Exclusive Q & A with THE Morris The Cat

Long before celebrity cats like Grumpy Cat and LIL BUB there was Morris the cat. Rescued from a California shelter, the orange tabby with purrsonality to spare is a legend. He’s gone through a few of his 9 Lives and is back bolder, brassier and sassier than ever with one thing on his mind: helping cats. We’re purring with delight to offer an exclusive Q & A with Morris.

Q + A with Layla Morgan Wilde and Morris the Cat

LMW: You are the original celebrity cat, with a long legacy of being an advocate for cat adoption. What is your # 1 tip for anyone

thinking of adopting a cat?

M: Get ready to give a lot of love and purrfection – I mean, affection. Adoption is a great way to go. Shelters have many wonderful cats that are looking for loving homes. After all, I, myself, was rescued from a shelter, which is the main reason I started Morris’ Rescue Watch and am advocating for adoption.

LMW: Orange tabby cats like you are popular but black cats are the least likely to be adopted in the U.S. and yet they are considered lucky in other countries. How do you feel about black cats?

M: Tabby cats, black cats, white cats, blue cats – ALL cats deserve to live well.

LMW: On your Facebook page, it says your birthday is Nov. 2. How old will you be and are you planning any special celebrations?

M: Well in cat years, and considering each of my 9Lives… it’s complicated. Does age really matter when you look great and feel great? But, oh yes, there will be celebrations! My birthday is practically a national holiday.

LMW: Do you have a girlfriend or BFF?

M: I don’t mean to brag, but I have several thousand BFF’s. We keep in touch on Facebook. A few of my BFF’s are becoming internet stars. You can check out their videos on Morris Rescue Watch.

LMW: In 2006, you adopted a mini me kitten called Lil Mo. Where is he now?

M: Lil Mo is living the dream with his human family, in Pennsylvania. We speak often.

LMW: What are your favorite treats and do you like catnip?

M: I treat myself regularly to the taste I love – 9Lives^® cat food. Wet, dry… the possibilities are endless!

LMW: Other celebrity cats like Grumpy Cat and Lil BUB are special needs cats but you are not. What do you feel the public needs to know about adopting special needs cats? And what do you think of Grumpy Cat and Lil BUB?

M: Understanding your cat’s special needs is the key to ensuring that they live well. Grumpy Cat and Lil BUB are great cats, and they’ve proven that their needs aren’t the only things that make them special.

LMW: Other celebrity cats have film, book and merchandise deals. Do you have any plans for a new book, calendar or Morris merch?

M: Right now, my focus is on helping shelter cats through Morris’ Rescue Watch, but you never know what is around the corner…Kitty wink.

LMW: Your fur looks healthy and well-groomed. What are your beauty and health secrets? Do you recommend wellness vet visits?

M: You’re making me blush! I’d like to think I’m naturally this handsome, but let’s face it – all cats, (even I) need regular check-ups. I definitely think a balanced diet is essential for a healthy coat, but I can’t give away all my secrets…

LMW: What is your favorite toy, game or form of exercise?

M: When I’m not taking cat naps, watching cat videos, and answering fan mail, I have to admit, I enjoy a good game of “Cat and Mouse” with my family.

LMW: Cats are now the #1 pet in America. Why do you think cats are culturally hot?

M: I hate to take all of the credit, but… you’re welcome.

LMW: You are the spokescat for 9Lives^® brand cat food. Tell us about your partnership with ASPCA^® to help cats in need.

M: Before I had a loving home and celebrity status, I was adopted from a shelter. Over the years, I’ve made it my mission to help cats everywhere live well. That’s why, together with 9Lives^® cat food, I’ve partnered with ASPCA^® to lead Morris’ Rescue Watch. Humans love watching cat videos, and who can blame them? Now, every time they watch a video, I will donate one meal to a shelter cat in need, up to 1 million meals! My friends seeking internet stardom can also upload their own video. We’ll choose three winners to receive a year’s supply of 9Lives^® cat food and a $3,000 donation to the shelter of their choice.

Check out X to see how you can help cats everywhere live well.

For more Morris and his unique brand of charm visit his Facebook Page where he loves responding to fans’ comments. Go say hi and tell him we sent you.

FTC disclaimer: This post is sponsored but our opinion remains our own.