2025 Preview
COMING SOON…
Key Dates
Each year, March Meowdness follows the exact schedule of the real-life Men’s Basketball NCAA Tournament.
- Selection Sunday: Sunday, March 16th (bracket will be announced)
- First Round: March 20th-21st (Region 1/4 on 20th, Region 2/3 on 21st)
- Second Round: March 22nd-23rd (Region 1/4 on 22nd, Region 2/3 on 23rd)
- Sweet 16: March 27th-28th (Region 1/4 on 27th, Region 2/3 on 28th)
- Elite Eight: March 29th-30th (Region 1/4 on 29th, Region 2/3 on 30th)
- Final Four: April 5th
- 🏆 Championship Matchup: April 7th 🏆
Selection Sunday (Bracket Announcement)
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2024 Summary
The 2024 tournament was an electrifying showcase of feline charisma and competitive spirit, featuring standout performances and memorable matches:
Early Round Surprises:
- #16 @zeus.the.greek.kitty (67 followers) created a buzz by edging out #9 @princessjojoofgreenwich (5.3k followers), proving that even the smallest influencers could make a big splash.
- #13 @oreothemanxcat (1.5k followers) continued a Cinderella run, captivating fans with charm and engaging posts.
Cinderella Stories:
- The community rallied behind unexpected contenders such as #15 @its.rubyru (704 followers), who demonstrated that enthusiasm and engagement could defy odds.
Final Four Drama:
- #10 @count_salem (2.3k followers), a returning favorite, showcased strategic brilliance and a dedicated follower base, propelling him into the final rounds with a series of commanding performances.
- #7 @bilbo_fluffins (7.5k followers), known for their creative content, also made an impressive run to the semifinals, defeating higher-seeded competitors along the way.
Championship Battle:
- The finals saw @count_salem pitted against @bilbo_fluffins, in a showdown that had the community on edge. With both cats having significant followings and strong social media strategies, it was a closely watched match.
Salem’s Victory:
- Salem’s win was characterized by high engagement rates and a tactical approach to content, resonating well with the audience and securing the highest vote count in each round of the tournament.
Last year’s March Meowdness not only highlighted the competitive spirit of the catfluencer community but also celebrated the diversity and creativity of its members. The tournament was a testament to the power of engagement and the significant impact of community support in the world of social media influencing.
Tournament History
Follow the links below to read about the history of March Meowdness over the last five years and learn more about each champion.
Format & FAQ
Welcome to “March Meowdness!” Since its start in 2020, our tournament has grown and adapted, bringing more excitement each year.
Below you’ll find an updated breakdown of how the competition works, along with answers to some common questions we’ve received over the years.
Whether you’re a seasoned follower or new to the excitement, this guide will help you understand everything you need to know about our beloved annual event.
March Meowdness mirrors the excitement and schedule of the Men’s College Basketball March Madness, featuring a thrilling bracket competition among 64 cat accounts. For a detailed look at the specific timeline, please see the preview section above.
The idea for March Meowdness sprang to life in March 2020 when the traditional March Madness tournament was canceled. Finding ourselves working from home, surrounded by our cats and lacking the usual sports and entertainment options, we created our own version of the madness to enjoy with our feline friends.
The tournament will feature cat-focused accounts based in the USA, which facilitates the distribution of prizes from our generous brand sponsors. Details about these sponsors can be found below.
We strive to select participants judiciously to ensure fairness while maximizing excitement and engagement among the community.
Users cannot just submit a photo of their cat(s) from their human account – the cat(s) must have a dedicated, active IG account that can be tagged in posts and stories. Human-cat branded accounts will be considered, but if too much emphasis is made on the human over the cat, the account may not be able to enter.
Wondering how to join the fun? It’s easy! Simply fill out the entry form available here. If you prefer, we’re also accepting entries through Instagram DMs or emails sent to catfluence@yahoo.com.
For returning participants who remained active throughout 2024, we’re offering an automatic bid into this year’s tournament. Best of all, it’s completely free for both cat accounts and brands to enter the competition.
Curious about how we crown the champion in March Meowdness? Once we’ve selected our top 64 cat accounts, we seed them from 1 to 16 in four separate groups, based on their follower count to ensure a balanced competition.
The excitement really ramps up when the bracket is set. We then showcase each matchup through story polls on our Instagram page, @catfluence. This allows our followers to vote on their favorite accounts round by round. The cat account with the most votes in each poll advances to the next stage, all the way to the finals, where our ultimate winner is determined by community engagement.
Get ready to cast your votes and help decide who takes home this year’s crown!
The climax of our March Meowdness isn’t just the title but the array of fantastic prizes our Final Four contestants win, courtesy of our amazing sponsors. The champion of the tournament takes home a collection of the most coveted prizes, followed by the runner-up, each more impressive than the last. Those accounts that don’t make it past the Final Four will still walk away with their own set of rewards.
Additionally, all winners are encouraged to celebrate their victory by sharing posts and stories on social media. This not only shows appreciation but also helps promote the brands that have generously supported our competition. Get ready to enjoy the spoils of your victory!
Brand sponsors of March Meowdness reap significant exposure and engagement benefits. Each sponsor’s logo is prominently displayed on our tournament bracket, ensuring visibility throughout the event. Additionally, their Instagram handle is mentioned in the comments of every bracket post on our @catfluence Instagram, enhancing their social media presence.
Brands are also spotlighted in exclusive social media posts across all our channels, amplifying their reach within the cat-loving community. Furthermore, each sponsor receives a detailed writeup at the end of this blog post, and inclusion in an email blast/newsletter update. This includes a discussion about their brand and the prizes they are providing, along with a valuable backlink to their website, boosting both recognition and SEO.
Please note, sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes directly to the winners, all of whom are based within the USA, ensuring a smooth fulfillment process.
To keep up with the excitement of March Meowdness, tune into our Instagram stories where we’ll be posting matchup polls for each round. These polls align with the Men’s Basketball March Madness timeline and are available for 24 hours. We typically post our stories in the morning, Eastern Standard Time, to capture a wide audience.
For continuous updates, keep an eye on this blog post, which we refresh daily after each round concludes. We also actively engage our followers on all social media channels with posts announcing upcoming rounds—so don’t forget to follow us and turn on post notifications to stay in the loop!
Several ties have occurred throughout March Meowdness history. If this occurs, another IG story poll matchup will be posted and will run for another 24 hours. After 24 hours, a winner will be chosen. If there is another tie, this will be repeated until a winner is decided.
2025 Sponsors
Read about the generous brands that will be sponsoring prizes for this year’s bracket challenge!
Become a brand sponsor! Shoot us a DM on Instagram to @Catfluence or fill out our contact form.
Prize info coming soon…
Baker’s Dozen Digital, a pioneer in digital marketing, crafts customized solutions to enhance online visibility. Their expertise spans social media growth, SEO optimization, email marketing, website development, video production, graphic design, and affiliate marketing, making them a one-stop shop for digital excellence.
This year for March Meowdness, Baker’s Dozen Digital is upping the ante by offering the top winner an exclusive Instagram and social media audit. This prize includes a detailed review with tips, recommendations, and best practices designed to elevate content and expand their social media following. This invaluable session is geared towards catfluencers eager to amplify their online presence and achieve measurable growth.
Introducing Capnip, your go-to destination for innovative cat products that blend style with functionality! At Capnip, they believe that your feline friends deserve the best. Their products are designed not only to entertain your pets but also to complement your home decor. 🏡🐱
This year, Capnip is excited to contribute to the 2025 March Meowdness by offering an exceptional prize for the winner: the Casa Gato Cardboard Cat House. Perfect for any playful cat, this eco-friendly and stylish cat house gives your furry friend their own chic space to lounge, play, and hide. 🎉
Check out their fantastic range of products on their Instagram @capnip or explore more at Capnip.co. Get ready to transform your cat’s playtime with Capnip’s innovative designs!
Dive into the delightful world of Cat Lady Box, a treasure trove for every cat enthusiast! Dedicated to enhancing the lives of cat lovers and their furry companions, Cat Lady Box curates unique, cat-themed items ranging from adorable apparel and accessories to captivating cat toys, delivered directly to your doorstep.
This year, Cat Lady Box is excited to contribute to the March Meowdness excitement by offering a special gift to the winner—a Cat Lady Box gift card! This generous prize allows the winner to select their preferred items, whether it’s a single Cat Lady Box or various treasures from their shop, filled with exclusively designed cat-themed goodies.
Explore more about Cat Lady Box and their array of offerings designed to pamper both cats and their humans by visiting their website. This sponsorship not only celebrates the bond between cats and their owners, but also brings a bit of cat-inspired joy to the March Meowdness festivities.
At Catfluence, we thrive on fostering the special relationship between cats and their owners, particularly those who capture the spotlight on social platforms. Our brand is a treasure trove of all things feline—from trending videos and hilarious memes to unique art and practical products designed to enhance cat life.
Our goal? To uplift the realm of cat influencers by providing a platform that displays their charming behaviors and connects them with brands eager to engage a cat-loving audience.
In this year’s March Meowdness, the top two contenders will each receive a Catfluence t-shirt of their choice, along with a sheet of stickers, celebrating their journey in the contest. The third and fourth-place winners aren’t left out; they’ll each receive a Catfluence sticker, perfect for showcasing their cat pride.
Same as last year, each of the Final Four will get a unique piece of custom AI cat art of their furry friend. The winner will also receive the coveted Meowdness trophy, the “Catfluence Cup”!
These rewards are more than just prizes; they symbolize the creativity, dedication, and passion each participant brings to the feline influencer community. Join us in this festive homage to cat stardom, where your beloved pet can truly make its mark.
Discover the wonders of DOORWING—your ultimate solution to keep your home open yet secure for your pets. Fed up with doors slamming or your pet’s mischievous escapades? DOORWING effectively prevents these issues by holding doors at a safe, slightly open position. It ensures enough airflow while blocking curious pets from wider openings.
DOORWING keeps your pets safe and prevents them from accessing unwanted areas. It’s perfect for keeping dogs away from cat litter or keeping toddlers from reaching pet food. Adjust the gap to fit your needs, providing freedom for your cat and peace of mind.
Setting up DOORWING is incredibly simple—no tools or adhesives needed. It snaps on in seconds and is completely portable, making it ideal for pet owners on the move. Crafted in Canada by a family-owned business committed to eco-friendly practices, DOORWING isn’t just a tool; it’s a lifestyle enhancement for pet parents aiming for a stress-free home environment.
For March Meowdness, the winning prize includes a DOORWING Portable Door Lock & Door Stopper, valued at $40, ensuring the winner experiences the ultimate in convenient and safe pet management.
MakeSure Pet, renowned for their dedication to enhancing the lives of pets through innovative products, joins Catfluence’s 2025 March Meowdness as a proud sponsor. With a focus on health and hydration, MakeSure Pet creates solutions that promote the well-being of pets in stylish and functional ways. 🐾💧
For the winner of this year’s tournament, MakeSure Pet is generously offering a Wireless Pet Fountain. This state-of-the-art fountain ensures that pets are well-hydrated with fresh, flowing water, encouraging them to drink more and stay healthy. The sleek design also makes it a perfect addition to any pet owner’s home.
Discover more about their innovative pet products by visiting their Instagram @makesurepet_official or their website at MakeSurePet.com. Prepare to elevate your pet’s hydration with MakeSure Pet’s innovative wireless fountain, available on Amazon.
Prize info coming soon…
Matrix Partners, a renowned agency dedicated to branding and marketing within the pet industry, brings an exciting array of prizes for the top contenders of March Meowdness through their collaboration with Natoo and Spot, two distinguished brands in the pet care and entertainment sectors.
Natoo, celebrated for its high-quality pet foods, enhances the victor’s loot with a gourmet selection meant to delight any feline palate. The first place winner will receive a generous assortment of meal toppers, ensuring their cat enjoys a variety of tastes and nutrients:
- 2 pouches of Tuna & Brown Rice in Broth for Cats (2.4 oz)
- 2 pouches of Chicken & Brown Rice in Broth for Cats (2.4 oz)
- 2 pouches of Chicken w/ Sweet Potato & Broccoli in Broth for Cats (2.4 oz)
- 2 pouches of Salmon w/ Pumpkin in Broth for Cats (2.4 oz)
Spot, an Ethical Pet brand, known for creating fun and engaging pet toys, complements this culinary prize with items designed to entertain and stimulate. The winner will also receive:
- Fish lick mat, perfect for combining feeding with interactive play.
- Sushi Take Out toys, offering cats hours of fun and physical activity.
These prizes from Natoo and Spot reward the competitors and highlight the importance of nutrition and play in maintaining a healthy and joyful pet lifestyle. For more about these brands and their offerings, follow them on IG: Matrix Partners, Natoo Pet Foods, and Spot, from Ethical Pet.
Step into the enchanting world of Manny the Halloween Cat, celebrated for his enigmatic charm and beloved by fans for his Halloween-themed allure. Alongside his human, Nikki Hess of Cat Lady Academy, Manny showcases a collection of merchandise that embodies the spooky spirit with a whimsical twist, making every day feel like October 31st.
This year, Manny the Halloween Cat is thrilled to join as a sponsor for March Meowdness, bringing a bewitching gift to the celebration. He’s offering a prize pack of premium cat stickers valued at $60, which includes 13 high-quality vinyl stickers, many adorned with holographic or glittery finishes. The assortment features a variety of designs such as the glittery Cat Disco Ball, Adopt Black Cats in holographic style, and the mysterious Battycat tarot card, among others. Each sticker is a small token of Manny’s world, designed to delight and enchant any recipient.
For those eager to delve deeper into the mystical world of Manny and discover the full range of his Halloween-inspired merchandise, visit his pages on Instagram and the Cat Lady Academy website. This partnership not only highlights Manny’s ongoing contributions to the cat-loving community, but also celebrates the unique charm that black cats bring to our lives.
Full ultimate cat sticker prize pack includes:
- Cat disco ball glittery holographic sticker
- Adopt Black Cats holographic sticker
- There’s a Shelter Cat in Your Future holographic sticker
- Cat Butt glittery sticker
- Sparkly Cat Eyes glittery sticker
- The Future Is in Your Paws sticker
- Glow-in-the-dark cat eyes sticker
- I ❤️ Black Cats sticker
- The Battycat tarot card sticker
- Black Cat Sticker Sheet
- Black Cat Sass bottle label sticker
- Manny heart sticker
Nocciola Toys, and their cat toy sub-brand, Pawsible, brings a delightful twist to pet playtime with their range of funny, adorable, and creatively designed toys for cats and dogs. Emphasizing sustainability and durability, their products are made to last and keep your pets engaged. With a commitment to reducing environmental impact, Nocciola and Pawsible ensure that each toy is as eco-friendly as it is entertaining.
For March Meowdness 2025, Nocciola Toys and Pawsible steps up as a proud sponsor, offering an exciting array of prizes for the top winner. The prize pack includes a variety of their most popular and engaging chase-and-play toys, ensuring that the winning cat (and their human) will have endless hours of fun and stimulation. Featured toys include interactive cat wands, plush toys, and sustainably made play items that are perfect for every playful cat.
🎁 Enjoy a 10% discount on your next purchase at Nocciola Toys and Pawsible with the Amazon code: NOCCIOLAMZ10. Check out their Amazon store for more amazing products: Pawsible on Amazon.
Located in the sun-drenched expanses of Phoenix, AZ, Purradise Ranch is more than a sanctuary—it’s a lasting haven for cats in need. Established by the compassionate trio of Priscilla Dean, Felix G. Ray, and Martha Voss, this non-profit refuge allows over 75 cats to roam freely within its lovingly designed one-acre environment. The carefully constructed spaces, including the expansive Catty Shack and the vibrant purrgola, ensure that each resident thrives in a nurturing setting.
This year, Purradise Ranch has stepped up its support for March Meowdness with a unique contribution: the “Adventures in Purradise” USB flash drive. This drive features an award-winning film recognized for its outstanding editing at the Old Towne Film Festival.
Accompanying this main attraction is “The Perils of Pawline,” a charming silent film parody that adds a touch of vintage elegance to the collection. This prize not only highlights the creative essence of Purradise Ranch, but also shares a slice of its heartwarming work with supporters everywhere. For a deeper exploration of the enchanting world of Purradise Ranch and its cinematic endeavors, make sure to visit their site.
The Cat Ball is diving into this year’s March Meowdness with an exciting array of prizes that celebrate the comfort and style of their unique cat beds. Known for their creative and quality designs, The Cat Ball will provide a cozy Cat Canoe® to each of the Final Four contestants, ensuring that comfort isn’t just an option—it’s a guarantee.
The stakes rise for the champion, who will receive the coveted Shark Cat Ball® cat bed, a fan-favorite for its whimsical design that adds a touch of fun to any cat’s day. Winners have the choice to opt for a different bed if they wish, ensuring they get the perfect match for their feline’s personality.
In commitment to the competitors and their cozy future naps, The Cat Ball is dedicating a total of five beds to the event. This generous contribution not only highlights their dedication to pet comfort but also ensures that the finalists from across the U.S. experience the best of what The Cat Ball has to offer.
Explore more about these innovative cat beds at The Cat Ball.
Twisted Furball stands out in the pet fashion industry with its whimsical and vibrant designs, tailored to bring a smile to every pet lover’s face. Their mission is to infuse the daily lives of pet owners with joy and a touch of quirkiness through their creative apparel. Each piece in their collection is designed to celebrate the playful and loving spirit of our feline friends, making them a beloved choice among cat enthusiasts looking for something unique and fun.
This year, Twisted Furball is excited to contribute to the March Meowdness with a delightful prize—the Ramen Cat Kawaii Tee. This adorable t-shirt features a charming graphic of a cat blissfully enjoying a bowl of ramen, perfectly blending kawaii culture with a dash of feline flair.
Ideal for casual outings or cozy days in, this tee is sure to become a favorite for anyone who loves cats and the comfort of a soft, well-made t-shirt. Check out this fantastic prize and more from their fun-filled collection at Twisted Furball.
Uproot Clean is set to make a significant impact at this year’s March Meowdness, ensuring that all Final Four contestants go home winners with specially tailored prizes. Renowned for their commitment to cleanliness and pet care, Uproot Clean offers products designed to enhance the lives of pet owners and their furry friends.
For the top two winners of the tournament, Uproot Clean will provide the Uproot Pet Care Bundle, a comprehensive set of tools tailored for pet owners looking to maintain a clean, fur-free home. This bundle is ideal for managing pet hair and ensuring that living spaces remain pristine.
The third and fourth place winners will not be left out as they will each receive 24 Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets. These tablets are perfect for keeping appliances in optimal condition, ensuring that every load of laundry comes out fresh and clean, which is particularly useful for homes with pets.
Uproot Clean’s thoughtful prize distribution ensures that all finalists receive useful, high-quality products to help them manage their household cleaning needs more effectively. Check out more about their innovative solutions by visiting Uproot Clean’s website.