Morris the Cat

Morris the Cat is one of the most famous advertising animals in American history — a big, laid-back orange tabby who became the long-running mascot of 9Lives cat food. The original Morris was discovered in 1968 at an animal shelter in Lombard, Illinois, by animal trainer Bob Martwick, who spotted his striking looks and unflappable personality and rescued him from the shelter just in time. Renamed Morris, he made his commercial debut in 1969 and was an instant hit. His on-screen character was that of the world's most finicky cat — an aloof, opinionated feline who would turn up his nose at any food except 9Lives, delivered with a wry, world-weary inner monologue voiced in the adverts. That self-assured, hard-to-please persona struck a chord with cat owners everywhere, who recognised their own pets in him. Morris became so beloved that he 'ran' for President of the United States as a publicity campaign in 1988 and 1992, 'authored' books, and even won a PATSY Award, the animal-acting equivalent of an Oscar. The original Morris died in 1978, but because he was a brand character rather than simply one cat, the role has been passed down to a succession of look-alike rescue cats ever since — and the casting of shelter cats became a deliberate, ongoing part of the brand's identity, helping promote pet adoption for decades.