Nick Miskie, the creator behind @bap.kat, shares how his rescue cat Noelle turned into one of the internet’s most beloved feline personalities.
When did your relationship with Noelle begin?
We got her as a Christmas present in 2016. She was 1 year old at the time, and we adopted her from a rescue shelter in Colorado. Over time, we got closer, especially after the move from Colorado to Tennessee, and I think the real start of the duo was when she decided to play games. That quickly called me to be in her presence 24/7.
What made you decide to start Bap.Kat on social media?
It happened during COVID-19. She was rolling around on a deck of Cards Against Humanity, and I jokingly read one of the prompts out loud while filming. The video took off, and from there, we just kept leaning into her personality, and it kept growing organically. The voice she was able to take on with those cards was the perfect amount of humor needed in that time, and I think that was the key to its success.
Aside from playing Cards Against Humanity, what daily habits keep Noelle healthy and happy?
She’s all about the simple things: bird-watching, playing with her toys, and her signature “playing dead” routine. She’ll plop on her back as if she’s been shot, and I mistake this for a need for belly rubs quite often. She gets the occasional catnip treat, plenty of naps (probably dreaming about world domination), and, of course, her daily zoomies.
What kind of nutrition do you look for when choosing food for Noelle?
We try to keep her diet as clean and simple as possible, with fewer ingredients and more natural options. She’s prone to bladder stones, so low-sodium, high-quality food is really important for her health. We keep plenty of cat grass on deck so her digestion runs smoothly as well!
What are some ways to create a more enriching environment for cats?
Creating enrichment is really about tapping into natural instincts and creating a connection. Noelle loves a good hunt, whether it’s a bird, some toys, or a lewd punchline by bapping cards. Playtime is super important to keep her stimulated and engaged as much as possible. We rotate her toys and have places for her to climb or scratch all throughout her domain to ensure she can do cat things 24/7.
Apart from the classic cat things, she itches to do human things too. She hangs in the kitchen watching us cook, attempts to type on my laptop all the time, and whenever it’s game night, she’s always loafing on friends trying to find her space. She loves to be connected with us in whatever way she can. That connection, along with her love for games, has evolved into her very own card game, Booze & Pets. We’re hoping it not only meets her needs but also helps create that same sense of connection for other pet parents!
What has Noelle taught you about being a cat owner?
She’s taught me that cats have boundaries and that earning their trust is something you build over time. You can’t force their affection, but when they choose you, it means everything. She’s made me more patient and more appreciative of the little moments, both between us and in life.
She’s also incredibly intuitive with emotions. She’ll come sit on my chest and purr when I’m upset, almost like she knows exactly what I need. At the same time, she’s very aware of her environment and isn’t afraid to step away when she’s uncomfortable, but shows up when she feels it’s right. She’s taught me to trust my instincts more and shown me that even though she can be a little chaotic at times, she’s deeply loyal, intelligent, and loving, even in her questionable responses.
