Morris the Cat was the face of 9Lives cat food for what seems like forever. The Chicago-based, orange tabby cat was discovered in 1968 at the Hinsdale Humane Society. He quickly became a star, even acting opposite Burt Reynolds in the movie “Shamus.” And though it’s highly unlikely that the original Morris is back on the block, 9Lives is rebooting its Morris campaign with this cat here.
He’s wearing something that looks like Google Glass because, well, he’s a hip cat with all the coolest technological accoutrements. When you go to the new 9Lives website, you can take a walk with Morris through his eyes, so to speak. You can use your mouse and click on directives that tell Morris to hop on black pants, order cat food or take a nap in the sun. He’s got a full, feline social calendar.
He’s also has a Twitter account.
The Morris Guide to Understanding Humans – “Get Down” pic.twitter.com/42HQ3GFCCw
The Morris Guide to Understanding Humans - "Get Down" pic.twitter.com/42HQ3GFCCw
— Morris the 9Lives® Cat (@MorrisApproved) October 27, 2014
And while we all loved John Erwin as Morris the cat (and, 80’s babies bonus, he was also the voice of He-Man) this new Morris apparently has a new voice, too.
People of a certain, ahem, age will remember Morris in detail. For those, this commercial will bring back memories. And no, it doesn’t matter whether you ever owned a cat or not. That said, for more Morris history, scroll down a bit.
And last, but certainly not least, here’s what 9Lives officially has to say about Morris’ history:
The year was 1968, and an orange tabby from a Hinsdale, Illinois shelter was about to be put down…but fate intervened that day and smiled on a cat named Morris. It all started when talent scout Bob Mardwick wandered into the Humane Society looking to rescue his next big star. Morris was so charming at his audition that the art director commented, He’s the Clark Gable of cats. He went on to star in over 50 commercials and became one of the most famous cats in the world, winning awards and even appearing in a film with Burt Reynolds. Despite his celebrity, Morris has always had a social conscience. He has visited countless schools to promote kindness to animals. In 2007, he launched Morris’ Million Cat Rescue® to save those animals in need of a forever home. Morris has never forgotten his humble beginnings as a rescue cat. He and 9Lives® brand will continue to bring great taste and balanced nutrition to cats around the world. And Morris will not rest until every cat finds a home.
