Morris, the Original Celebricat, Celebrates His 50th Adopt-i-versary

ORRVILLE, Ohio, Oct. 25, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Prior to scrolling through #catsofinstagram, we were obsessing over Morris, the original celebricat. 50 years ago, this famously finicky feline rose to fame and stole our hearts as the original spokescat for 9Lives® cat food. Originally adopted in October 1968 from the Hinsdale Humane Society in Illinois, Morris now serves as an ins-purr-ation to cats across the country.

"The last 50 years have been absolutely paw-some – a dream come true for a shelter cat," said Morris. "I had a humble beginning in the shelter, now I'm shaking paws, taking selfies, acting alongside my favorite celebrities and promoting cat adoption across the country. It's all in a day's work for the original celebricat, and all thanks to 9Lives cat food."

Morris' has earned countless accolades and accomplishments over his career - including everything from starring in movies and commercials to two runs for President. Some highlights of Morris' successful career as the official 9Lives spokescat include:

• 1969 – 1978: Morris stars in 58 commercials, resulting in one of the most successful advertising campaigns in television history
• 1973: Morris stars in the movie Shamus alongside a star-studded celebrity cast 
• 1988: Morris runs for President
• 2006: Morris leads the Morris' Cat Rescue adoption program, with over 1,000 cats adopted to-date
• 2012: Morris runs for President AGAIN
• 2014: Morris becomes social media savvy by joining Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
• 2015: The Museum of Broadcast Communications recognizes Morris as an Advertising Great
• 2018: Morris assembles his elite Cat Pack and takes CatCon 2018 by storm

Despite his fame, Morris has always been a passionate advocate for adoption. He has loved traveling the country, visiting countless schools and helping children and adults understand the importance of treating animals with kindness. In 2006, he launched Morris' Million Cat Rescue® to help save animals in need of forever homes. Morris understands the profound effect adoption has on animals, has never forgotten his humble beginning as a shelter cat, and is committed to helping shelter cats find homes and loving families. Since 1959, 9Lives cat food strives to celebrate and champion all cats. The brand is dedicated to the health and happiness of cats everywhere and believes that all cats deserve to live well. Visit www.9Lives.com to learn more about Morris' story as he celebrates his 50^th Adopt-i-versary this year.

About The J.M. Smucker Company
For more than 120 years, The J.M. Smucker Company has brought families together to share memorable meals and moments. Guided by a vision to engage, delight, and inspire consumers through trusted food and beverage brands that bring joy throughout their lives, Smucker has grown to be a well-respected North American marketer and manufacturer with a balanced portfolio of leading and emerging, on-trend brands. In consumer foods and beverages, its brands include Smucker's^®, Folgers^®, Jif^®, Dunkin' Donuts^®, Crisco^®, Café Bustelo^®, R.W. Knudsen Family^®, Sahale Snacks^®, Smucker's^® Uncrustables^®, Robin Hood^®, and Bick's^®. In pet food and pet snacks, its brands include Rachael Ray^® Nutrish^®, Meow Mix^®, Milk-Bone^®, Kibbles 'n Bits^®, Natural Balance^®, and Nature's Recipe^®. The Company remains rooted in the Basic Beliefs of Quality, People, Ethics, Growth, and Independence established by its founder and namesake more than a century ago. For more information about our Company, visit jmsmucker.com.

The J.M. Smucker Company is the owner of all trademarks referenced herein, except for the following, which are used under license: Dunkin' Donuts^® is a registered trademark of DD IP Holder LLC, and Rachael Ray^® is a registered trademark of Ray Marks Co. LLC.  

Dunkin' Donuts^® brand is licensed to The J.M. Smucker Company for packaged coffee products sold in retail channels such as grocery stores, mass merchandisers, club stores, and drug stores. This information does not pertain to Dunkin' Donuts^® coffee or other products for sale in Dunkin' Donuts^® restaurants.

SOURCE J.M. Smucker Company

Related Links

http://jmsmucker.com