Brainteasers are an excellent way to keep the mind in shape. It’s crucial to try to take a small break every day from work and obligations, so you can give your head some time to relax and recharge its batteries.

It is always necessary to concentrate when trying to solve any challenge. But perhaps it is even more important when facing a visual puzzle.

It’s easy to get a bit dizzy when looking at an illusion, so it’s important to focus as much as possible, even if it feels a bit difficult.

Which way is the cat walking?

Okay! Time for today’s challenge, an optical illusion that has divided the web, confusing people left and right.

When you see the picture below, you’ll understand why – it is a captivating creation.

Is the cat walking up or down the stairs?

Did you see it? As I said, it is essential to focus.

Were you unsuccessful? No problem, you are not alone. Below, we’ll reveal the correct answer.

A

B

C

ANSWER
Up or down?

The cat is going down the stairs.

First, look at the architecture of the stairwell. The nose of the stair treads is overhanging the riser, which has a pebbled texture.

9Gag.com and Megan Willett/Business Insider

If you look closely, there’s even a slight shadow under the overhanging nose of the stair treads. These shadows would only be visible if the cat was going down the stairs towards the viewer who is looking upstairs. The light coming from the upstairs landing is causing the shadow of the tread to fall on the riser:

9Gag.com and Megan Willett/Business Insider

Bricks or stones are typically placed on top of step treads to build up the wall surrounding the stairs. Here’s what that looks like in real life:

9Gag.com and Megan Willett/Business Insider

Finally, this is simply what a cat looks like when it’s going down the stairs — tail up for balance, eyes focused on the ground, and taking the stairs step by step.

What do you think, is it walking up or down the stairs?