eats the roast beef has become a fan favorite, with many expressing surprise that he actually enjoyed something after rejecting so many other options.

From TikTok to Merchandise: Milo’s Legacy Expands

As Milo’s fame grew, so did the opportunities that came with it. Encouraged by his online success, Tammy decided to expand Milo’s reach beyond TikTok, creating accounts on YouTube and Facebook to share more of his adventures. She also began selling merchandise featuring Milo’s iconic mid-gag face, a move that has delighted fans and provided a fun way for them to show their love for the discerning feline.

For Tammy, Milo’s journey from a beloved family pet to an internet sensation has been nothing short of astonishing. "He brings a lot of people joy," she says, "and I love when they share that with me." Beyond the fame and merchandise, Milo’s story is a heartwarming reminder of how pets can bring people together and create moments of shared laughter and connection.

A Pet with a Purpose

In a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming, Milo’s antics offer a much-needed escape. His dramatic food criticism, while hilarious, also speaks to the unique personalities of pets and the ways in which they enrich our lives. For Tammy, Milo is more than just a viral sensation; he’s a cherished companion whose quirks have brought joy to millions.

As Milo’s fanbase continues to grow, it’s clear that his place in the hearts of many is secure. Whether he’s gagging at a McDonald’s burger or savoring a piece of roast beef, Milo the Critic reminds us all of the simple pleasures of life—and the power of a good laugh.

If you’ve got a funny or adorable pet story to share, consider submitting it to the "Pet of the Week" lineup. Who knows? Your furry friend might just become the next internet sensation!