If you’ve been online lately, you’ve probably seen it – the photo of a cat on the stairs that has the internet buzzing. Is the cat going up or coming down? Just like the infamous “dress” debate that divided opinions, this new puzzle has sparked heated discussions across social media platforms.
The internet has been in a frenzy as people form two distinct camps: the “going up” group versus the “going down” group. Each side has offered its own set of theories, backed by architectural and biological evidence, trying to prove their perspective.
But recently, the mystery seems to have been solved. According to a detailed analysis the cat in the viral photo is definitely walking down the stairs.
Breaking Down the Stairs’ Structure
To understand why the cat is heading downward, we first need to take a closer look at the construction of the stairs. A staircase is typically made up of three main parts: the tread (where you place your foot), the riser (the vertical portion between each tread), and the nose (the part of the tread that extends slightly over the riser).
In the case of the viral photo, the tread and the riser provide key clues. A close inspection of the stairs shows the nose of the tread extending outward, just as it would on a traditional staircase. This overhang is crucial to understanding the cat’s direction.
Shadow Clues: A Look at the Lighting
One of the strongest pieces of evidence comes from the shadows. If you look closely at the edge of each stair, you’ll notice faint shadows underneath the tread. These shadows would only appear if the cat were walking down the stairs, towards the viewer. Light coming from the top of the staircase casts these shadows, making it clear that the cat is descending.
Some skeptics have argued that the shadows could be anti-slip features designed for safety, but this theory doesn’t hold up. The supposed anti-slip strips stick up too high and would be unsafe if that were their actual purpose.
Walls as Evidence
A keen-eyed reader of Business Insider pointed out another important detail: the brick or stonework used to construct the walls on either side of the staircase. These materials are positioned in such a way that they sit atop the treads, further indicating the direction of the stairs. This structural detail provides another solid point in favor of the “going down” argument.
Case Closed?
After considering the architectural details and analyzing the shadows, it seems that the case is officially closed. The cat in the viral image is indeed walking down the stairs. While the debate may have entertained us for a while, the evidence points decisively to one conclusion.
But let’s face it – part of the internet’s charm is that it loves a good mystery. So, who knows? There may still be some die-hard “going up” supporters out there, refusing to admit defeat. Whether you’re team “up” or team “down,” this quirky debate has certainly kept the conversation going!
