Five cats curled up inside a Starlink antenna’s bowl in a photo posted by Canadian customer Aaron Taylor on December 31, 2021. The dish was warm because of its snow-melting function—not because it was designed as a pet bed. The image spread widely online and was covered by news outlets in January 2022.
What happened in the viral Starlink cat photo?
Taylor’s December 31, 2021 post showed five cats tucked into the concave surface of his Starlink user terminal. He joked that the system worked well until the cats discovered its unintended second job as a “butt warmer.” The image was widely shared, with Daily Paws and The Guardian covering it on January 10, 2022. This is a story from late 2021, not a new viral event.
The equipment is more precisely called a Starlink antenna or user terminal. It connects a home to Starlink’s satellite network; it is not itself a satellite. The terminal belonged to Taylor, a customer—not to Elon Musk personally.
Why was the Starlink dish warm?
Starlink terminals have a heating function intended to help melt or prevent snow accumulation on the antenna. In cold weather, the cats apparently found that warmth appealing. “Butt warmer” was the joke, not the product’s purpose: the equipment was designed for connectivity and snow management, not for animals to sleep on.
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#1 Best Overall
- Starlink provides reliable high-speed, low-latency, internet wherever you live
- Service plan required, activate STARLINK by selecting a service plan that is customized to meet your personal needs
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- Get online in minutes, set up STARLINK with just 2-steps, plug it in and point at the sky
- STARLINK comes with everything needed to get online including a kickstand, gen 3-router, cables and power supply
The reporting does not establish an exact surface temperature, and the dish should not be assumed to be uniformly warm. It also does not show that every Starlink terminal will attract cats.
Did the cats stop the internet?
According to Taylor’s follow-up, the cats slowed the connection and interfered with movie streaming, but did not shut the service down completely. He planned to move the antenna higher to make it less inviting. The coverage does not report that the cats permanently damaged the equipment or caused a total outage.
Rank #2
- Bundle Includes: STARLINK - Mini Kit AC Dual Band Wi-Fi System - White
- FAST SATELLITE INTERNET ANYWHERE: Access high-speed, low-latency internet even in and rural areas using the global Starlink satellite network. Designed by SpaceX, the Starlink Mini Kit provides dependable connectivity without wired infrastructure, making it ideal for travel, camping, work, off-grid cabins, RV setups, and locations with no traditional broadband options.
- COMPACT AND PORTABLE DESIGN: The Starlink Mini is small enough to carry in a backpack yet powerful enough for daily use. Its portable, all-in-one design includes an integrated Wi-Fi router, DC power input, and rugged housing suitable for on-the-go applications. Whether at a campsite, construction site, or temporary location, Starlink Mini offers quick deployment and reliable performance.
- EASY TWO-STEP SETUP: Get online in minutes—simply plug in the Mini, point it at the sky, and connect. The kit includes everything needed for installation, including a kickstand, pipe adapter, power cable, and power supply. Use the Starlink app to find a clear sky view, check obstructions, explore mounting options, and manage your Starlink account and hardware settings.
- BUILT-IN ROUTER WITH WI-FI 5: The Starlink Mini includes an integrated dual-band Wi-Fi 5 router for strong wireless coverage and stable speeds. A built-in ethernet port provides wired connectivity for routers, mesh systems, gaming devices, or network hardware. Average power consumption of 25–40 watts supports efficient operation in off-grid or mobile power setups.
Did the cats have shelter?
Taylor told reporters that the cats had access to a heated cat house, food, water, and shelter. The Guardian reported that temperatures were around −25°C and that the cats could return to shelter after sunset. In Taylor’s account, they chose the antenna despite having another warm place available.
That context helps explain the photo, but it is not a veterinary assessment or a guarantee that resting on active equipment is safe. The story provides no veterinary evaluation or verified measurement of the antenna’s temperature. Pets should have appropriate shelter, and equipment should be placed according to its manufacturer’s guidance rather than treated as a substitute for a pet bed.
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- Gen 3 Satellite Dish: Third-generation antenna delivers a stronger, more stable signal and faster performance.
- Wi-Fi 6 Router: Modern router technology supports faster speeds, increased device capacity, and better efficiency.
- Extra 150FT Cable Included: Extended reach for more flexible installation in large spaces or hard-to-access locations.
- High-Speed, Low-Latency Internet: Stream HD content, video conference, or work remotely with confidence.
- Ideal for Rural and Remote Areas: Perfect for homes, cabins, RVs, boats, and off-grid setups where wired internet isn’t available.
What the photo does—and does not—show
The photo shows five cats using one customer’s Starlink antenna as a warm resting spot. Taylor said their presence affected performance, but the service continued. It does not establish equipment damage, a general risk to Starlink users, or any involvement by Musk in the post. The heat came from a snow-management function; the cats simply found a use for it that the designers did not intend.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Ultra-Portable Design: Measuring just 11.75" x 10.2" and weighing under 2.5 lbs, the Mini is compact enough to fit in a backpack, making it perfect for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Integrated Wi-Fi Router: Equipped with Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and dual-band 3x3 MU-MIMO, it supports up to 128 devices, ensuring seamless connectivity for all your gadgets.
- High-Speed Connectivity: Experience download speeds over 100 Mbps, suitable for streaming, video calls, and browsing, even in remote locations.
- Low Power Consumption: Operates efficiently with a power draw of 25–40W, and can be powered via 12–48V DC input or USB-C PD battery packs, ideal for off-grid setups.
- Quick & Easy Setup: With the included kickstand and pipe adapter, setting up the Mini is straightforward, allowing you to get online in minutes.
Rank #4
- Not official Starlink Bundle. No warranty.
- This is not an official starlink bundle. Purchasing this item does not come with a Starlink warranty.
- This is not Starlink. You will not receive a warranty with this bundle created by an outside seller.
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