Morris the Cat Announces Candidacy for President

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- With only a series of presidential debates to go before the big day, the excitement and anticipation of the upcoming election is enough to make your hair stand up – and for some four-legged contenders, it will! Today, the most famous cat-celebrity in the world and face of 9Lives^® brand cat food, Morris the Cat, announced he is officially running in the 2012 United States Presidential Election. Additionally, Morris extended an offer to the well-known Mayor of Talkeenta, Alaska, Stubbs the Cat, to be his running mate. As a champion for all cats, Morris' campaign platform features issues every feline can relate to, such as forever homes for all cats, eliminating empty food bowls, and freedom of attitude, to name a few.

"It's time to let the cat out of the bag - I'm running for President," said Morris the Cat. "As we head out on the campaign trail, my hope is that Mayor Stubbs and I put our best paw forward in representing all cats everywhere."

It's been more than 20 years since Morris' last run at the Oval Office, initially making history as the first feline to try for the presidency in 1988, followed by his second run in 1992. Although popular, Morris lost his bid for President in both elections. This time around, Morris is seeking the support of his fellow feline politician, Mayor Stubbs, in the hopes that his campaign platform featuring equality for all cats and a drive for feeding felines in need, hits home with fans nationwide.

"A future where every cat lives well is Morris' greatest passion, and it has certainly helped him gain supporters and a strong feline following," said Sue Resnicoff, Director of Cat Food Marketing at Del Monte Foods. "We believe every cat should live life to the fullest and we support Morris in his campaign platforms and bid for office in the 2012 Election."

THE PURRFECT CAUSE
In their drive to create a nation where all cats live well, Morris and 9Lives^® brand cat food have pledged to give back to cats in need for the duration of their campaign. Facebook visitors can download a free election poster, insert their own cat's face, and share with Facebook friends and Twitter followers, all in support of Morris' platform and vision. For each share of the campaign poster on Facebook, the Morris campaign will contribute one bowl of 9Lives^® cat food to Pets Are Wonderful Support, San Francisco (PAWS San Francisco), up to 3,000 lbs. of cat food. The mission of PAWS San Francisco is to preserve, support and nurture the human-animal bond for those most vulnerable in the community. To join Morris and Stubbs on the campaign trail, loyal followers may visit www.facebook.com/MorrisTheCat and click on the interactive tab for Morris' Campaign Headquarters.

MORRIS ON A MISSION
Morris' stance on feline policy is largely a product of his humble beginning, as he spent his early life as a shelter cat before being adopted and ultimately landing the role as the face of the 9Lives^® brand, promoting responsible pet ownership and pet adoptions through animal shelters. In 2006 and 2007, Morris led the 9Lives^® cat food-sponsored, Morris' Million Cat Rescue adoption campaign, traveling the country to raise awareness and facilitate cat adoptions. As he sets his sights on The White House, Morris continues to commit himself to ensuring a future where every cat lives well.

Morris' potential running mate, Stubbs the Cat, is currently serving his 15^th year as mayor after winning the 1997 election as a write-in candidate.

To find out how to support the Morris ticket, visit Morris the Cat's online campaign site at www.facebook.com/MorrisTheCat now through Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012.

About Del Monte Pet Products
At Del Monte, our pet products nourish and enrich the lives of pets and pet parents by providing great-tasting, high-quality and innovative products for dogs and cats and by encouraging them to enjoy an active lifestyle together.  With trusted brands including Meow Mix^®, Kibbles 'n Bits^®, Milk-Bone^®, 9Lives^®, Pup-Peroni^®, Gravy Train^®, Nature's Recipe^®, Canine Carry Outs^®, Milo's Kitchen^®, our products enrich the connection between people and the pets they love. As a provider of taste-oriented pet food and pet snacks, our products play a key role in the lives of millions of pet families everyday.

About Del Monte Foods
Del Monte Foods is one of the country's largest producers, distributors and marketers of premium quality, branded pet products and food products for the U.S. retail market, generating approximately $3.7 billion in net sales in fiscal 2012. With a powerful portfolio of brands, Del Monte products are found in eight out of ten U.S. households. Pet food and pet snacks brands include Meow Mix^®, Kibbles 'n Bits^®, Milk-Bone^®, 9Lives^®, Pup-Peroni^®, Gravy Train^®, Nature's Recipe^®, Canine Carry Outs^®, Milo's Kitchen^® and other brand names. Food product brands include Del Monte^®, Contadina^®, S&W^®, College Inn^® and other brand names. The Company also produces and distributes private label pet products and food products.

For more information on Del Monte Foods, visit the Company's website at www.delmontefoods.com.

Del Monte. Nourishing Families. Enriching Lives. Every Day.^®

Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS)
Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) is a human service organization that was founded in 1987 in response to the AIDS epidemic and the challenges it created in the community. Over the past 25 years, PAWS has expanded services to new groups of clients by offering services to people with disabling illnesses other than HIV/AIDS (2002) and to senior citizens (2007). Since 1987, PAWS has provided thousands of individuals in need with comprehensive companion animal support services – including a pet food and supply bank, dog walking, cat care, grooming, supplemental and emergency vet services, transportation to vet appointments, foster care when clients need long-term hospitalization and re-homing of animals when clients pass away. By providing these essential support services and educating the larger community on the benefits of the human-animal bond, PAWS improves the health and well-being of disabled individuals and the animals in their lives. Our mission is simple:  To preserve, support and nurture the human-animal bond for those most vulnerable in our community. But it goes deeper than that. At PAWS we believe that the human-animal bond not only fosters the health of our clients, but that it feeds their spirit as well. We nurture one of the most important relationships in our clients' lives.

SOURCE Del Monte Foods