Purina® Cat Chow® Real Stories Project Invites Cat People to Submit Their Cat Relationship Stories for an Opportunity to Win $5,000

ST. LOUIS, June 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Every cat owner has a story – from how you came to own your first cat to the way she greets you at the door every day – and now you have a place to share the once-in-a-lifetime events and everyday moments that make your relationship unique. Purina Cat Chow announced today the launch of the "Purina Cat Chow Real Stories Project Contest," a nationwide search to find, showcase and celebrate cat stories that highlight the special relationship between cat people and their cats, as well as the many ways our cats are always there for us. Purina Cat Chow is asking you to share your story for an opportunity to be one of five grand prize winners who receive a $5,000 cash prize.

From now until July 31, you can participate in the Purina Cat Chow Real Stories Project Contest by submitting your cat relationship story at www.yourcatstory.com. Five grand prize winners will each receive a $5,000 cash prize, a one year supply of Purina^® Cat Chow^® brand cat food for one cat, and have their cat relationship story told through a Purina Cat Chow brand online video. The winners' videos will be shared online with the Purina Cat Chow Community on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

"We believe the best stories come from real life, and every day we are inspired by the stories shared by our cat-owning community," said Vincent Biroscak, Purina Cat Chow brand director. "The Purina Cat Chow Real Stories Project furthers our commitment to unite the community of cat owners by collecting and celebrating their cat-relationship stories. Every cat owner has a story unique to them and their cat."

Purina Cat Chow is committed to telling and highlighting the real stories of everyday cat people. Purina Cat Chow recently launched a new national TV advertising campaign inspired by stories of real-life cat owners and new product packaging featuring five owners and their cats. 

To enter the Contest, cat people are invited to complete an online entry form, select a theme that best describes their story, options include: My First Cat, Why I'm a Cat Person, Forever a Cat Family, How We Found Each Other, Generations of Care, Always There for Me, and Memories. Upon selecting the story theme, cat people shall submit a brief written entry (600 characters or less) about their special relationship with their cat including a description of how he or she is always there for you. People may also include an optional photo or video (two minutes or less) that supports the story.

Purina Cat Chow will also recognize the cat relationship stories of five runners-up with a $1,000 cash prize each and one year supply of Purina^® Cat Chow^® brand cat food for one cat. In addition, 40 stories will receive an honorable mention and a $100 gift card. In total, the Contest will award more than $30,000 in prizes.

The Purina Cat Chow Real Stories Project is looking for stories about the comfort, support, friendship and connection that describe the cat-owner relationship – from head butt greetings-at-the-door moments to the way she wakes you up in the morning. People may also submit their story at www.facebook.com/purinacatchow or www.youtube.com/purinacatchow.

The entries will be evaluated using the following criteria:

• Originality in describing your special relationship with your cat(s) (30%)
• High quality storytelling captured in the essay and/or photo or video (30%)
• Effectively demonstrating the Purina Cat Chow brand belief of "always there for you" (40%)

Following the story submission close on July 31, an independent panel of judges will narrow the stories down to 10 finalists. Consumers will be asked to vote on their favorite stories from Aug. 28 – Sept. 18, 2012, at www.yourcatstory.com, www.facebook.com/purinacatchow or www.youtube.com/purinacatchow to help identify the winning stories. The winners will be announced on or about October 1, 2012.

About Nestle Purina PetCare and Purina Cat Chow Brand Cat Food

The North American headquarters for Nestle Purina PetCare is located at Checkerboard Square in St. Louis, Mo., where Ralston Purina was founded more than a century ago. Nestle Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, humane education, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. One of the leading global players in the pet food industry, Nestle Purina PetCare is part of the Swiss-based Nestle S.A. – the world's largest food company. With nutrition for each life stage, Purina^® Cat Chow^® brand Cat Food offers a family of products with 100 percent complete and balanced nutrition for physical health and well being. For more information on Purina Cat Chow, visit catchow.com.

No Purchase Necessary to Enter or Win. Open only to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C., 18 years of age or older at the time of entry (19 years of age or older if resident of AL or NE). Entry period ends at 11:59:59 a.m. ET on 7/31/12. See Official Rules for details. Sponsored by Nestle Purina PetCare Company, Checkerboard Square, St. Louis, MO.

SOURCE Purina Cat Chow