What do you call a pile of cats?

This joke purr-fectly exemplifies the humor mechanism of wordplay, specifically a pun. Puns rely on a word or phrase having multiple meanings, or on words that sound alike but have different meanings, to create a humorous effect. Here, the punchline cleverly combines the familiar feline sound "meow" with the word "mountain," creating a new, silly word that perfectly fits the image of a large pile of cats. It’s a classic example of how a simple phonetic twist can lead to a giggle.

While there isn't a formal "pile" as a collective noun for cats, the image of numerous cats gathered together is universally understood and endearing. Collective nouns for cats include "clowder," "glaring," or even "nuisance" for a group of feral cats, and "kindle" for kittens. But for a truly massive gathering, "meowtain" captures the playful absurdity of an overwhelming number of furry friends (Review). The joke leans into the common experience of cat owners or enthusiasts who know the joy (and sometimes chaos) of multiple felines.

Ultimately, the humor stems from the unexpected but logical connection made by the pun. It takes a common concept – a pile of something large – and injects a delightful cat-centric twist. It's a lighthearted reminder that sometimes the simplest linguistic shenanigans, especially when combined with our love for animals, can be the most effective in tickling our funny bones.