Most of those who know me, know me as the glamorous and impossibly handsome orange tabby celebrity spokescat for 9Lives® cat food; busy jet-setting around the world, surrounded by paparazzi, taking long cat naps on fluffy beds of catnip-filled pillows. The lesser-known tail is the one of how exactly I got to be where I am today…
My story dates back to 1968; Nixon was elected president, and America was rocking out to The Beatles. I, Morris the Cat, had taken residence at the Hinsdale Humane Society. My time there was safe but unfulfilling, as – like so many cats – I hadn’t found a family to adopt me. My shelter friends and I would spend the long days meowing from cage to cage just to pass the time until one of us was lucky enough to be adopted. We even developed our own code – Morris Code, of course.
One by one my friends were adopted, but there I sat. Until that one day. As he walked past my cage, I knew there was something different about him. He was Bob Mardwick, a professional animal handler and tabby talent scout. We caught eyes, and he lingered for a moment as if he saw something special in me! I knew right then he was my favorite person in the whole world.
The rest was a whirlwind! After Bob adopted me, I was whisked away and primped and primed. From photo shoot to commercial set, I was living well and began to warm up to my new life in the spotlight, not to mention all the 9Lives® cat food I could ever want! But most importantly, I felt loved.
Now, as the 9Lives® spokescat, I’m able to look back and reflect on how I got to be where I am today. I realize that in addition to my dashing good looks, I owe many thanks – to the Hinsdale Humane Society for giving me a place to rest my paws when I was down on my luck, and to Bob Mardwick and 9Lives® cat food for believing in me and giving me a loving home and chance at a new life. It’s these thanks I owe that inspire me to give back to my fellow felines living in shelters throughout the country.
In an ongoing effort to help every cat, everywhere live well, I’ve launched Morris’ Rescue Watch, inviting feline fanatics to help shelter cats just by doing what they love – watching cat videos. 9Lives® cat food and I have teamed up with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) to donate one bowl of food to shelter cats in need for every view of a cat video on MorrisRescueWatch.com, up to one million meals.
Many have already joined the watch to help donate food to shelter cats, which is why I owe Kimberley at SheScribes.com one more big “THANK YOU” for helping me to spread the word about Morris’ Rescue Watch. But, there’s still time to get involved. Visit MorrisRescueWatch.com and start watching those cat videos. Every video view will help feed a kitty in need. And trust me; the shelter cats will be forever grateful!
Kitty wink,
Morris.
Deb E says
What an adorable post by Morris. Kitty Wink, lol. So easy to watch a video to help feed the cats. Thanks for posting.
stephanie says
so cute!
Amy Orvin says
God bless Morris’ Rescue Watch and the ASPCA and all of the other people and organizations that help and save and give a great life to animals everywhere! I just donated another bowl!
chris piper says
I love Morris the cat! We adopted our cat from a shelter. Wish I could have taken more home with me.
Tammy S says
What a great story! It is such a simple way to give back. I think it’s great that they are helping the ASPCA.
Thanks for sharing this info.
Sherri Lewis says
I didn’t know that about him…. what a touching story! And what a great way to help out and have fun doing it…. I mean, who doesn’t love cat videos????
heather says
Ahhh Morris I remember you when I was a kid and I love you. Great post I love the way it is written too cute.
Mary Happymommy says
“Guest Post by Morris the Cat”…so adorable!
Sharon says
How wonderful! I had no idea of how Morris came to be and his history with the Humane Society! I always loved his commercials though and thought he was and is one handsome cat! It is wonderful that he’s still giving back in gratitude. I want to do my part as an animal lover and a foster care giver to help also. I will be watching the videos regularly as I’m sure many more cat lovers will also! I loved your post by Morris!
Seth says
Have to tip my cap to rescue leagues and shelters, as well as those who adopt the animals.
kristin sims says
i loved this story….i am the proud owner of four indoor cats, and i volunteer at our town’s no kill shelter regularly. thank you for this inspiring story.