2024 Catfluence March Meowdness Tournament

This bracket competition between 64 cat accounts will follow the same timeline as the Men’s College Basketball March Madness. More on that specific timeline can be found in the preview below.

It was developed in March 2020 when the real March Madness tournament was canceled, and we were all stuck working from home (with our cats) with no sports and limited entertainment.

The tournament will feature accounts that are USA-based, as this makes it possible for our generous brand sponsors (more on them below) to ship out prizes.

All entrants must be cat-focused accounts, and we used our best judgment to be as fair as possible in who we accept while allowing for the most excitement and engagement.

We’re glad you asked! The easiest way is to fill out this form on our website. We will also be accepting some entries via IG DM or emails to catfluence@yahoo.com.

Many accounts from last year will receive an automatic bid into this year, so long as they have been active in posting throughout 2023. It is FREE for cat accounts AND brands to enter.

Also, glad you asked! Once 64 teams have been selected, we will put together a bracket with accounts ranked in order based on follower account and broken into 4 groups seeded 1-16.

Once the bracket is complete, we will post the matchups for each round in story polls on our Instagram @catfluence for followers to vote for which account they would like to win.

The Final Four accounts will all receive pawesome prizes from our generous sponsors (see below)!

First place will receive the most and best prizes, followed by second. The two accounts who lose in the Final Four will also receive several free items.

Brand sponsors get their logo placed permanently displayed on our bracket.

They will also have their Instagram handle listed in the comments of every bracket post we make on IG, and they will be featured in their own social media post that goes out on all of our channels.

Lastly, they will get a writeup at the bottom of this blog post talking about their brand and the prizes that they are generously sponsoring, along with a backlink to their website.

(Note: brands will be responsible for shipping prizes to the winners. Accounts will be based in the USA only)

As mentioned, the matchup polls for each round will be posted to our IG stories and follow the men’s basketball tournament timeline. We try to post our stories in the morning in EST and they will be up for 24 hours.

We will post updates to this blog post after each day, and also make social posts on all our channels prior to each round (we encourage you to follow us and subscribe for post notifications).

Introducing DOORWING – your pet’s new best friend and your home’s guardian angel! Tired of worrying about door slams, squishing tails or your furry friend sneaking into the laundry room for an unsupervised adventure? Say goodbye to pet-related door dramas with DOORWING! This nifty gadget locks your doors in a slightly open position, just enough to let in some fresh air but not enough for curious paws to pry open. It’s like a bouncer for your home, keeping out nosy pets while still maintaining a breezy atmosphere.

But wait, there’s more! With DOORWING, you can create a safe haven for your feline friend. No more worries about dogs rummaging through the litter box or toddlers raiding the cat’s food stash. Simply adjust the opening to a purr-fectly sized gap for your cat to come and go as they please, while keeping out unwanted guests. It’s the ultimate solution for pet-proofing without the hassle of bulky gates or permanent installations.

And the best part? DOORWING is as easy as pie to set up! No tools, no adhesives, just snap it on and off in seconds. Plus, it’s portable, so you can take it with you wherever you and your furry family roam. Made with love in Canada by a family-owned company dedicated to eco-friendly practices, DOORWING is not just a pet accessory – it’s a peace-of-mind provider for pet parents everywhere. Say hello to stress-free door management and goodbye to pet-induced pandemonium with DOORWING! 🐾✨

They will be providing a DOORWING Portable Door Lock & Door Stopper (total value of $40 USD) to the winner of March Meowdness.

Kitty Cure emerges as a beacon of innovation in feline grooming, founded on a deep love for cats and a mission to enhance their well-being. Spearheaded by a family of cat enthusiasts, Kitty Cure is dedicated to creating high-quality, stress-free grooming solutions. Their commitment is evident in every product, designed to align with the natural behaviors and needs of cats, ensuring a humane approach to claw maintenance. Proudly North American, Kitty Cure upholds rigorous standards to deliver non-toxic, durable, and eco-friendly products that seamlessly integrate into your cat’s life, promoting a safer, healthier, and happier existence alongside their human companions.

Kitty Cure’s prize for the winner of our March Meowdness tournament is the innovative Kitty Cure Litter Box Emery Board, a testament to their dedication to feline claw care.

This ingenious solution allows cats to self-manage their claw health simply by doing what they do naturally. Measuring 14.5” x 11”, the emery board fits any litter box size and offers a washable, waterproof surface that cats love to scratch. Made with a 320 Micro-grit material coated in aluminum oxide, it’s designed for durability and effectiveness, providing a perfect scratch spot not just in the litter box but anywhere your cat prefers. Kitty Cure’s prize promises to revolutionize how participating cats maintain their claws, combining utility with the joy of natural behavior.

Nestled in the warmth of Phoenix, AZ, Purradise Ranch offers more than just a sanctuary; it’s a forever home for cats in need. Founded by a dedicated trio, Priscilla Dean, Felix G. Ray, and Martha Voss, this non-profit oasis provides over 75 cats with a life of unrestricted freedom in its specially designed one-acre haven. From the sprawling Catty Shack to the playful purrgola, every corner of Purradise Ranch is crafted with love, ensuring the residents not only live but thrive under the Arizona sun.

This year, Purradise Ranch elevates its contribution to March Meowdness with “Adventures in Purradise” on a USB flash drive, an award-winning movie celebrated for its editing at the Old Towne Film Festival.

Alongside the main feature, the drive includes “The Perils of Pawline,” a delightful silent film parody, adding a dash of vintage charm to the mix. This unique prize not only showcases the creative spirit of Purradise Ranch, but also brings a piece of its heartwarming mission into homes everywhere. For a closer look at the whimsical world of Purradise Ranch and their cinematic adventures, visit Purradise Ranch.

Matrix Partners shines as an innovator in the pet marketing sphere, armed with over three decades of specialized expertise in propelling pet product brands to stellar heights. Esteemed for its award-winning strategies, the firm’s prowess spans brand strategy, design, and marketing communications, deeply rooted in a profound understanding of pet parent demographics across generations.

This year, Matrix Partners is set to generously endow the Final Four accounts with an array of prizes on behalf of their illustrious clients, promising an unparalleled boost in visibility and market reach.

1st Place: (1) Van Ness Scratch-N-Relax, (1) HandsOn grooming gloves, (2) Shepherd Boy Farms Freeze-Dried Treats of any flavor, (4) RAWZ wet food cans of any flavor
2nd Place: (4) Hound & Gatos wet food cans of any flavor, (1) Shepherd Boy Farms Goat’s Milk of any blend, (1) Wee Away Grooming Wipes
3rd Place: (4) Natoo meal toppers of any flavor, (1) Wee Away X2 Ultra Concentrated
4th Place: (2) Hound & Gatos wet food cans of any flavor, (1) Wee Away Kitty Calming Wipes

Van Ness is gifting the 1st Place winner of March Meowdness with their Scratch-N-Relax, a dual-purpose cat lounger and scratcher made from 100% recycled corrugated cardboard. Designed to safeguard furniture while catering to a cat’s scratching instinct, it also includes Fresh-Nip Natural Catnip to enhance the appeal. This eco-friendly, USA-made product is a thoughtful blend of practicality and environmental consciousness, perfect for any cat’s relaxation and play.

The 1st Place winner in March Meowdness will receive HandsOn Grooming Gloves, transforming grooming into a simple act of petting. These innovative gloves offer a superior experience for both pet and owner, ensuring thorough grooming whether used wet or dry. They’re designed to stay secure on your hands, enhancing the grooming process without the hassle of traditional tools.

The 1st Place winner in March Meowdness will enjoy Shepherd Boy Farms’ Freeze-Dried Treats, offering top-quality, farm-to-bowl flavors for discerning felines. For the 2nd Place prize, Shepherd Boy Farms provides its Goat’s Milk in any blend, a nutritious supplement to support your cat’s health. Proudly family-owned and USA-made, their products represent the pinnacle of natural pet nutrition.

The 1st Place winner in March Meowdness will be treated to four cans of RAWZ Natural Pet Food’s wet food, available in any flavor. RAWZ prides itself on minimally processed, high-quality nutrition, offering gum-free recipes that are pure and simple. Their commitment to providing quality meat and healthy hydration without highly processed meals, gums, or fillers, ensures your pet enjoys the best in natural cat food.

For the 2nd and 4th Place winners, Hound & Gatos will provide cans of their 98% meat recipes wet food, offering a protein-rich diet in a variety of flavors to cater to every cat’s taste. Their commitment to high-quality, meat-first recipes ensures a balanced and nutritious meal for cats of all ages and breeds.

For the March Meowdness prizes, Wee Away offers a variety of grooming and calming products designed with pets and the planet in mind. The 2nd Place winner receives Grooming Wipes, perfect for keeping pets fresh between baths. The 3rd Place prize is the X2 Ultra Concentrated formula, tackling odors and stains efficiently. 4th Place is awarded Kitty Calming Wipes, infused with catnip oil to soothe and calm. These eco-friendly, made in the USA products are gentle, effective, and a testament to Wee Away’s commitment to natural pet care.

3rd Place winners will enjoy Natoo Meal Toppers, an optimal nutrition choice for picky eaters, featuring high protein and limited ingredients to boost health and immunity. This topper turns any meal into a delicious treat while ensuring hydration and added vitamins for your cat’s well-being.

Nestled in Orlando, Fat Cat Gourmet Foods blossomed under the creative helm of Eyal Goldshmid and Deborah Moskowitz, a dynamic duo whose culinary journey transformed their zest for zesty and fiery flavors into a celebrated venture.

Their lineup of sauces, lauded for striking a harmonious balance between heat and taste, showcases an array of exotic blends and all-natural ingredients catering to a spectrum of spice preferences. Inspired by their hefty feline, Tiggy, the brand symbolizes a fusion of personal love for cats and culinary arts.

This year, they’re generously contributing a trio of their signature hot sauces, promising to add a dash of adventure to the winner’s kitchen.

At Catfluence, we’re all about celebrating the unique bond between cats and their human counterparts, especially those who shine on the social stage. With a heart for both the influencers who own cats and the felines who influence us, our brand serves as a hub for everything cat-related – from viral videos and memes to art and products that make cat life better.

Our mission? To elevate the world of cat influencers by providing a platform that not only showcases their adorable antics, but also connects them with brands that want to cater to the cat-loving audience.

For this year’s March Meowdness, the final two accounts will each be rewarded with a Catfluence mug, embodying the spirit of our community with every sip. Additionally, the Final Four will receive Catfluence stickers, perfect for adding a bit of feline flair to any surface, and will get featured in an IG post in the Catfluence feed with a piece of content of their choosing. For the first time ever, the winner will also receive an exclusive Meowdness trophy, the “Catfluence Cup”! Each of the Final Four will also receive a special AI graphic. 

These prizes aren’t just items; they’re tokens of achievement in the cat influencer realm, celebrating the creativity, engagement, and love that each participant brings to the competition. Join us in this celebration of feline fame and influence, where your cat can leave its paw print on the world.

Baker’s Dozen Digital, the virtuoso behind amplifying digital presence, offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored for the digital era. From social media growth, SEO optimization, and email marketing strategies to website development, video production, graphic design, and affiliate marketing – they’re the architects of online success.

For March Meowdness, they’re generously offering a free 40-minute Zoom consultation on Instagram growth and influencer partnerships to the winner. This prize is a golden opportunity for any catfluencer looking to skyrocket their digital footprint and enhance their social strategy with expert advice.

Bob Eckstein, celebrated for his humor and artistry as a New Yorker cartoonist and NY Times bestselling author, brings a unique blend of wit and insight to everything he touches. An adjunct professor and host of The Cartoon Pad, Eckstein’s latest literary venture is “The Complete Book of Cat Names (That Your Cat Won’t Answer to, Anyway),” a testament to his engaging storytelling and creative flair.

The March Meowdness winner will be delighted to receive a copy of this book, offering a blend of humor and affection for our feline friends. Discover more about Bob’s remarkable work and journey in the realm of illustration and writing through his website and social media platforms. You can also sign up for his newsletter here.

Felix Cat Insurance distinguishes itself with a singular focus: providing comprehensive insurance solely for cats. They understand that cats aren’t just pets, but family members with specific needs, which is why they’ve tailored their services to offer everything from emergency care coverage to wellness visits, ensuring cat owners can afford the best care without financial stress. Their policies, underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company, offer peace of mind to cat owners, covering up to 90% of veterinary bills, including for inherited and congenital conditions, making unexpected medical expenses manageable.

This year, Felix Cat Insurance contributes an Argylle-inspired travel cat backpack as a prize for the March Meowdness winner, blending style with functionality. This unique accessory is perfect for pet owners who love to explore the outdoors with their feline companions, ensuring comfort and safety during adventures. It’s a testament to Felix’s commitment to celebrating the joy of pet ownership and their understanding of the modern cat owner’s lifestyle.

For more detailed information on Felix Cat Insurance’s offerings and to explore the benefits of their cat-centric insurance plans, visit their website. This prize underscores their mission to support the well-being and adventurous spirit of cats and their owners alike, highlighting their dedication to the feline community. Visit Felix Cat Insurance for more information on their specialized plans and this stylish, practical prize.

Uproot Clean revolutionizes pet hair removal with their innovative, easy-to-use tools designed to tackle lint and pet hair across a variety of surfaces. Offering solutions that extend from clothes and furniture to carpets and car interiors, Uproot Clean ensures your living spaces remain pristine and hair-free.

This year’s prize, the “Fur-nado Survival Kit,” includes the Uproot Mini, Pro, and Max – each tool specifically engineered to address pet hair challenges big and small, whether at home or on the go. The Mini excels in tight corners and during travel, the Pro is perfect for in-car use, cat towers, and around the house, while the Max is ideal for larger areas like carpets, rugs, and car trunks.

Pawsitive Joy stands out as a leader in compassion and quality in the pet industry, dedicated to enriching the lives of cats and dogs through their carefully selected products. Rooted in Texas, this American and woman-owned online pet store mirrors the deep bond pet owners share with their furry family members, offering everything from cozy beds to engaging toys. Beyond providing top-tier pet products, Pawsitive Joy actively supports animal welfare, with a portion of each sale aiding the foster program at Operation Kindness. For March Meowdness, they’re offering two exceptional prizes:

For the First Place prize, Pawsitive Joy’s Cat Grooming Kit is a meticulously assembled collection designed for comprehensive care. It includes an Automatic Smart Cat Self-Groomer & Massager that not only aids in removing loose fur but also doubles as a relaxing massager, promoting your cat’s well-being. Additionally, the kit features two Cat Wall Corner Combs, perfect for self-grooming and reducing shedding, alongside a Self-cleaning Pet Brush that simplifies maintenance with its fur release mechanism. This prize embodies the essence of Pawsitive Joy’s commitment to pet care, blending functionality with convenience.

The Second Place prize showcases the Automatic Self-Groomer and Cat Massager, a device that revolutionizes the grooming process. Engineered to activate upon your cat’s proximity, it gently removes loose fur while offering a soothing massage. This tool not only aids in keeping your cat’s coat healthy but also provides a calming experience, thanks to its ability to collect pheromones and mimic the sensation of being groomed.

The Purr Paws Bros, shared through a poignant blog by Jiawen on Catfluence, encapsulates the journey of love, empathy, and understanding towards our feline companions. Jiawen, the driving force behind @thepurrpawsbros, merges her passions for art, design, and animal welfare to create a meaningful narrative around pet ownership. Her insights into the importance of nutrition, the decision against generic food brands in favor of a balanced raw diet, and proactive health management through DNA testing showcase a profound commitment to feline well-being.

This dedication is mirrored in their March Meowdness contribution: a pair of branded cat earrings, inspired by Pablo, symbolizing the deep and affectionate bond between cats and their humans. These earrings are not just accessories but a celebration of the stories and love shared at The Purr Paws Bros.

For a deeper understanding of Jiawen’s philosophy and The Purr Paws Bros’ heartwarming tale, read the full blog on Catfluence. This story is a testament to the transformative power of pet ownership, emphasizing empathy, care, and the joy pets bring into our lives.

Kidney-Chek steps up to support March Meowdness with a crucial contribution aimed at feline well-being: a 3-test kit for cats. This is a simple, 2-minute saliva test helps ensure pet owners can monitor their beloved companions’ kidney health from the comfort of home.

Recognizing the importance of early detection in managing kidney issues, Kidney-Chek offers a straightforward, reliable method for keeping tabs on one of the most common health challenges faced by our furry friends. Detecting kidney disease earlier in pets, and providing proper treatment, can double their remaining lifespan.

This prize underscores the commitment to pet health, offering peace of mind to the winning cat influencer’s human counterpart. For insights into maintaining your pet’s health and details on the significance of kidney health screening, visit KidneyChek and Catfluence’s dedicated resources.

From The Brand:

Kidney damage is not reversible, so the best thing you can do for your pet is preventative screening! Add more happy and healthy years to your pet’s life by using Kidney-Chek, a saliva urea test that pet parents can use between vet visits to screen their cat and dog’s kidney health from home in just 2 minutes! Check if your pet is at high risk for kidney disease here!

Kidney-Chek is made by SN Biomedical, an Alberta-based, small business. We are passionate about preventative health for pets and their guardians.

Stay up to date on best practices for kidney health and pet care on our Blog, Instagram, and Facebook.

All The Bad Cats is set to reward the March Meowdness Final 4 with a unique prize: a personalized cat portrait by the renowned cat painter Matt Timms. Esteemed for his mission to paint 1000 cats, Matt’s portraits are not just artworks but vivid narratives of feline dynamism and personality.

With a valuation of $120 each, these portraits embody more than monetary worth; they are timeless tributes to your cat’s character. Finalists will have the opportunity to share their cat’s essence through photos and stories, ensuring a masterpiece that’s as priceless as the bond shared with their pet.

For a glimpse into Matt’s captivating work, visit his Instagram: @allthebadcats.

Wake up to the purr-fect cup of coffee with Bad Cat Coffee Company, a local gem that’s all about combining the love for coffee with feline finesse. Founded by Traci and inspired by her adorable cat, Patches, Bad Cat isn’t just another coffee shop. It’s a destination for coffee aficionados and cat lovers alike, located in the bustling Morgan Street Food Hall at 411 W. Morgan Street, Raleigh, NC.

At Bad Cat Coffee Co., every sip comes with a story. The coffee is locally roasted, ensuring each cup is fresh and flavorful, with a range of cat-themed lattes that promise a unique caffeinated experience. But it doesn’t stop at coffee; the menu also boasts delicious bagel sandwiches and crepes, making it the go-to spot for both your morning boost and tasty treats.

And for those who can’t make it to Raleigh? No worries! Bad Cat Coffee Co. extends its claws across the USA with shipping options that bring their delectable brews right to your doorstep. They’ve also made waves as a full-service coffee shop at the Raleigh Flea Market in the Education Building, further spreading their passion for quality coffee and cat culture.

This year, they’re stepping up their game with an enticing prize for the March Meowdness winner: a tote bag, a t-shirt, and a bag of their signature coffee. It’s not just a prize; it’s an invitation to experience the heart and soul of Bad Cat Coffee Co. from the comfort of your home.

Whether you’re local or nationwide, you can indulge in their merch and coffee available online, and even order through DoorDash for those days when you just need that Bad Cat fix without leaving the house. Visit Bad Cat Coffee Co. for a blend of coffee mastery and cat love that will leave you meowing for more.