Optical illusion challenge: How many hidden cats can you spot in this image?
A tricky optical illusion on Facebook puzzled viewers who struggled to spot all the hidden cats.
Optical illusions have long fascinated the internet, offering puzzles that play with perception and challenge observation skills. A new brain-teaser making the rounds on Facebook has once again left users scratching their heads, as they attempt to find every cat cleverly hidden within a drawing.

(Also read: Optical illusion: Only 1 out of 20 people can locate four bunnies in just 10 seconds)
The Facebook post
The image, shared by Facebook user Arshdeep Soni, features a drawing of a cat resting under a tree. At first glance, it appears to be a simple sketch, but a closer inspection reveals a trick. Within the tree’s leaves and the surrounding bushes are several other cat faces, camouflaged among the branches and foliage. The challenge for viewers is to spot every single feline hidden in the scene.
Check out the image here:
Comments pouring in from puzzled viewers
The post has attracted more than 300 comments, with users debating how many cats they could see. One amused user admitted, “I thought there were only three until I zoomed in and found five more.” Another remarked, “These kinds of puzzles drive me crazy, but I can’t stop trying.” A third viewer confessed, “I gave up after ten minutes and still missed two.” Some found humour in their struggle, with one commenting, “I’m convinced some of these cats disappear when I blink.” Another claimed, “I think I spotted eight, but my friend says there are ten.” Yet another participant noted, “This is harder than any school exam I ever took.”
A test of patience and perception
While users continue to debate the exact number of cats, the puzzle’s popularity highlights why optical illusions never lose their charm. They spark curiosity, challenge the mind, and bring people together in a shared moment of playful problem-solving.
So, how many cats can you spot in this leafy puzzle? Some say the answer is obvious, others believe it is trickier than it seems. Perhaps the only way to know for sure is to take a closer look yourself.
ABOUT THE AUTHORMahipal Singh ChouhanMahipal Singh Chouhan is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times Digital, with nearly five years of experience in digital journalism and content production. His work primarily focuses on offbeat and trending stories that reflect everyday experiences and evolving conversations on the internet. He has consistently worked on transforming viral content and human interest stories into structured news pieces that engage readers while maintaining editorial clarity. At Hindustan Times, Mahipal contributes to identifying and developing stories emerging from social media trends, online communities, and real-world incidents that capture public attention. His approach involves adding context and journalistic perspective to fast-moving digital narratives, helping present viral moments in a clear and reader-friendly format suited for digital audiences. Before joining Hindustan Times Digital, he was associated with DNA India, where he gained experience in newsroom workflows and digital storytelling practices. Mahipal holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, Delhi. He is particularly interested in tracking emerging trends and understanding how online conversations evolve into broader public discussions. His work reflects a focus on accuracy, readability, and relevance in the rapidly changing digital news environment. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Mahipal takes an interest in history and sports and regularly works on improving his general knowledge, which complements his curiosity as a media professional.Read More

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