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Every so often, a true American success story captures the public’s imagination, and the tale of Morris The Cat is purrfectly that. This isn’t just any rags-to-riches story; it’s the journey of a stray who became the most recognizable feline face in the world. Interestingly, this remarkable career was launched from the humble beginnings of the Hinsdale Humane Society.
In 1968, a charismatic cat originally named Lucky found himself at the Hinsdale Humane Society. Staff quickly recognized his captivating personality. This led them to contact Bob Martwick, a professional animal trainer from the Leo Burnett advertising agency. Martwick immediately saw star potential in Morris. During the audition for the 9Lives cat food commercial, Morris’s star quality shone brightly. As Martwick recounted in 1995, “He jumped on the table… and he walked right up to the art director, the big cheese, and bumped him in the head. And then Morris just sat back.” The art director’s reaction was immediate and decisive: “This is the Clark Gable of cats.”
From 1969 to 1978, Morris the Cat starred in an impressive 58 commercials. Paired with John Erwin’s dry wit in the voice-over, the 9Lives campaign became one of the most enduring and successful advertising campaigns in television history. Even decades later, Morris remains a beloved cultural icon, fondly remembered for his orange tabby charm and discerning palate.
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Despite his soaring fame and fortune, Morris the Cat remained grounded. He dedicated time to visiting local elementary schools during Be Kind to Animals Week, patiently allowing countless children to shower him with affection. The volume of fan mail Morris received was so immense that he required his own personal secretary. Proposals of marriage poured in, from both feline admirers and human fans alike. Morris’s star power extended beyond commercials. He appeared in the movie “Shamus” alongside Burt Reynolds and Dyan Cannon. Recognized for his outstanding contributions to the animal world, Morris twice won the prestigious PATSY award, the animal equivalent of an Oscar, in 1972 and 1973. Adding author to his list of accomplishments, Morris “wrote” three books and was the subject of a biography, “Morris: An Intimate Biography,” published in 1974. Interestingly, there are reports suggesting that Morris served as the inspiration for Jim Davis’s Garfield, another famous orange cat known for his distinctive attitude.
Morris the Cat was truly a media darling. US magazine named him “Animal Star of the Year.” He even hosted his own primetime television special, “Morris’ Salute to American Pets,” celebrating extraordinary and heroic animal companions. His television appearances were numerous and varied, including shows like “Good Morning America,” “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous,” and “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” solidifying his status as a mainstream celebrity.
When Morris passed away in July 1978, his obituary was featured in newspapers around the globe, a testament to his widespread fame and impact.
Continuing his legacy, subsequent cats to play Morris have all been rescue animals from shelters. Del Monte Foods, the company behind 9Lives, has effectively used Morris’s enduring fame to raise crucial awareness about the countless cats and kittens awaiting homes in animal shelters.
Noree Lieginger, brand manager for 9Lives, stated, “9Lives believes that every cat deserves a forever home. We are incredibly proud of the Morris’ Million Cat Rescue campaign, which successfully placed one million cats in new homes and helped educate the public on the importance of cat rescue. Given Morris’s deep connection to the Hinsdale Humane Society, we are immensely grateful to the organization for their invaluable contributions to the campaign’s success.” As highlighted in a 2007 Del Monte press release, “Despite all his accomplishments, it is important to mention that Morris never forgot where he came from.” From a humble stray discovered on the streets of Hinsdale to global stardom, Morris the Cat truly lived each of his nine lives to the fullest, leaving an unforgettable paw print on popular culture and animal welfare.
