cats playing basketball

2024 Catfluence March Meowdness Tournament

Championship Summary

The grand finale of March Meowdness saw #10 @count_salem (2.3k) triumph over #7 @bilbo_fluffins (7.6k) in a captivating championship clash, concluding with a score of 447 votes to 319. Salem, the dark horse (cat) of the tournament, consistently led the pack in votes round after round, showcasing the power and passion of the Pizza Cat army.

Bilbo & Pippin, despite their valiant effort and undeniable charm, couldn’t sway the tide, but their journey to the finals was nothing short of spectacular. This year’s March Meowdness was a testament to the diverse and dynamic community of cat influencers, each participant bringing their unique flair to the fiercely competitive arena.

As we wrap up this thrilling tournament, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated, from the feline contenders to their enthusiastic supporters. Your votes and engagement turned this competition into an unforgettable spectacle of feline prowess and spirit.

A special shoutout goes to the brands that generously sponsored the prizes, elevating the excitement and stakes of the competition. Your contributions have not only rewarded our contestants but have also enriched the broader cat influencer community.

Prizes will begin shipping out over the next few weeks, marking the culmination of a truly remarkable March Meowdness. Congratulations once again to Salem, the undisputed champion of 2024, and to all our participants for making this tournament a resounding success. Here’s to many more meowvelous moments and competitions in the future!

Final 4 Summary & Championship Preview

The march towards the pinnacle of March Meowdness has reached its thrilling climax as we stand on the cusp of crowning a new feline influencer supreme. The Final 4 has been a battleground where charm, wit, and the support of impassioned fans have whittled down the competition to the two most adored and dynamic cat influencers of the tournament.

A black cat, #10 @count_salem (2.3k) continues to be the dark horse, thundering through the brackets with a commanding presence and an army of voters that have consistently marked him the top cat in every round. His strategic prowess and undeniable charisma have proven unstoppable, making him a finalist with a consistently high vote count throughout the competition.

In the face-off that determined who would vie for the ultimate title, Salem’s ingenuity shone bright as he outmaneuvered #15 @its.rubyru (939). The contest, as tight as the curl of a cat’s tail, saw both champions securing a matching 54% of the vote—a testament to their evenly matched allure and the fervent dedication of their followers.

Now, turning to the challenger that has emerged from the whiskers of destiny, #7 @bilbo_fluffins (7.6k) stands tall as a beacon of hope for undercats everywhere. Bilbo’s journey to the finals was marked by a sweet victory over #13 @princessbubblegum_ofmiami (2.1k), proving that perseverance and a tender touch of charm are as potent as the most vibrant catnip.

As we gear up for the final face-off, the air is thick with anticipation. Will Salem’s juggernaut campaign seize the day, or will Bilbo’s heartwarming story and sturdy resolve pull the ultimate upset? It all comes down to the last IG story matchup, set to go live on Monday, April 8th, at high noon EST.

So sharpen your claws, prepare your paws, and get ready to make your mark on March Meowdness history. Join us in the final countdown, cast your vote, and let’s witness together who will ascend to claim the throne of Catfluence in the 2024 tournament. The story is yours to complete—don’t miss the chance to be part of this meow-mentous occasion!

Elite 8 Summary & Final 4 Preview

The Elite 8 of March Meowdness has left us on the edge of our seats, paving the way for a nail-biting Final 4 showdown. This year’s tournament has been a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with unexpected twists and heart-stopping moments that have March Meowdness enthusiasts buzzing with excitement.

Region 1’s stage was set for an epic saga, culminating in a gripping finale between #13 @oreothemanxcat (1.5k) and #15 @its.rubyru (704). In an extraordinary turn of events, the first and second polls ended in a tie, compelling us to launch a third, decisive poll. This final tiebreaker saw Ruby clinching victory, showcasing resilience and support that propelled her into the Final 4. The matchup poll had the highest views and total vote count of the tournament. This compelling victory narrative sets the stage for Ruby’s upcoming clash with the powerhouse contender from Region 3.

Region 3’s leader #10 @count_salem (2.3k) continues to astound the March Meowdness world, securing the highest vote count for the fourth consecutive round. Salem’s commanding victory over #16 @purring.bros (173) solidifies his position as a favorite for the crown. The anticipation builds as fans eagerly await Salem’s next move in the face-off against Ruby.

Region 2’s battle concluded with #13 @princessbubblegum_ofmiami (1.5k) triumphing over #11 @silly_tilly_the_main_coon (2.3k), setting up a face-off against Region 4’s victor, #7 @bilbo_fluffins (7.5k), who decisively overcame #16 @fiona_and_cake (309). This matchup promises a clash of Cinderella stories, with each contender vying for a spot in the championship.

Congrats to each of the finalists, who will all receive prizes! As we approach the Final 4, the question on everyone’s mind is whether a double-digit seed will clinch the title for the first time since 2021. Can Salem continue his dominant streak, or will one of the darlings surprise us all and make a run for the championship?

The excitement is palpable as we inch closer to crowning this year’s March Meowdness championship. The Final 4 will commence on Saturday, April 6 at 12 pm EST and conclude on Sunday at the same time, with the Finals set to begin on Monday at 12 pm EST. Be sure to tune in and cast your vote to help decide who will advance to the grand finale and potentially become this year’s March Meowdness champion!

Sweet 16 Summary & Elite 8 Preview

The March Meowdness tournament’s journey to the Elite 8 has been nothing short of astonishing, marking an unprecedented turn of events with a whirlwind of underdog victories and nail-biting finishes. This year’s competition has truly been a testament to the unpredictability of March Meowdness, where follower count holds no sway over the fierce determination of our feline competitors.

The first surprise came from Region 1, where #13 @oreothemanxcat (1.5k) overcame the Cinderella story of #16 @zeus.the.greek.kitty (67). Now, @oreothemanxcat is poised to take on #15 @its.rubyru (704), who triumphed over #6 @gigi_sagwa_cornish_rex (10k) in a closely contested match. Both contenders have shown they have the claws to fight their way to the top.

Region 4 continued the trend of upsets, with #16 @fiona_and_cake (309) edging out #13 @ppumpkinthekitty (1.1k) by a mere 4 votes. This set the stage for @fiona_and_cake to face #7 @bilbo_fluffins (7.5k), who decisively bested the highest remaining seed, #3 @pickles_and.olive (22.6k), by an impressive 86 votes. @bilbo_fluffins now emerges as a strong contender, ready to make a significant run for the title.

In Region 2, the tables turned for #13 @seriesofchubis_ (106) as they were defeated by another #16 seed, @princessbubblegum_ofmiami (1.5k), setting up a clash with #11 @silly_tilly_the_main_coon (2.3k) who just secured victory over #10 @meistertravelcat (3.1k). This region’s competition highlights the fierce battle for supremacy among the underdogs.

Region 3 saw yet another #16 seed, @purring.bros (173), showcase their prowess with a solid victory over the reigning March Meowdness Champion, #4 @littlewafflesbigcity (13.5k). The underdog story continues as they gear up to face #10 @count_salem (2.3k), the tournament’s standout, boasting the highest vote count in every round thus far. With the support of the Pizza Cat army, @count_salem is on a mission to claim this year’s crown.

As we move into the Elite 8, it’s clear that this year’s competition belongs to the underdogs, with every contender being a double-digit seed, except for @bilbo_fluffins. Yet, among this diverse and unexpected group of ginger and variously colored cats, @count_salem emerges as the potential favorite to win it all.

The upcoming matchups, set to be posted Saturday 3/30 and Sunday 3/31 around 12 pm EST, promise more thrilling battles as we inch closer to determining the Final 4. Be sure to follow along and cast your vote on our IG stories in this historic March Meowdness tournament, where every cat has its day!

Round of 32 Summary & Sweet 16 Preview

As March Meowdness surges through the whiskers of intensity, the Round of 32 was a feline frenzy that left us all perched on the edge of our seats.

In Region 1, the bracket buster and talk of the town, #16 @zeus.the.greek.kitty (67), continued to defy odds, not just participating but persisting, scratching out a win against #9 @princessjojoofgreenwich (5.3k) by the slimmest of margins—two votes! Now, facing another darling, #13 @oreothemanxcat (1.5k), Zeus prepares for a matchup that could send shockwaves through the tournament. #6 @gigi_sagwa_cornish_rex (10k), with a quiet poise and Elite 8 experience, stealthily moves on to clash with #15 @its.rubyru (704).

Region 4 saw another undercat, #16 @fiona_and_cake (309), who not only clawed their way in but clawed their way up, knocking out #8 @joeyinthenoniverse (7.5k). #3 @pickles_and.olive (22.6k), standing tall as the highest seed left in the bracket, readies to duel with #7 @bilbo_fluffins (7.5k), who narrowly whisked past #2 @khaleesithekitty116 (98.4k) by 5 votes.

In Region 2, #16 @seriesofchubis_ (106) overcame #9 @elliot.and.olivia (5.2k), and set their sights on a matchup with #13 @princessbubblegum_ofmiami (1.5k). #11 @silly_tilly_the_main_coon (2.3k) slipped past fan-favorite #14 @barcelonaboots (729), and now eyes a showdown with #10 @meistertravelcat (3.1k), who pulled off a stunning victory against #2 @maitiethecat (76.7k).

Region 3 brought its own roar as #16 @purring.bros (173), with the poise of a champion, pounced on their moment and decisively leaped over #9 @brucewayneinthenude (3.3k). The reigning monarch of Meowdness, #4 @littlewafflesbigcity (13.5k), stands ready to defend their title, with the next contender lined up for what promises to be an epic fur-ball of a match. The bracket’s heartbeat, #10 @count_salem (2.3k), a feline enigma with a legacy of legends, continued to enrapture fans with the highest vote count and the widest margin of victory, shutting down #2 @romy.andmichelle (78k).

As the dust settles and the Sweet 16 looms, the pulse of March Meowdness beats stronger than ever. All four #16 seeds remain, a testament to the unpredictability and sheer excitement of the tournament. Each matchup is a story, each cat an athlete, and each day a new chapter. The battles resume Thursday 3/28 and Friday 3/29 noon EST. The fur will fly, and the best of the best will rise—keep checking our recent IG highlights for immediate results, and don’t forget the pro tip: share the direct story links to help your favorite feline clinch those crucial votes! This is March Meowdness at its peak, where every whisker quivers with anticipation and every tail twitch tells a tale of triumph or tailspin.

Round of 64 Summary & Round of 32 Preview

The tournament kicked off in Region 1 with seismic upsets as #16 @zeus.the.greek.kitty (67) toppled the #1 overall seed @smushofficial (722k), the 2020 champion, proving once again that even in March Meowdness, giants fall. Next, they face #9 @princessjojoofgreenwich (5.3k) in a battle that promises sparks. The realm of upsets was further enriched by #13 @oreothemanxcat (1.5k) and #14 @franklin.theragdoll_mi (709), both orchestrating stunning victories, with Franklin notably dispatching #3 @wil_and_tuffrescuecats (52.3k) in what was billed as a potential run to glory. They will face fan favorites #5 @elliemcat (16k) and #6 @gigi_sagwa_cornish_rex (10k), respectively. #10 @hellomisslayla (2.9k) and #15 @its.rubyru (704) round out the region, also with big upsets in their first-round matchups, and will face each other next.

Region 4’s narrative was equally compelling, with another #16 seed, @fiona_and_cake (309), ousting #1 @kahluathekittyy (123k), in true David vs. Goliath fashion, and will face #8 @joeyinthenoniverse (7.5k) Saturday. The underdogs’ march didn’t stop there, as notable competitors hoped to carve their paths to glory but found themselves ousted early, including fan-favorites and high seeds alike, including #9 @denbo.nish (4.7k), #5 @_dashandluna_ (13.2k), #4 @chamberlain.casa.cats (20.8k), #14 @showbizkitties (952), #10 @jackandfrens (4.5k), and #6 @moegrey_thecat (12.3k). However, #2 @khaleesithekitty116 (98.4k) stood tall, delivering a decisive victory over #15 @themagnificent7andcounting (467), and setting sights on #7 @bilbo_fluffins (7.5k) next. An account to keep an eye on now is #3 @pickles_and.olive (22.6k) to make a big run. Double digit seats #12 @furballfables (1.9k), #13 @ppumpkinthekitty (1.1k), #11 @the_erdeljac_cats (2.3k) have all advanced.

In Region 2, the shockwave continued with #16 @seriesofchubis_ narrowly edging out #1 @chloetheserval (589k) by just two votes, and will face #9 @elliot.and.olivia (5.2k) on Sunday. Double-digit seeds continued their dominance, proving that numbers barely scratch the surface when it comes to the heart and grit these cats display. Notably, #11 @silly_tilly_the_main_coon (2.3k) faces off against last year’s Cinderella, #14 @barcelonaboots (729), who returns with tales of Dune and determination to advance to the Elite 8 again and beyond. Also, #12 @bennynthecrew (1.6k) won over #5 @lover_boy_oliver (15k), and will face #13 @princessbubblegum_ofmiami (1.5k) next. Barcelona demolished hopeful #3 @suki_purrs (33k). #7 @clementinethefuzzysphynx (8.5k) was conquered by #7@meistertravelcat (3.1k), who will face #2 @maitiethecat (76.7k), who also had a decisive victory over #15 @bimsfaye (573).

Region 3 saw the fall of another #1, @76dmb76 (326k), unable to muster their TikTok army for a victory over @purring.bros (173). Yet, amidst the rubble of fallen giants, #10 @count_salem (2.3k) surged forward with the most Round 1 votes, a testament to their unwavering support and spirit, setting the stage for a clash against #2 @romy.andmichelle (78k). #8 @zenmasteroatie (5.1k) couldn’t channel enough zen energy, and went down two #9 @brucewayneinthenude (3.3k), who some are saying is poised for a big run from here on. Another #12 over a #5 with #12 @peasantpicnic (1.3k) over #5 @katniss_divakat (10.8k). Returning champion #4 @littlewafflesbigcity (13.5k) had a close victory over #13 @angelsasmrchannel (1.2k), but it’s all about surviving and advancing in March. In a surprising turn of events #6 @boyce_brotherz (7.8k), who had been to the Final 4 last year and Elite 8 the year before, was upset by #11 @titandakitty (1.6k). #3 @zolder_the_cat (28.5k) lost to #14 @just_herb_and_phoebe (732) by one vote!

As we gear up for the next round, the matchups resume today (Sat 3/23) and tomorrow (Sun 3/24) at noon EST. Follow the clashes closely and make your voice heard by voting in our IG stories. Every vote counts and follower count does not always guarantee a victory! For those rallying behind their favorite feline athletes, remember, sharing the direct link to the IG story can bolster your champion’s chances, people MUST click on the story polls to vote, and be sure to keep an eye on our IG profile highlights to see the results of each matchup after 24 hours BEFORE we post. Will the giants reclaim their thrones, or will the Cinderellas dance all the way to the ball? Stay tuned for more whisker-whipping action, where legends are made, and dreams are either realized or dashed. March Meowdness 2024 continues to be a spectacle of agility, strategy, and the unyielding spirit of competition!

2024 Preview

As March Meowdness approaches, the air is electric with anticipation, shimmering with a constellation of feline stars ready to etch their names in history. The reigning champion, #4 @littlewafflesbigcity (13.5k), returns to defend the throne, now a battle-hardened veteran with a growing legion of followers. In the mix, #1 @smushofficial (722k), the top seed, eyes a triumphant return to glory, reminding us of their 2020 victory with a steely gaze on reclaiming the crown.

This year’s field is a mosaic of seasoned warriors and ambitious newcomers, making it a record-breaking year for new submissions. Among the hopefuls, #1 @76dmb76 (326k), a TikTok titan, steps into the fray, bringing a massive following to the IG battlefield. Fast risers #3 @wil_and_tuffrescuecats (52.3k) and #3 @suki_purrs (33k) are tipped as forces to be reckoned with, leveraging their engaging content a launchpad for potential glory.

#4 @chamberlain.casa.cats (20.8k), showcasing significant follower growth, steps in with exotic contenders #1 @chloetheserval (589k) and #1 @kahluathekittyy (123k), their unique charm setting the stage for a spectacle. Costume aficionado #7 @clementinethefuzzysphynx (8.5k) brings flair, while fan-favorite #10 @count_salem (2.3k) returns, their legacy bolstered by the influential #14 @barcelonaboots (729), backed by the renowned fitness influencer @jared_p_smith.

#16 @fiona_and_cake (309) and #10 @jackandfrens (4.5k) boast canine camaraderie, hinting at strategic alliances. With stalwarts like #8 @joeyinthenoniverse (7.5k) and #7 @the_chewy_crew (7.3k) returning, the fifth year of March Meowdness promises unmatched excitement and surprises, making it the ultimate showdown in cat influencer lore. #8 @zenmasteroatie (5.1k) will look to use her sense of calm and mindfulness to advance.

As we celebrate five years of unparalleled competition, the stakes have never been higher, with prizes that shine brighter than ever. This isn’t just a tournament; it’s a saga of whisker-to-whisker combat where legends are born and tales of glory are etched into the annals of March Meowdness history.

2023 Summary

The 2023 March Meowdness culminated with #8 @littlewafflesbigcity (8.4k) securing a close victory over #12 @the_catnamedcheeto (3.7K), in a dramatic finale to the tournament. Throughout the competition, both accounts demonstrated remarkable prowess, captivating the audience’s hearts and emerging from a competitive field. The journey to the finals was laden with intense matches, showcasing the fierce determination of these feline influencers.

Last year’s tournament was a thrilling spectacle, highlighted by the Cinderella runs of #15 seeds @barcelonaboots and @just_herb_and_phoebe, who defied the odds to make it to the Elite 8. Their journeys added a layer of excitement and unpredictability, captivating followers with each unexpected victory. Meanwhile, #10 @boyce_brotherz and #9 @joeyinthenoniverse also left their mark in the Final Four, showcasing their immense popularity and competitive spirit.

This tournament not only highlighted the community’s engagement but also underscored the generous contributions of brand sponsors, enriching the experience for the finalists. As we eagerly anticipate the 2024 tournament, the spirit of competition and camaraderie among cat influencers promises to reach new heights, making it an event not to be missed.

Selection Sunday (Bracket Announcement)

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Format & FAQ

Since the inception of this competition in 2020, the format and rules have evolved quite a bit.

For those who are new, here is a breakdown of how “March Meowdness” works along with some frequently asked questions we have received over the years.

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).

Tournament History

Follow the links below to read about the history of March Meowdness over the last four years and learn more about each champion.

Key Dates

Each year, March Meowdness follows the exact schedule of the real-life Men’s Basketball NCAA Tournament.

  • Selection Sunday: Sunday, March 17th (bracket will be announced)
  • First Round: March 21st-22nd (Region 1/4 on 21st, Region 2/3 on 22nd)
  • Second Round: March 23rd-24th (Region 1/4 on 23rd, Region 2/3 on 24th)
  • Sweet 16: March 28th-29th (Region 1/4 on 28th, Region 2/3 on 29th)
  • Elite Eight: March 30th-31st (Region 1/4 on 30th, Region 2/3 on 31st)
  • Final Four: April 6th
  • 🏆 Championship Matchup: April 8th 🏆

2024 Sponsors

Read about the generous brands that will be sponsoring prizes for this year’s bracket challenge!

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 BlogInstagram, 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.


taylor swift olivia benson mariska hartigay karma

5 Catfluencial Stories From 2023

(Images via Raymond Hall/Getty Images, Getty Images, and Mariska Hartigay/IG)

2023 was another year of amazing cat stories! Here are some of our favorites (in no particular order):

1. Actress Mariska Hargitay Names Her Cat Karma to Honor Taylor Swift

A "full circle" moment occurred when Law and Order SVU actress, Mariska Hartigay, posted about her new cat named Karma, named after Taylor Swift. For those who don't know, Taylor got a cat in 2014 and named her Olivia after Hartigay's character in SVU, Olivia Benson.

(Mariska Hartigay/IG)

2. Stevenage Railway cat Nala Cat Goes Viral at Stevenage Railway in UK

Nala, a special cat that made a busy Stevenage railway station her second home has been delighting UK commuters with her adventures.

(Adventures of Nala)

3. Sarah Jessica Parker Adopts Cat Featured in 'And Just Like That'

Carrie Bradshaw, Sarah Jessica Parker's character in 'And Just Like That', a sequel to 'Sex In The City', adopts a cat named Shoe. Then, SJP adopted the cat IRL and named him Lotus!

(Sarah Jessica Parker/IG)

4. Goose from ‘The Marvels’ Takes Over Las Vegas Sphere

Goose, the cat-like alien creature that appeared in Captain Marvel and returned in The Marvels, towered over the Las Vegas skyline on the outside of the recently-opened Sphere.

(Autodesk/Marvel promo on Sphere AD RENDERING IMAGE COURTESY OF THE MILL)

5. Service Cat Zebby Who Hears for Deaf Owners Named UK National Cat of the Year

Zebby, a special cat who helps his deaf owner, 66-year-old Genevieve Moss, around the house was named Cats Protection’s National Cat of the Year 2023. He supports her by alerting her to noises like the phone ringing or a guest at the door.

(Lucy Ray/PA)


blonde girl with her ginger cat

Mina’s Cancer Treatment & Fundraiser: Basosquamous Carcinoma

Written By: Abbey Kawanishi

Hi everyone. My name is Abbey Kawanishi and I am in need of some help with my cat Mina, who has been recently diagnosed with cancer.

She is 3 years old and my absolute pride and joy and her treatment is something that I am struggling to pay for. I have just graduated from Indiana University and started a new job in Indianapolis, so the timing of her diagnosis has been difficult for me to afford.

He has undergone 2 different surgeries to remove lumps on her arm which have been biopsied and diagnosed as basosquamous carcinoma with angiolymphatic invasions, meaning that it has the potential to aggressively spread to her lymph nodes throughout her body.

I am still finding out more information, but my options include radiation if the cancer spreads or amputation of her whole arm. As treatment options are extremely expensive and unaffordable for me to complete, I am graciously asking for anyone who would be interested in donating to help my sweet Mina.

Any help at all would be greatly appreciated and used for Mina to live the best possible life that she can. I would be so grateful if you could spread the word of this unfortunate news and help me raise $5,000.

Prayers and shares are just as important as donations. Thank you all for your love and support in advance.

GoFundMe Donation Link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/minas-cancer-treatment

blonde girl cuddling in a blanker with her ginger cat


coffee and crazy people podcast episode 11 with catfluence

Coffee & Crazy People Podcast EP. 011 | Cat Influencer Network w/ Harris Baker

We recently made an appearance on the Coffee & Crazy People Podcast EP. 011 with Alexis Ward of The Cat Pharm, a CBD Company inspired by cats, cannabis, and community.

We discussed the mission of Catfluence, which is promoting everything feline related, whether it be cats themselves, their owners, brands, products, viral videos, memes, art, and more.

Join us for a conversation about content, branding, and influencers from an entrepreneur, seasoned digital creator, and marketing expert focused on the cat community!

Watch/Listen On:


three cat siblings in starbucks outfits

Pet Adorations: Learning to love, grow, cherish, & build empathy for them in our lives

Written By: Jiawen, the mom of "@thepurrpawsbros"

Introduction to Jiawen

Hi there! Many people may know us and others maybe new to knowing us, but we are thepurrpawsbros also known as thepowerpuffboys (Milo, Leo and Pablo). This month we wanted to share our story onto Catfluence blog to talk a little bit about the growth and love we should truly have for our pets and the shared feelings that builds and creates as our pets grow and bond with us throughout our lives.

But before I jump into that, I would like to do a small little self-introduction (the mom) of whose behind thepurrpawsbros. So my name is Jiawen (as some know me already for those who follow us) and I live in Toronto, On. If one wonders what made me get into the concern or interest in the wellbeing of my cats, my answer to that is I’ve ALWAYS loved animals so it doesn’t just lay within cats.

However, my career path did not head towards that way for many reasons because my love and passion is also driven by art and design. So I work in the financial industry, and I’m a senior digital designer, and I’m also an entrepreneur for my own side business where I help companies and small business brand their brands through brand development and execution. All that to me with the mix of loving animals, art, and design I see that as a cohesive balance in life where it creates a melody and balance in finding the worth and value to keep moving forward and building inspiration.

Introduction to @thepurrpawsbros

Now enough about me, as a kick-off, I think I would like to give a little bit of an introduction to my kitties.

Milo he is a black and white cat who just turned 10 (whose a mix of domestic shorthair and snowshoe cat) also known as tuxedo cat. My eldest one is named Leo and he’s going to turn 12 soon! (yes he’s pretty much hitting into his late senior years) and he is a mix of domestic shorthair, European shorthair, and bengal cat all together) which makes him extremely vocal and loud when he shouldn’t need to be! Last but not least my newsiest little addition that came into the family during the pandemic (and you would assume he is a pandemic kitty, BUT he isn’t!) his name is Pablo and he JUST turned 2 this year (and he is a mix of Abyssinian cat, Bengal cat and domestic short hair cat all together!),

Now you may ask “how can you know what mixed breed a cat has by just looking at them?” well here’s how. I did spend some money in doing a DNA test for them with BasePaws (and for those who don’t know they are a cat-kit that tells you the overview of what your cat shares in genetics as well as the breed of which runs in the DNA). This would help us as owners know what underlying conditional health they CAN or MAY have as awareness to ourselves so we aren’t just guessing our cat’s health.

Love, Grow, Bond With, & Cherish Our Pets

Now that you know the 3 bros, maybe now is the time where I should start to share a bit about what I mean by learning to love, grow, bond and cherish with our pets.

For me to start it off here is what I would like you to ask yourself: Do you tend to cry when an animal dies? Do you get angry when you hear about a dog dying in a hot car, yet scroll by that story of the woman who died in a car accident? If so, you’re not alone. The reason why we ALL want to care and love for our pets (whether it’s cats, dogs, rabbits, rats, etc….) is because we all have that strong empathy among us and that’s a very complex emotion for us as humans.

But here is something that you may even ask more, why is it so easy to generate empathy for suffering animals rather than having that large contributor to a growing lack of empathy for others?

This is because we (as pet parents) have that acquired natural affection in us that we feel for our pets like how it would feel for our own children. We impulsively want to care for them, and desire to help them because they are unable to easily help themselves. So if we take that kind of empathy, feeling, and love that we have towards them and allow ourselves to just observe the things they are in need of, I think emotionally and mentally our pets (cats or dogs) will start to grow this unconditional love towards us.

Importance of Cat Nutrition

That being said this kind of unconditional love and empathy we have towards them should also be shown towards the care we give them from the food we provide and feed them.

Any parent can’t simply just say you love them unconditionally, have so much anxiety and feeling towards them, but choose not to give our children the best possible healthiest food so that they can grow up to be healthy but instead just feed them with junk food, McDonald's, fast food and take out, I’m sure if you were to ask yourself that, you wouldn’t do that right?

This same kind of love and unconditional love should also be applied to our furbabies. Whether one has the budget or not (depending on the amount), try to make the best of it by seeing what works within your budget. For me, the transition HAD to be necessary after realizing the health diagnostic that was done on Leo and this took me and my partner to spend around $600+ for us to realize that we HAD to take their food consumption seriously. I was also once a pet mama that didn’t know much better, but to feed our furbabies those food brands you’d find on the shelf.

I also did fall into the trap of buying kibbles that I saw on commercials like Go Solutions, and Blues thinking they were doing all the good to help our pets. This is where I started to grow with them, when I realized cheaping out on food and not give the best they are supposed to consume or spending that money towards the vet where we would be dictated in how we should take care of our furbabies can result in us spending beyond $600 for his future health (that would mean medication, examination, consultation etc.).

So here are some suggestions I would like to give to all FUR parents out there (whether it’s small or big pets you have) please do always ask questions to those brands that you are purchasing whether they are commercial brands you find on the shelf or those brands you find in a boutique pet store. Always see what is beneficial to your pets and what they are SUPPOSED to eat rather than what they fill inside (wet or kibble) the ingredients. If you look at the back of the ingredients in most of the brand products you buy, almost half of those ingredients you have no clue what they are or what it even benefits to our pets.

Cat Food Brands

Here are some cat food brands that I personally know I would not purchase (because I have done my research with them) would be Purina (because they contain grain example corn gluten meal that most cats are allergic to), Royal Canin (most of their kibbles contains a lot of carbohydrates which is not good because cats do need meaty food and fatty acids), Blue Buffalo – so I thought they were REALLY good in the beginning until I started to understand what it contains (it contains propylene glycol, Carrageenan, which can lead to diseases and most of it doesn’t smell that good and it doesn’t have much gravy which cats need at least 65% moisture to keep them hydrated) and the last few which I don’t think I need to explain much on would be Iams and Whiskas (this would include temptations as their treat brand).

The BEST alternatives to these that suites the best for our feline friends would be Raw foods. If you have heard all the bad about it that’s because in most of the industrial commercial cat food, they HAVE to profit from these kibbles, but cats are true domestic carnivores meaning MOST of what they eat needs to be 100% meat! So, for cats in particular, a switch from a highly processed, carbohydrate-heavy food, to a raw, species-appropriate, meat-based diet without fruits and vegetables, will truly change their health and ultimately their life.

My cats now live on such a balanced diet that has almost close to 0 health issues all due to giving them raw food (from Hungry Hunter) and supplements that are herbal natural droplets (by Pet Wellbeing) and canned food if they would STILL like to have a change in it from (Oven-Baked Traditions) as well as freeze-dried food that we use on top of raw food (from Instinct). These are the brands that make up the BEST health for my cats and this is what keeps me from having a headache about whether they are healthy or not.

If you live in Canada and you are looking for the best brand for Raw food I would say Hungry Hunter has the best Ingredients AND the best variety between flavour of raw food as well as raw food treats (including quail eggs and goat milk). They do also carry amazing supplements such as Progut, Herring Oil, Pumpkin Power and etc at most PetSmart locations and you can also find them at Loblaws and Sobeys. There are raw food ranges for both cat and dog parents so check them out at: hungryhunter.ca

To find out more information about feline and raw food Big Country Raw has an amazing article explaining why switching our cats to raw should be important: https://bigcountryraw.ca/cats-true-domestic-carnivores/


Gwen Segal Because of Jim Blog Image

One Cat’s Open Heart Turned Into An Ongoing Mission Of Love

Written By: Gwen W. Segal, Wild Serenity Cat Rescue Fund & Because of Jim

You never know what’s going to happen when you open your heart. Sometimes it’s like a surprise that you were never expecting, and other times it’s a pain that you thought you could handle but couldn’t. No two relationships are alike and all of them end one way or another. The only thing that I know for sure is that if you never open your heart, then you can never have any kind of relationship.

I know blah blah blah. I was not ready to open my heart to another animal yet. I was getting there, but I still had it in my head that it would be on my terms. I would do the choosing. I was thinking of adopting a dog. It had been years since Coal, our wonderful black lab died and now that we didn’t have anyone with whom we had to stay home for, I thought a dog would be easier to travel with. Not that I did much traveling, but my mother was getting up there in years and Nick and I had not visited her together since 2005. We could bring a dog to visit her and to Miami to visit Nick’s mom. Traveling with a cat is much more difficult. It didn’t matter, anyway. Nick wasn’t ready for another fur kid. Our first turned out to be our oldest, and she died in 2019. We just needed more time.

Sometimes you just don’t get a choice. You might be thinking “You always have a choice” but it’s not that easy.

Jim was a cat. When he first showed up, at the beginning of 2020 while the country was going into lockdown, he set us on a path that would change our lives.

man petting tuxedo cat

We started calling him Idiot. It actually really fit him, but I couldn’t take him to the vet and say “Hi, this is Idiot,” so Nick named him Jim. He was still an idiot. He was also FIV positive. Chances were that sooner rather than later he was going to die. When he did, we probably wouldn’t know for sure. He would just stop coming over for breakfast, and dinner, and he wouldn’t be around for roast beef at 8 pm. He would just vanish the same way he appeared.

The thing is, he loved us first. He ran right up to us and marked us with his body. He came running into the house to eat, but then cried when we closed the door and asked him to get comfortable. He couldn’t get comfortable, and he couldn’t stay with us all the time because he didn’t know how to use a litter box, and he didn’t want to learn. When he needed to go, he needed to go outside. At least he knew enough to ask. We got him fixed, and he still came back. I took him back to the vet for his boosters, and he showed up the next day like nothing had happened. He was slowly becoming our cat. I even got him to use the litter box, but he did not want to live in the house full-time. We started having sleepovers, and in the morning when Nick left for work, Jim would leave too.

I had hope though. That was my mistake. I had hope; that he would want to stay in the house where he could be safe and cared for. I had hope; that we could keep him healthy for a good long while. My hopes were shattered when I found Jim in the middle of our road. He had been hit by a car. What came next was nothing I could have predicted.

jim the tuxedo cat

Nick and I set out on a mission to at least TNR all the rest of the cats that Jim had left behind in a small colony that was growing at the head of our road. Over the next nine months, we ended up rescuing, fostering, and acting as an adoption agency for 17 cats and kittens.

cat clowder feeding outside

When we thought we had successfully prevented the colony from turning into an uncontrollable clowder, I had time to reflect on the experience and decided to write a book about all of it and especially how COVID made things even harder. I decided to use the royalties for the book to help other organizations that do a much better job of TNR, cat rescue, fostering, and adoption than we ever could. I also started a blog called Because of Jim.

The fund, Wild Serenity Cat Rescue Fund, is used to endow organizations that do good work, and it also helps to pay for the medical expenses of cats and kittens whose needs we have become aware of. To date, we have been able to write checks to Saving Graces 4 Felines in Greenville NC; they were instrumental in helping us find homes for the first 10. We have also helped with medical expenses for five kittens who were dumped at our vet’s office, help Ginger’s Petfood Pantry in Florida, and Meowland Rescuary in PA. The fund uses royalties, adoption fees, and donations to pay what we can. We are very small and the checks we write are not very large, but we are doing want we can with want we have. Unfortunately, the needs of abandoned, neglected, and surrendered animals are great. Contributing to pet food pantries help keep animals in their homes, and that is the first step to keeping them off the street.

wild serenity cat rescue fund

Because of Jim we are still rescuing cats and doing whatever we can to help the companion animals who seem to fall through the cracks. We try to educate people as well as fund these precious animals. If you are interested in our story and want to know more, our book, Because of Jim the Story of 17 Rescues in the Height of COVID is available on Amazon.

because of jim by gwen segal book on amazon


harris baker catfluence community cats podcast episode 499

Community Cats Podcast #499: Cats Generating Awareness on Social Media

In episode #499 of the Community Cats Podcast, Stacy LeBaron chats with Harris Baker, the founder of Catfluence, a social media platform that promotes everything feline related.

They spoke about his top tips for generating awareness for cats in need online and using marketing tactics to build a social media following.

Follow this link to listen to the entire podcast, or find the episode on wherever you listen to podcasts (Spotify, Apple, etc). Thanks for all your support!

 


cat traveling on a plane looking out the window

Traveling With Pets Tips: A How-To Guide on Vacations with Your Cat or Dog

Written By: Arslan Hassan

Going for a family vacation? Don't forget your four-legged companion. Canines and felines are as much part of your family as other people and need a holiday, too.

But not all pets are accustomed to traveling. While some pets are born world travelers and become great travel buddies, others are ready to run off the bridge any minute they get the chance.

Hence, to keep the trip safe and fun for everyone, we assembled a guide to ensure a fun-packed journey.

Things to do before:

Now that you're done with your packing, location decided, and hotel booked: the next thing to do is give 100% attention to your pet. Buy an ID card for their collar with your name and phone number written on it; adding the hotel name and their phone number is a bonus.

It's better if your pet is microchipped. Make sure the details in the microchip are updated and right. Secondly, take your pet's vaccination card and health certificates with you. In case of an emergency, these will be helpful for other vets to treat your pet.

Pack extra food in case of a change in plans or an emergency. Try not to feed your pets to the fullest before traveling; it can make them nauseous. Lastly, get a crate for your pet. Cats tend to squeeze themselves when nervous, and dogs can be too hard to handle if they're anxious while traveling.

For cats or dogs, anxiety while traveling can lead to some troubles. Therefore, carry them in a carrier. Assure that the carrier size is suitable to sit and stand in. Get the crate at home to familiarize them with it.

If your dog is large in size, switch to a crate. Crates are more sturdily built and ideal for dogs weighing between 70 and 90 lbs. There's much more to learn about a dog and how to handle them. Thankfully, you can find answers to all your concerns on We Love Doodles.

Although many pets are not cut for traveling due to their temperament, illness, or other issues. We recommend you visit your vet to know if your pet is alright with traveling.

Air Travels:

Air travel can be a lot of work for pets, either in the cargo or in the cabin. Following these tips can help your pets ease a little.

  • Check if your airline allows pet travel, their charges and if they allow pets in a cabin or cargo.
  • Correspond with the airline's pet travel policies. Each airline has its own policies and requires some documents before booking.
  • Make sure your crate is airline approved.
  • Play with your cat or dog before the flight. So, your pet sleeps throughout the flight.
  • Check-in late for the flying. You don't want your pet to wait for hours in the crate.
  • You can add some pine shaving or newspaper to the crate. In case of any incident, it will be absorbed.
  • Bring your cat's litter box with you. Cats can smell if it's theirs or not.
  • Carry some no-noise toys. It will help them without annoying other people.
  • Book a direct flight if possible.
  • Stay relax. Your pet can sense the tension in you and get anxious. You can frequently pass these buddies treats, too.

Most importantly, check in with their vet for any other necessary medications and if they'll be okay in higher altitudes.

Road Rides:

Road trips are easier to handle than planes. You can go miles according to your pet's tolerance level. Take breaks and keep the journey fun for them.

  • Take trial trips. Let your dog sit in the car for hours or go for small rides. The same goes for the cat; let them understand that car rides are safe.
  • We know how cinematic it looks, a dog sticking their head out of the car. Well, it's dangerous. Any unexpected obstacle or sudden breaks can cause serious injury. And dust alone can cause allergies.
  • An advantage of car rides is frequent breaks. Take a break every 4 hours (at least) for restrooms, food, and stretching.
  • Always keep cold water on hand. The last thing you want on a road trip is a dehydrated companion.
  • Never leave your pet inside the car. It gets deadly warm inside the car real quick.
  • If your pet is in a crate, leave a crack in the window for ventilation.
  • Is a crate not an option for your big canine? Go for a car belt.
  • While sunscreen is a go-to product for us: the sun can be dangerous for pets, too. A window blind can do the work for you!
  • Just like human babies, puppies are unsafe for a front seat. If worse comes to worst, the pressure of airbags is harmful to them. Backseats are far safer.
  • Let us not forget the most important thing. Keep an eye on your cat; these tiny paws dart at the first possibility.
  • Listening to you sing the whole trip is punishing enough. Avoid loud music as it damages the pet's sensitive ears and increases anxiety.
  • Ideally, feed your pets four hours before leaving or a small meal an hour before. Dogs are more likely to have an upset stomach.

Some pets are too scared of traveling, and we suggest you leave them at home with a caretaker or a friend. However, if it is necessary, a prescribed anti-anxiety can save the day.

Train Trips:

Although train trips are uncommon due to their weight and size limits, they are similar to car rides.

  • Check with train policies and if your pet is allowed.
  • Make your pet familiar with crates as with car rides. Pick up the carrier and roam around the house as practice.
  • Cooperate with the staff where you can stop to relieve your pet. Regardless, there are cases where there is no possible stop.

Knowing the rules is as important for pets as for you. As well as; visiting the train station beforehand, the noise there can be terrifying for your pet. See if they get habituated easily.

Conclusion:

Before we wrap this up, here are a few more suggestions; keep a blankie or a beloved toy with your pet, ask your vet how to assess if your pet is getting anxious, and of course, be patient.

Trips can be frightening for pets; try to be patient and considerate of your pet. You can get a thunder shirt to calm your pet's anxiety. Now that you've finally reached your destination: look for pet-friendly places to visit and restaurants to eat at.

Book a hotel that has good pet policies. If some sites are too crowded for a pet or not open for them, search for nearby dog or cat sitters. We tried to make a super easy and helpful guide for you. Use this as a checklist and be 100% ready for your vacation.

(Image Source: Shutterstock)


2023 Meowdness Blog Image - Final 2

2023 Catfluence March Meowdness Tournament

Championship Summary

We have a winner!!! #8 @littlewafflesbigcity (8.4k) finished up with an impressive, but close, 804 – 752 victory over #12 @the_catnamedcheeto (3.7K). Both accounts had an exciting journey to the finals, but unfortunately, there can only be one champion. A big congratulations to Waffles on being the fourth annual March Meowdness champion, and thank you to all the voters who help make this improbable run possible!

A big thank you to all the brands who sponsored March Meowdness prizes this year! Each for the Final Four accounts will receive a special prize back, with Waffles receiving the most goodies. More information about the sponsors and the and prizes they provided can be found towards the bottom of the blog.

Thank you again to all of our followers and voters who made this the most exciting tournament yet. We could not do this each year without your support and engagement!

Final 4 Summary & Championship Preview

There are FINALly two accounts remaining in the 2023 March Meowdness Tournament! In the Final Four, #12 @the_catnamedcheeto (3.7K) defeated #10 @boyce_brotherz (5.3k) 263 to 116, and #8 @littlewafflesbigcity (8.4k) took down #9 @joeyinthenoniverse (5.7k) 370 to 366! After three long weeks, Cheeto and Waffles will face off for the championship crown!

The matchup will begin on Monday, April 3rd at 9:30 AM EST on our IG stories. The poll will run for 24 hours and on Tuesday, a winner be announced, and prizes from our amazing brand sponsors will be distributed. Be sure to follow @catfluence on IG so you can vote, and read the blog for more updates!

Elite 8 Summary & Final 4 Preview

It’s the final countdown… The Elite Eight has been completed, and the Final Four bracket is all set! #15 seeds @barcelonaboots (702) and @just_herb_and_phoebe (658) had their Cinderella stories cut short, and the highest overall remaining seed, #3 @coleandmarmalade (675k), also fell. Cheeto vs. was one of our highest voted-on matchups this year, with a score of 496-403.

Congratulations to #10 @boyce_brotherz (5.3k), #12 @the_catnamedcheeto (3.7K), #8 @littlewafflesbigcity (8.4k), and #9 @joeyinthenoniverse (5.7k) on their impressive runs to the finals. Boyce Brotherz will face Cheeto next, followed by Waffles and Joey & Co!

Each of these four accounts will receive prizes from our generous sponsors, which can be found at the bottom of this blog post. No matter what happens, it’s guaranteed that this year’s champion will be a #8 seed or higher, the highest since 2021 when #9 @mosstherat (3.8k) was champion.

The Final Four matchup polls will be posted to our IG stories at 9:30 AM EST on Saturday, April 1st. The Championship will begin on Monday, April 3rd at 9:30 AM EST, and a winner will be decided the following day.

Sweet 16 Summary & Elite 8 Preview

The Sweet 16 has completed and the Elite 8 has been set. Many of the top remaining accounts have been eliminated.

#8 @gigi_sagwa_cornish_rex (6.7k) took down #4 @thejunocat (98.1k), and will face off against #10 @boyce_brotherz (5.3k) for the Region 1 title. #12 @the_catnamedcheeto (3.6K) had a huge victory over #1 seed @white_coffee_cat (2.2m), but will have to stay strong against #15 @barcelonaboots (675) who is on an incredible Cinderella run in Region 3.

#8 @littlewafflesbigcity (7.7k) advances to battle the top-seeded remaining account, #3 @coleandmarmalade (675k), who defeated #2 @strykerthecat (872k), which will determine the winner of Region 3. Lastly, #8 @joeyinthenoniverse (5.6k) beat #4 @chloetheserval (402k) and will face our other remaining #15 seed on a magical run, @just_herb_and_phoebe (640).

With four double-digit seeds remaining, and only one 3 or higher seed left, the 2023 Catfluence March Meowdness championship is up for grabs. Follow along on our IG stories on Saturday/Sunday afternoon for the matchup polls. By Monday afternoon, the Final Four will be all set!

Round of 32 Summary & Sweet 16 Preview

After a long four (five) days, the stage is finally set for the Sweet 16!

In Region 1, we saw first-year competitor #8 @gigi_sagwa_cornish_rex (6.7k) take down #1 overall seed @nala_cat (4.5m), and will face off next against long-time March Meowdness competitor, #4 @thejunocat (98.1k). To round out the region is Catfluence blogger #11 @zenmasteroatie (5k), who took down a former champion, #3 @smushofficial (702k), and #10 @boyce_brotherz (5.3k).

The only remaining #1 seed is @white_coffee_cat (2.2m), set to face off #12 @the_catnamedcheeto (3.6K), who was the winner of our FIRST EVER tie with #13 @count_salem (2.2k), who each had exactly 350 votes. The tiebreaker was decided by posting another IG poll for 24 hours, and the final votes were 551-523 in favor of Cheeto! It was a valiant effort by Salem and one of our greatest matchups of all time. #3 @pudgethecat (633k) will face off against Cinderella #15 @barcelonaboots (675), a cat belonging to actor, model, and influencer, @jared_p_smith.

In Region 2, four-year competitor #1 @venustwofacecat (2.2m) was defeated by Catfluence Ambassador, #8 @littlewafflesbigcity (7.7k) and will match up against #13 @blublu.ragdoll (2.6k), who made it to the Elite 8 in 2021. The last matchup in Region two will feature two of the strongest remaining competitors going head to head in #2 @coleandmarmalade (675k) vs. #2 @strykerthecat (872k).

Last, but not least, in Region 4, #9@joeyinthenoniverse (5.6k) came out victorious over #1@cobythecat (1.8m), and will match up against #4 @chloetheserval (402k) in the Sweet 16. #6 @zolder_the_cat (27.7k) defeated fan-favorite @spongecake_thescottishfold (471k), and will face #15 @just_herb_and_phoebe (640), who look to continue their magical run after taking down #10 @princessjojoofgreenwich (5.4k) and #15 @smudge_lord (1.6m) in the first round.

The Sweet 16 will begin on Thursday, March 23rd at 9:30 AM EST with Region’s 1 and 3, following by Region’s 2 and 4 on Friday the 24th. The Elite 8 will be announced on Saturday morning and matchups will begin shortly after. Be sure to vote on our story polls and follow along in the blog and story highlights for more updates and info!

Round of 64 Summary & Round of 32 Preview

…And just like that the first round of March Meowdness is complete!

On Day 1, Region 1 was pretty standard, while Region 3 saw some big-time upsets. In Region 1, #1 overall seed @nala_cat (4.5m) advanced in a tough matchup vs #16 @loughtoncatlady (107), along with #2 @waffles_the_cat (859k), former champion #3 @smushofficial (702k), and four-time Meowdness competitor, #4 @thejunocat (98.1k).

In Region 3, #1 @white_coffee_cat (2.2m), advanced, but #9 @theblackbasil (6.1k), #12 @the_catnamedcheeto (3.6K), #13 @count_salem (2.2k), #10 @elliot.and.olivia (5.3k), all successfully completed upsets. The biggest of all came from #15, @barcelonaboots (675) defeating #2, @owl__kitty (1m). In there round of 32 a matchup we’re keeping a close eye on is between close friends, #12 @the_catnamedcheeto (3.6K) and #13 @count_salem (2.2k)!

On Day 2, Region 2, all of the top seeds surprisingly advanced. In Region 2 we’re keeping an eye on #8 @littlewafflesbigcity (7.7k) facing off against #1 @venustwofacecat (2.2m), and #2 @strykerthecat (872k) looking strong with over 250 Round 1 votes.

In Region 4, #4 @chloetheserval (402k) came out strong with 363 votes, more than any other account. She will face off next against #12 @chamberlain.casa.cats (3.7k), who also had a strong showing with 213 votes in an upset victory over #5 @peterbald_meowfia (45.8k)!

The Round of 32 with Regions 1 and 3 will begin on Saturday, March 18th at 1 PM EST and run for 24 hours, followed by Regions 2 and 4 on Sunday, March 19th at the same time. Updates about next week’s matchups will be posted on Monday, March 20th. The updated bracket is below. Follow along on our IG stories in the polls to vote and stay tuned for more!

2022 Summary

It’s that time of year again! March Meowdness is back! Before giving the details of the 2023 tournament, we will give a brief summary of 2022…

Congratulations again to #4 @abdulscats (176k) on his 948 votes (53%) in the finals against #10 @catnamedpizza (4.6k) 829 (47%). Abdul and Pizza, along with #12 @count_salem (2.1k) and #5 @tunatheadventurecat (70.1k) all received some amazing prizes from our brand sponsors.

The full blog from the 2022 competition can be found here, along with 2021, and 2020 summaries. Other past winners include @mosstherat (2021) and @smushofficial (2020)

2023 Preview

It’ssssssss timeeeeeeee (Bruce Buffer voice) for March Meowdness 2023!!! We have 45 returning accounts from last year, including two of the Final Four participants – #13 @count_salem (2.1k) and #5 @tunatheadventurecat (70.1k) – as well as two others from the Elite Eight. This means that 19 new accounts will have a shot at greatness and some amazing prizes…

Other returning participants from the last few years looking to make another run include #2 @strykerthecat (872k), #4 @thejunocat (98.1k), #7 @louis_the_kitten_prince (11.5k), #10 @princessjojoofgreenwich (5.4k), #10 @elliot.and.olivia (5.3k), #12 @the_catnamedcheeto (3.6K), and #13 @blublu.ragdoll (2.6k) to name a few.

Many of these cool cats belong to awesome influencers who we are looking forward to having involved this year such as #13 @kingsporkofqueens (2.6k), #15 @barcelonaboots (675), #13 @kittamoose (1.3K), @meistertravelcat (2.9k), and #14 @brooklynfrmtheblock (1.3k). Can #3 @smushofficial (702k) also make a run to the finals after winning the championship in 2020???

Be sure to check out all this year’s brand sponsors and follow along with the key dates so you can share/vote on our IG stories below!!

Key Dates:

  • Selection Sunday: Sunday, March 12
  • First round: March 16-17 (Region 1/3 on 16th, Region 2/4 on 17th)
  • Second round: March 18-19 (Region 1/3 on 18th, Region 2/4 on 19th)
  • Sweet 16: March 23-24 (Region 1/3 on 23rd, Region 2/4 on 24th)
  • Elite Eight: March 25-26 (Region 1/3 on 25th, Region 2/4 on 26th)
  • Final Four: April 1
  • Championship matchup: April 3

View the full bracket and download a copy of your own to fill out online!

2023 Format & FAQ

Each year, as this tournament has evolved since quarantine in 2020, the rules and format have changed for the better. For those who are new, here is a breakdown of how “March Meowdness” works along with some frequently asked questions.

What is March Meowdness? 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).

Who can be in it? The tournament will feature accounts that are USA-based, as this makes things easier for our generous brand sponsors (more on them below) to ship out prizes. All entrants are required to be cat-focused accounts, and we used our best judgment to be as fair as possible while allowing for the most excitement and engagement.

How can you enter your cat into this year’s competition? 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 2022. It is free for cat accounts and brands to enter.

How do we choose a winner? 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, for each round 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.

What do the winners get? The Final Four accounts will all receive pawesome prizes from our generous sponsors (see below). First place will receive the most, followed by second, and the two who lose in the Final Four will always receive free items.

How can you follow along? As mentioned, the matchup polls for each round will be posted to our IG stories and follow the men’s basketball tournament timeline. 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).

2023 Sponsors

Abdul’s Cats

When Abdul & Shamiyan, got into fostering with their first kitten Bambi, they become so attached that they adopted her!

Seeing how transformative caring for Bambi was, they decided to continue fostering, which is such an important aspect of animal rescue systems. To date, they have fostered and helped find homes for over 50 cats!

With over 300k IG followers, Abdul’s Cats spreads an incredible message of love, positivity. and CATS! They will be giving a cat t-shirt and sticker package from their store to the winner of March Meowdness.

Bad Cat Coffee Company

Bad Cat was founded by Traci and inspired by her beloved cat, Peaches!

Bad Cat Coffee Co. serves locally roasted, coffee, espresso, cat-themed lattes and so much more at the Morgan Street Food Hall, 411 W. Morgan Street, Raleigh, NC 27603. They also have swag available in an online store.

They also ship anywhere in the USA and deliver in their local area in North Carolina. They will be giving an insulated tumbler, a bag of coffee, and a tote bag to the first-place winner!

Catfluence

Catfluence is a brand dedicated to cat influencers, influencers with cats, and more!

We’ll be putting up shirts, mugs, stickers, hats, and other merch from our store as prizes to the Final Four cat accounts.

Cat Lady Academy

Founded by Nikki Hess, Philly native, marketer, and meowmy to @mannyhalloweencat, Cat Lady Academy provides personal coaching and online courses for cat IG accounts, along with tips for new & established accounts.

You can check out the courses she currently has available by visiting the CLA website. These guides will help you work with brands and promote their products on your cat’s Instagram!

Nikki and Cat Lady Academy will be giving a bundle of her/Manny’s ebooks! The ebook bundle ($35 value) would include:

  • Manny’s ebook “Paws & Reflect”
  • Manny Halloween Cat’s Guide to Holiday Catting
  • Never Forget Another Cat Day
  • Organizing Your Cat Photos and Videos
  • Help Your Cat Have a Healthy New Year

Bob Eckstein

Bob Eckstein is an internationally-known, award-winning illustrator, New Yorker cartoonist and NY Times bestseller. He is also an adjunct professor and host of The Cartoon Pad. His new book is The Complete Book of Cat Names (That Your Cat Won’t Answer to, Anyway), which he will provide the March Meowdness winner with a copy of.

You can find more about Bob here on his website. For other books he has authored, check out this link. For more updates you can follow him on Twitter or Instagram or sign up for his newsletter.

Fat Cat Foods

Orlando-based Fat Cat Gourmet Foods is the brainchild of husband-and-wife team Eyal Goldshmid and Deborah Moskowitz, two long-time foodies who made their passion for exploring flavorful and fiery food their full-time profession.

Their award-winning sauces focus on that magical middle ground where flavor and fire meet. Their products feature exotic flavor combinations, all-natural ingredients, and heat levels ranging from mild to super-hot. They are purr-fect for grilling, marinating, dipping, and more.

Deborah and Eyal had a cat named Tiggy, who is no longer with us, but at one point got up to 23 pounds, hence the name “Fat Cat”. They will give a three-pack of their hot sauces to the winner!

Katio

Katio has created many pawesome products, including the Kitty Kafé Floating Pet Bowl Set, which is a wall-mounted food & water bowl system. This product elevates your cat bowls off the door and helps aid with food digestion and prevents whisker stress/fatigue.

It’s a great space safe and easy to clean – it even allows for robot vacuums to clean underneath! Check it out here. The winner of March Meowdness will receive a free bowl kit.

Kitty Kubed

Kitty Kubed is an innovative, cozy, home-in-a-home solution to the international cat creed: If I fits, I sits. It’s a simple but effective toy that cats love! Get your kitty a kitty kubed! #kittykubed

Made in the USA with durable and 100% sustainable corrugated cardboard, our 13” x 13“ kubes are lightweight and inconspicuous – An attractive and long-lasting upgrade from your old shoebox! Kitty Kubed helps other kitty’s! $1 of each purchase will be donated to benefit an animal in a shelter.

Kitty Kubed will be giving away one of their products to the winner of March Meowdness.

Living Art USA

Living Art USA was founded in 2010 by Jane Morocco. Jane is an industry leader as well as an accomplished author, environmentalist, philanthropist, and community activist.

Living Art features luscious, low-maintenance plant varieties perfect for any urban growing environment that are pet and child-Safe. Most plants are 12-24″ in height.

The winner will receive a pet-friendly plant of choice -including the Money Tree (Pachira Trunk), Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea), and many more! They are non-toxic so your pets and kids will not get sick if they take a nibble.

Make Sure Pet

Thanks to inspiration from MA SHU (similar pronunciation as “makesure”), an adorable cat raised by chief designer, ZHANG HAIZHOU, the leisure company and its fully IP-owned design brand makesure® (ms!) was born in 2018.

After thousands of drafts and sample testing, they released their most popular product: the makesure litter box, which won an iF Design Award 2020 and Golden Pin Design Award 2019.

The winner of March Meowdness will receive a green gift box (includes one green makesure cat litter box MAX, two green hola toy, and two green combs)!

Matrix Partners

Matrix Partners is an award-winning brand strategy, design, and marketing communications firm that specializes in creating custom programs to help pet product companies achieve their marketing and financial goals. They’re providing a generous amount of prizes to the Final Four accounts on behalf of their clients.

Pizzacat

You’ve probably seen The Pizza Cat floating around the internet, well they are the original creators of this viral kitty!

They make hilarious original memes and videos with Pizza and Cheeto, who both participated in the Meowdness the past three years. They also run the IG account @chonksdointhings.

Check out the Pizza Cat Party Website to learn more, as well as the Uncle Grumpy Inc Esty store for sick merch. Stickers will be sent out to our finalists!

Posh & Tizzy

Posh & Tizzy is a boutique for misunderstood cats & their humans! Founded by Amy of Northwest Arkansas, they are dedicated to providing high-quality products and services for both black cat and big cat lovers. Posh is her senior black cat, while Tizzy is her younger black cat.

This boutique has been generous enough to provide the following prizes for March Meowdness:

🏆 First Prize: choice of one kitchen towel + one coffee cup
🏆 Second Prize: choice of one coffee cup

Shameless Pets

Shameless Pets is a fun and sustainable pet treat brand using upcycled fruits and veggies! From hip and joint support to fresh breath, there’s a health benefit for every flavor, and they NEVER sacrifice taste.

They have many pawesome treats for dogs and cats including flavors such as Cluck’n Sweet Catnip, Shrimp, Purr-adise, You Tuna Me, and several others.

Just like last year, the champion of March Mewodness will receive a year’s supply of treats ($140 value)!

Uproot Clean

Uproot Clean makes an easy-to-use, effective, and affordable lint/pet hair cleaner that works on clothes, bedding, carpets, furniture, and more! All that you need to say goodbye to your lint and pet hair woes!

They will be providing their NEW Deshedders (coming soon) and Uproot Cleaner Pros to each of the Final Four accounts. Check out all their other products on their website.

Wag Source

Wag Source is a woman-owned and operated business, founded by a dog-mom in search of a healthier way to treat her two dogs, and ultimately, for all humans who are searching for the best supplements for their dogs and cats!

They have a Calming Aid for Cats and a Kidney Support for cats, and each account in the Final Four will get a jar of each.

Wellnergy Pets

Dr. Zonram Liao is a Veterinarian and the Founder of Wellnergy Pets. There are a LOT of pet product and supplement companies out there, but how many are founded and ran by actively practicing veterinary staff? Only at Wellnergy Pets!

They see over 5000 patients a year, giving them a unique insight when it comes to feedback from our patients for challenges of managing pet issues at home, and developing products accordingly. Dr. Z believes that with a proactive approach at home with pet owners, they can help to improve the lives of people and their pets and hopefully keep potential veterinary visits to a minimum. His team works diligently to develop safe, effective products for your pet’s needs, in a form that they will enjoy. Please feel free to visit their website at www.wellnergypets.com, and let them know what they can do for you. They can’t wait to provide your pets the best preventive and supportive pet care. Thank you in advance for joining the Wellnergy Pets family!

For March Meowdness, Wellnergy will be providing a hairball control multivitamin to the winner and a probiotic travel pack (10ct) for the rest of the Final 4 🙂


Yassine Harouchi with his rescue cats on a couch

The Accidental Rescue – Air-Rescuing 50+ Cats in Morocco

Written By: Yassine Harouchi & Charin Winker

When I rescued my first cat, my heart spoke to me. I knew that I had stumbled into a mission.

As I look around my home, I see the furry silhouettes of the cats I’ve rescued. The same is true at two other apartments and the vet’s office. As of today, I have more than 50 cats and 1 dog under my care across multiple spaces to ensure they are all safe and comfortable. I know that most people would assume I chose to start a rescue. That was never my intention, though.

Born in France and raised in Morocco, I lived in the United States as a student, before declining a job sponsorship to return to Morocco to work on a business idea I conceived while I was in the United States. My passion was sincere, and I was working hard. Unfortunately, I connected with someone whose intentions turned out to be less than pure. By the time I realized who this person really was, he had defrauded me of more money than I could afford to lose.

In the aftermath of the scam, my father helped me out, encouraging me and giving me a small stipend of $220 monthly, so that I could take my time figuring out my next steps. On February 1st, 2018, I rescued my first cat. I’ll never forget that fateful day. When I rescued my first cat, my heart spoke to me. I knew that I had stumbled into a mission.

Because of my circumstances and because of the cat’s needs, that first rescue was a tough one. The challenges prepared me well for those ahead. The work wasn’t easy, though it was satisfying. To spread love and happiness, by saving a life, I felt uplifted. One cat led to another and to another and another. Cat after cat, I became more skilled at what I was doing, but it quickly became clear to me that the workload would be never-ending. In Morocco, there are so many cats wandering every street and down every alley, that it’s impossible to rescue them all.

As is so often the case for rescuers, especially those operating in high-need areas like Morocco, dedication to my mission came with immense sacrifice. Because there are so many cats at my makeshift rescue, their care requires ten, twelve, fourteen, or even more hours every day and I have invested nearly everything I earn towards their food and medical care. In addition to my parent's home, where my rescue cats occupy a room, I have rented two apartments and occupy space at the vet to provide ample shelter. With so many cats in need, the weight of this task has compounded.

Yet, I need to do what I can. I constantly find cats in critical situations, and I am compelled to do my part to help. Without my intervention, the cats who share my home would have remained on those same streets, their futures uncertain, their next meal never guaranteed. To my core, I yearn to make a difference in these cats’ lives. I want them to feel safe and comfortable. Above all else, I want them to feel loved. I cannot rest while there are so many cats out there who are in need. At least, I cannot rest until I have adopted out the cats who currently share my home.

My initial strategy for my rescues was to adopt them out to homes in Morocco. However, because financial circumstances are so often tight in Morocco, I haven’t found many local people willing to adopt any cats at all. As a result, the number of cats under my care has accumulated. With local options exhausted, I expanded my reach to North America and Europe, and it was only then that I started to get some traction.

This opportunity quickly presented a new challenge: there are no pet relocation service providers based in Morocco. The only feasible way to adopt my rescue cats to new homes in North America and Europe is to cover the travel expenses for both the cats’ and their transporters’. Therefore, to fulfill my mission of getting my rescue cats into homes where they can live long, comfortable, happy lives, I am launching a campaign to raise funds to organize an air-rescue operation.

An air-rescue operation is no small feat and to achieve it I need to connect with more people. I am recruiting American, Canadian, and European families for adoption, welcoming partners and donors to help raise funds to cover all the travel expenses, and searching for volunteers to onboard and safely transport the rescues to their new homes. In addition to being spayed/neutered, all rescues have been vaccinated and have all the necessary blood work to be eligible to travel to the US, Canada, and some of them to Europe. This mission has been more than four years in the making, and my objective is to have all of the cats at my rescue adopted to loving homes by April 2023. This goal is a lofty one, but I am confident that with the help of cat lovers near and far, I can get there.

Rescuing these cats has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. I have connected with dozens of these animals, forging relationships with each and every one of them. I have seen how they look to me – relying on me to keep them healthy, to keep them comfortable, to keep them alive. Whenever the exhaustion and the stress becomes overwhelming, I look into the faces of my rescues, and they remind me why I am doing what I was doing. I have dedicated myself to rescuing these cats, and will continue to do whatever is necessary to ensure that they wind up with families who will look after them and care for them for the rest of their lives.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you. I appreciate all your support! Together, we can bring more compassion to the world – every day!

For those interested in supporting the air rescue mission, please follow the link below to donate:

Follow @theyasshouse on social media:


white male holding a calico cat

Guys With Cats: Dudes Embracing Their Feline Friends

Cats have long been considered a "girl's pet," but more and more men are breaking that stereotype and embracing their feline friends. In fact, a recent survey found that nearly 40% of cat owners in the United States are men.

One reason for this increase in male cat ownership is the growing understanding of the many benefits of cat ownership. Cats make great companions, they are low maintenance, and they can even have a positive impact on mental health. Studies have shown that petting a cat can lower stress levels and blood pressure, and that owning a cat can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Another reason for the increase in male cat ownership is the changing perception of cats. Cats are no longer seen as aloof and independent, but rather as loving and affectionate pets. Many men are drawn to the companionship and comfort that cats can provide.
Moreover, owning a cat is no longer seen as a sign of weakness or femininity. It is now considered a sign of responsibility and maturity. Many men are proud to be cat owners and enjoy sharing pictures and videos of their furry friends on social media.

taking pictures of calico cat with camera

Despite the stereotypes, there's no reason that men can't enjoy the companionship of a cat just as much as women. In fact, research has shown that men and women bond with their pets in similar ways. So whether you're a man looking for a low-maintenance companion or just someone who loves cats, owning a cat can be a rewarding experience.

In conclusion, cat ownership is no longer just a women's business, more and more men are breaking the stereotype and embracing the love and companionship of cats. It offers numerous benefits for mental and physical health, and owning a cat is now considered a sign of maturity and responsibility.


Mission Meow Catsbury Park Check

Mission Meow: Making Dreams Come True For Small Cat-Centric Nonprofits

Written By: Sally Williams, Founder and President, Mission Meow

If you want to know more about Mission Meow, think about words like joy, dreams, hope, community, love and cats. Yes, there is a lot of hard work and dedication involved in launching and running a nonprofit, but when you focus on words like those the work is worth it.

Mission Meow is a dream come true for me as well as everyone who volunteers or supports us. Most importantly, it is a dream come true for the cat rescue community. After saying goodbye to my first nonprofit, The Brodie Fund, at the end of 2021, I wasn’t sure where I would go next and I definitely didn’t see anything like Mission Meow coming to life. After taking a few months off, I realized how much I missed the nonprofit sector. Helping pets fight cancer had been amazing, but eventually, it was not emotionally sustainable. It was my love of cats and being of service that got me thinking about launching a new nonprofit. But I knew it needed to be unique and have a different approach to fundraising.

Mission Meow Logo

The name Mission Meow came first, and I quickly knew who I wanted to serve. The amazing logo came next, allowing me to visualize the next steps. The cat rescue, shelter and TNR community have always been something I am passionate about. I have seen firsthand the challenges, triumphs and heartbreaks that come with that work. Having been the director of a nonprofit during the worst of Covid, I am all too familiar with how difficult it became to fundraise. The cat community desperately needed help as these small organizations were struggling, burnt out and even worse, closing their doors.

So, now I knew who I wanted to help and why, next was the how. Fundraising is always challenging for small organizations, so I started thinking outside the box and came up with a 3 pronged approach with the foundation of partnering with businesses to become annual donors. An approach that was going to make the biggest impact for those in need.

Armed with a plan, I started building a team and brainstorming to make sure we had a solid foundation in time to launch in October 2022. Over time, the Mission Meow Board of Directors grew into a “Dream Team” and we worked hard to grow our list of business partners, supporters and set up our Teespring merchandise shop. The 3 prongs of our foundation were set.

October came quickly and we were ready to go! Our first benefiting nonprofit, Catsbury Park, had been chosen, the list of business partners was growing and a launch event was planned. In a few short months, we made the dream of Mission Meow a reality. Now it’s November and Mission Meow can proudly say we reached our goal and gave a grant of $10,000 to Catsbury Park for their 2023 expansion. The unique fundraising approach worked and having the foundation of amazing business partners made all the difference. As I said in our most recent newsletter:

“To say we are proud is putting it lightly. To say we are grateful doesn't seem enough.”

The sky's the limit for Mission Meow, especially with our incredible Board Of Directors, dedicated team of volunteers, passionate donors and incredible business partners. I can no longer speak in terms of “I” as everything being achieved is “We” and teamwork is the centerpiece of Mission Meow. Everyone involved understands the importance of the words I used at the very beginning; joy, dreams, hope, community, love and cats. I’ll add two more: kindness and compassion. This amazing team embodies those words and so much more. What started out as my dream has become the dream of so many others.

Dreams can come true and Mission Meow is proof.

Mission Meow works with businesses to increase the level of charitable donations for small feline-centric nonprofits to help create meaningful change for cats in need.

blonde cat lady
Sally Williams of Mission Meow

What’s So Funny About Peace, Love and 9 Cat Cartoons?

Written By: Bob Eckstein, Award-Winning Author & Illustrator

There is probably no more popular subject for cartoons than the desert island and talking cats. I did some research and surprisingly none has combined the two troupes.

This is kind of amazing when one considers tens of millions of cartoons have been created. But none of them published in a major publication? I only found one, the following cartoon here, drawn by me, published in Reader’s Digest.

I started drawing gag cartoons on a dare. I had finished my first book which was about the history of snowmen, and was invited to the infamous weekly New Yorker lunch for my birthday by a friend who was a well-known cartoonist there.

My friend challenged me to come back the following week with ten sketches to pitch the Cartoon Editor there. When I returned, I was introduced to Bob Mankoff, and by sheer luck, he purchased the first cartoon I pitched to him.

That was a long time ago––about 3,000 cartoons ago for me––and much has changed. What hasn’t changed is how popular cat cartoons are and how they are the perfect foil in a gag cartoon.

Cats have inspired me to create over 60 cat gag cartoons and I was so happy with that output that I decided to put together a whole humor book on cats.

I hope you enjoy this excerpt from my book which also contains cat fun facts, cat advice, and thousands of names to help you name your cat. The following below are some samples if you wanted the best nine.

Desert Kittens

Office Interview Cat

Shrink Cat

Air Support Cat

Window Sill Cat

Missing Yarn

Cat Mirror

Writer's Block Cat

Catlas

Bob is an internationally-known, award-winning illustrator, New Yorker cartoonist and NY Times bestseller. He is also an adjunct professor and host of The Cartoon Pad. His new book is The Complete Book of Cat Names (That Your Cat Won't Answer to, Anyway).

Cat Names Book by Bob Eckstein
Cat Names Book by Bob Eckstein

kidney-check cat kidney urea test product with human

Kidney-Chek's Top 5 Tips to Help Keep Your Pet Healthy

Your cat's health is important! Take note of these five tips to keep your pet healthy, presented by Kidney-Chek™.

1. Hydration is important.

Make sure clean water is always available, and it's even better to have multiple water bowls or fountains in multiple rooms so your pet never has to go far to get a drink.

2. Feed a diet that is appropriate for the life stage and health status of your pet.

Feeding both canned and dry foods can be beneficial!

Ask your veterinary team to check your pet’s food if you have questions about pet food nutrient profiles, how many calories your pet should be eating, or for general nutritional advice.

3. Make sure your pet sees their vet regularly!

Veterinarians perform full nose-to-tail exams and make detailed notes so they can tell if there are any changes from previous appointments.

Regular laboratory tests, even if your pet appears healthy, are also critical for vets to see if there are any concerning changes.

Vets can potentially catch CKD in the earliest stages by noticing trends in lab work, even if everything is still in the normal range.

4. Keep on top of that bad breath!

Dental disease is caused by bacteria in the mouth and has been associated with damage to the heart, liver, and kidneys.

If your pet already has lots of tartar on their teeth, get a veterinarian to perform a thorough dental cleaning under anesthesia so you can take over the rest of the dental care at home.

Feeding special dental food or treats, using water additives, and regular tooth brushing are all good ways to keep those pearly whites healthy!

5. Use Kidney-Chek™ in-between your pet's regular vet appointments to make sure there are no health issues developing!

Early detection of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the most important step in treating your pet and keeping them healthy, yet this can be difficult, as clinical signs are easy to miss and often don’t become obvious until the later stages of CKD.

Thankfully, Kidney-Chek™ can help, with a faster, more affordable and non-invasive saliva screening test you can use at home!

If Kidney-Chek™ alerts you to a problem, it's important to follow up with your veterinarian as soon as possible to figure out the best treatment plan for you and your pet. Try it today!

kidney-check cat kidney urea test product

 

 

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naughty cat cafe chattanooga tennessee

How To Open A Cat Cafe

Written By: Whitney Sickels & Heath Hanson, Owners, Naughty Cat Cafe

So you want to know HOW to open a cat cafe. However, the first question shouldn’t be HOW… but WHY open a cat cafe.

Being discontent with your current 9-5, loving animals, or having always wanted to start your own business are all good motivations but they are NOT good reasons.

In our opinion, there is only one reason to open a cat cafe and that is to support the existing efforts in your community. By serving as a foster home and adoption facility, cat cafes help local shelters and rescues by relieving the stress of overcrowding, providing a space for the cats to get much-needed socialization, and handling adoption administration. Most importantly, cat cafes provide an additional way for homeless cats to get exposure outside of the shelter environment.

So you have to first ask yourself: Does your community NEED a cat cafe? The best way to answer this is to go to your local shelters and rescues and ask them if a cat cafe would add value to their efforts. They are the experts and have spent plenty of time and resources developing strategies on how to meet the needs of animals in your community. It is your job to first see if a cat cafe has a place in that strategy without forcing it.

Maybe your local shelter is transferring in most of their cats from other communities and really needs help with launching a TNR program instead. Perhaps you already have a cat cafe in your area, and what is really needed is a low cost spay and neuter clinic.

The bottom line is, do not create a need that does not exist. Do not re-invent the wheel or replicate existing efforts in the community.

One of the biggest challenges in communities can be getting similar organizations to work together towards the same goal. It is essential that we all keep focused on our shared goals and look for ways to support and complement one another’s efforts.

After you have done your research and spoken to your local groups, if it is determined that a cat cafe is the best tactic in your communities’ existing strategy, then go for it! And subscribe to this channel.

BUT BEFORE YOU QUIT YOUR DAY JOB, you have got some homework to do. While at first glance a cat cafe may seem as straightforward and simple as a room full of cats, it is far more complex. It requires knowledge and expertise in many areas outside of caring for cats, such as shelter medicine experience, a keen understanding small business management, marketing, bookkeeping and accounting, commercial real estate and contract law. Not to mention the endless hours of work, massive amounts of money and a surprising number of legal risks involved.

We say all of this not to scare you away, but to help provide you with the most information up front, so you don’t set yourself and the cats, up to fail. That is why we have created a series of videos on How to Start a Cat Cafe so that you can have a more realistic assessment of the inherent challenges of pioneering this unique concept. There are so many communities that still have not even heard of a cat cafe and attempting to introduce the concept can be overwhelming.

It is at this point we suggest that you craft your mission statement. In developing this unique concept, there are many elements that must be balanced and sometimes compete with one another. By having a clear mission statement from the beginning, it will serve as a Rubrik to which you can constantly refer to when making strategic decisions.

Our mission statement at Naughty Cat Cafe is to provide a healthy and safe environment for the community to socialize with and adopt cats from our local shelters. We work to enhance the bond between humans and animals and raise awareness on the importance of spay and neuter.

If you are still reading and are not a scaredy cat, then get to work!

About Naughty Cat Cafe

Naughty Cat Cafe is a comfortable and healthy space to interact with adoptable cats and enjoy coffee, tea, beer and baked goods. Chattanooga's first and only cat cafe! Plenty of free parking! Must be 11 years or older. OPEN Wednesday - Sunday. CLOSED Monday & Tuesday. Book meow!


harris baker catfluence elliot and olivia

NJ Influencers; Inspiring Growth in Their Communities

Montclair State University students, Tyler Delp and Reggie Gonzales, published an article on New Jersey influencers and the impact they have on inspiring growth in their communities. They sat down one evening and interviewed Harris Baker of Catfluence along with Elliot and Olivia as part of this piece. Check out the article here or watch the video below!


purrsonal space cat lounge palmyra nj

Ever Feel in Need of Some PURRsonal Space?

Written By: Lori Genstein, Owner, Purrsonal Space Cat Lounge

You’re not alone! What does that space look like; what feelings does it elicit when you think about having time for yourself? Unsure because it’s been so long? Well, we’ve created it PURRfectly for you and you’re already on your way there...

Sit far back in this comfy chair; put a pillow behind you if you’d like, now whisper: PURRsonal Space, here I come. Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths in of the calm, welcoming energy surrounding you and focus on the soft music you hear in the background.

Every muscle relaxes as your body relinquishes to peace and tranquility taking over. Exhaling, you feel something rubbing back and forth against your legs. Uncertain what’s in your lap, but, rather than startled, you fall into a deeper state of relaxation from its warm vibrating sensations increasingly getting stronger. Reaching out, fingers touching a soft texture, now hearing the vibrations, loudly!

You’re smiling, even begin to laugh a little, in the midst of a meditative state of calm and contentment...

Welcome to PURRsonal Space - SJ’s Cat Lounge & Adoptions in Palmyra, NJ.

Many others share the same FEEL-ines discovering their happy place as they visit cat lounges around the world, experiencing the therapeutic benefits of PURRs petting and playing with homeless cats for adoption.

Themes of lounges vary but all share a common mission: Save homeless cats, facilitate adoptions, provide humane education and advocacy, help prevent animal cruelty, homelessness, end suffering, cats born on the street and euthanasia of healthy cats.

Inside cat lounges MEOWgical things happen:

  • Lives are saved, forever changed, both cats’ and humans’ alike
  • Cats kissed their cages goodbye and are now given second chances after losing their families; others are learning trust and love from humans for the first time
  • Hearts and homes are fulfilled; anxiety and stress alleviated; sadness and grief healed
  • Children are properly introduced to cats
  • Families and friends spend quality time together
  • All ages learn cat communication, proper care, experience positive interaction, the beauty and joy of cats
  • Special occasions are celePURRated amongst fabulous felines
  • Seniors stay active, reaching, bending, playing with cats
  • Education through recreation is fun with felines
  • Lots of cuddles, PURRs, catnaps, playtime, petting, smiles, snuggles and selfies are taken
  • Forever memories are created and much more
  • YOU help make that MEOWgic for each cat when you visit

Opening your eyes at PURRsonal Space, pastel colors add to the calmness along with soothing sounds of an aquarium. Cat enrichment fills The Lounge, on the walls, along the floor, and cats of varying ages and PURRsonalities roam freely in a cage-free environment allowing for natural cat behaviors. Some furry friends greet you, others are grooming, playing, but all show their aPURRciation for your love!

Books and information displayed around encourage cat conversation and help parents form stronger bonds with their cats. Visitors lacking a fondness for felines are some of our favorites because they always leave taking PAWsitive with them fostering a positive perception for cats.

Our delightful cats for adoption are nurtured, provided a tremendous amount of love, socialization, appropriate stimulation, food and veterinary care until their special PURRson/Family is found. Currently, some young cats are zooming around, but our nonprofit cat rescue PURRsonal Space ‘ROCKS’, Inc., primarily focuses on helping shelters save adult cats, vulnerable populations and cats with individualized needs. Although there’s a limit to the number of cats permitted at The Lounge, we’re continuously serving our community helping other cats in need.

Many cat lounges operate with volunteers. Everyone can make a difference! Please never underestimate the significance of what and how you may contribute.

Your happy place to escape the pressure and stress of everyday life is a temporary home for homeless cats in need and your entry fees and donations support our life-saving efforts. Loud PURRs for helping make MEOWgic happen while you enjoy it happening.

Hoping your “envisioned” visit peaked the curiosity of the cat lover in MEW. Schedule your in-PURRson visit @ https://PURRsonalSpaceReservation.as.me or contact Lori Genstein at (856) 786-PURR (7877). Get directions here.

Smiles and laughter are guaranteed! 😸


Multifunctional, Sustainable & Modern: SØDE Design Cat Specific Furniture

Amsterdam, Netherlands - On April 5th, 2022 SØDE Design launched a collection of luxury cat accessories that helps to maintain Scandinavian elegance in your home.

SØDE Design is launching ORIGAMEOW, an all-in-one bar stool and scratching post, and introducing FLOWER PAWER, a flower box and vertical scratching post. The ORIGAMEOW and FLOWER PAWER come assembled and delivered in a cardboard box, which after unpacking is easily transformed into a cat house.

Designed with the help of a veterinarian and cat behaviorist, experienced Marketing Director and Interior Designer Carøle Picou-Katmann wanted to create long-lasting pieces that offer an alternative to ugly cat furniture. Handmade in Portugal where renewable energy and good working conditions underpin the manufacturing process, these pieces of cat furniture have sustainable designs that both cats and humans alike will love.

"At SØDE Design, sustainability is crucial and we are the first to create furniture designs different from what is currently available." says founder Carole. "Our goal is to make beautiful, functional and timeless cat furniture with the environment in mind. The furniture is made of high-quality materials, produced in Europe, with care and respect for people, cats and the environment. Our products are inspired by cats and come in a stylish Scandinavian design."

ORIGAMEOW is a multi-functional hideaway, perch, scratcher, and play space for kitties that also serves as a seat for humans. Made from premium recycled cardboard, sustainably sourced wood, and Oeko-Tex Certified fabrics that are all safe for the environment and safe for your cat. A unique play rope that is hand woven using recycled industrial waste that is durable and safe for cats to play with.

cat next to a stool scratching post

FLOWER PAWER, a wall-mounted cat scratcher with a built-in flower pot on top. Made with recycled cardboard, eco-certified wood, and Portuguese cork for an elegant and natural look. This sturdy scratcher can be mounted at any height to give your cat a nice stretch while scratching and the play rope adds extra fun.

flower pot cat pole scratcher

SØDE Design is crowdfunding to raise €23,000 on Kickstarter until May 5th, 2022. Perks include a discounted Early Bird FLOWER PAWER made with premium cork, cardboard, textile, and wood for €169, saving €80 off retail with delivery by October 2022.

Carole Picou-Katmann
carole@sodedesign.com
Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sodedesign/sde-design-stylish-and-sustainable-furniture-for-cat and-human
Press Page: https://sodedesign.com/pages/press

About SØDE Design

SØDE Design is the first company operating at the intersection of pet, interior and sustainability, developing stylish furniture & accessories in a Scandinavian design, for both the cat and cat owner.


2022 Catfluence March Meowdness Tournament

Championship & Tournament Summary

After three weeks of “meowdness”, we have our winner! Congratulations to #4 @abdulscats (176k) on his 948 votes (53%) to #10 @catnamedpizza (4.6k) 829 (47%). It was truly a valiant effort by Pizza and The Pizza Cat Army, but in the end, it was not enough to take down Abdul, Bambi, and his fosters.

Abdul and Pizza, along with #12 @count_salem (2.1k) and #5 @tunatheadventurecat (70.1k) will all be receiving prizes from our brand sponsors. More information about the brands and prizes can be found at the bottom of this page.

Thank you to everyone for their support in this year’s tournament. Whether you were a catfluencer/human in the bracket, voted and shared posts/stories, or sponsored a prize as a brand, it has not gone unnoticed, and I am eternally grateful. I’ll be taking a few weeks off from Catfluence after this to get caught up on some much-needed sleep and RNR.

-Harris

View Bracket

Final 4 Summary & Championship Preview

#4 @abdulscats (176k), who has dominated this years’ tournament thus far, continued in a similar fashion with a 362-99 vote victory over #5 @tunatheadventurecat (70.1k) to advance.

On the other side of the bracket, #10 @catnamedpizza (4.6k) and #12 @count_salem (2.1k) went back and forth all day sharing control of the lead, but in the end, Pizza was the victor, with 314 votes to Salem’s 290, which came out to 52% and 48%, respectively. What a hard-fought matchup, and congratulations to both!

The championship match and will begin on the morning of Monday 4/4, and will conclude the following morning on Tuesday 4/5. Tune into our IG stories so you can vote on the poll for the winner!

After completion of the tournament, we will contact the Final Four accounts and distribute prizes accordingly. Thank you all for the support.

View Bracket

Elite 8 Summary & Final 4 Preview

After two weeks of madness, we have our Final Four!

In Region 1, #5 @tunatheadventurecat (70.1k) took out the highest remaining seed and follower count, #3 @nathan_thebeachcat (536k), by a narrow margin of 9 votes. In Region 3, #4 @abdulscats (176k) defeated our lowest remaining see #15 @boyce_brotherz (385) in impressive fashion, with 566 votes to 59.

In Region 2, #4 @thejunocat (100k) fell to #10 @catnamedpizza (4.6k), powered by The Pizza Cat Army, while in Region 4, their close friend, #12 @count_salem (2.1k) defeated @chuckandsophia (4.7k) to advance.

The Final Four will begin on Saturday morning (4/2) on our IG stories with matchup polls. #5 @tunatheadventurecat (70.1k) will take on powerhouse #4 @abdulscats (176k), while close friends and supporters #10 @catnamedpizza (4.6k) and #12 @count_salem (2.1k) will fight for a spot in the championship.

Who will win? Follow along and vote to see! The championship will begin on Monday morning (4/4) and conclude at that same time on Tuesday.

View Bracket

Sweet 16 Summary & Elite 8 Preview

And then there were eight!

The last remaining #1 seed, @venustwofacecat (2m), fell to #5 @tunatheadventurecat (70.1k), while #3 @nathan_thebeachcat (536k) dominated #10 @pearly_the_kitty (3.3k) 478 votes to 240 to advance to the Region 1 final.

#16 Cinderella, @therealhandsomekai (345), finally met his maker against #4 @abdulscats (176k), getting outscored 730-212. Another Cinderella, #15 @boyce_brotherz (385), defeated #6 @zolder_the_cat (26.1k) by a narrow margin, 311-289, in Region 3.

Tournament veteran, #4 @thejunocat (100k), defeated #9 @princessjojoofgreenwich (5.5k), #10 @catnamedpizza (4.6k) advanced passed #14 @just_herb_and_phoebe (450) in Region 2.

In Region 4, a hard-fought match between big-time Catfluence supporters #12 @count_salem (2.1k) and #8@sirsimonofsays (8.3k), ended with Salem as the victor by 5 votes. #10 @chuckandsophia (4.7k) surpassed #14 @poshkittycity (480) by 63 votes.

The Elite 8 is set, and matchup polls will begin on our Instagram stories on Saturday March 26th and Sunday March 27th in the morning.

View Bracket

Round of 32 Summary & Sweet 16 Preview

After a busy week of four straight days of Madness (in both the human and cat worlds), the stage is set for the Sweet 16. While the field has leveled out a bit and some top seeds remain, their are still several underdogs(cats) looking for their shot at the throne in 2022.

In Region 1, @venustwofacecat (2m), who was been a #1 seed and made runs in both tournaments, including the Elite 8 last year, looks to make another run this year over #4 @tunatheadventurecat (70.1k). #10 @pearly_the_kitty (3.3k) will have her work cut out for her against #3 @nathan_thebeachcat (536k), coming off a stunning upset over #2 @theklauscat (578k), with 302 votes to 181.

Region 2 is going to be really interesting to see how it plays out. #9 @princessjojoofgreenwich (5.5k) took out #1 @smudge_lord (1.6m), and will look to do the same against fan-favorite #4 @thejunocat (100k). Another Cinderella, #14 @just_herb_and_phoebe (450) looks to continue their run against #10 @catnamedpizza (4.6k), who also looks to make a further run this year than past years.

In Region 3, #16 @therealhandsomekai (345) also looks to continue their most impurressive run after taking down #1 @waffles_the_cat (886k) in the first round and #8 @elliemcat (10.6k) next, but will have his work cut out for him against early tournament favorite and overall leading vote-getter, #4 @abdulscats (176k), who had 577 last round alone. #15@boyce_brotherz (385) will also look to advance vs. a formidable foe in #6 @zolder_the_cat (26.1k).

Last but not least, Region 4. Two returning competitors, #8 @sirsimonofsays (8.3k) and #12 @count_salem (2.1k), will duke it out next, along with #14 @poshkittycity (480) and #10 @chuckandsophia (4.7k), who took out March Meowdness stalwart, #2 @smushofficial (688k).

On our Instagram Stories, Region 1 and Region 3 poll matchups will begin on Thursday morning (3/24), followed by Regions 2 and 4 on Friday (3/25). The same timeline will follow on Saturday and Sunday, and then the Final Four will be set. The blog will be updated during the week in anticipation of matchups on the following Saturday (4/2) and the Finals on Monday (4/4). Until then, please reference the “Matchups” IG story highlights to see who won (the polls will show the winners)

View Bracket

Round of 64 Summary & Round of 32 Preview

And the first round is officially complete! As we see every March in both the human and cat tournaments, upsets are the story of the Round of 64. Some big time competitors who you read about in the preview as top returners from last year have already been taken down.

Those included #5 @khaleesithekitty116 (33.5k) over 2021 Elite Eight competitor, #12 @blublu.ragdoll (2.6k), and #10 @chuckandsophia (4.7k), who made it to the Sweet Sixteen last year, over #7 @louis_the_kitten_prince (11.1k), who was in the Final Four!

There seemed to be some friends with cats with food-related names successfully taking down greater opponents – #13 @the_catnamedcheeto (1.6k) took down #4 @dancinzeus (83k). More specifically in Region 3, #12 @omg_pepper (1.6k) took down #5 @mannyhalloweencat (49.2k), #11 @kingsporkofqueens (2.7k), who is owned by Kate of Barstool Sports, defeated #6@hermiajesty (16.4k), #14 @just_herb_and_phoebe (450) over #3 @smushball (490k), #10 @catnamedpizza (4.6k) over #7 @lincoln_and_kiwi (11.5k), and #15 @coupleofclassycats (400), who are owned by Chelsea Brea from Temptation Island, over #2 @pudgethecat (642k).

We also saw some other powerhouses go down, including #16 @therealhandsomekai (345) taking down #1 seeded @waffles_the_cat (886k) and #15 @boyce_brotherz (385) over #2 @strykerthecat (844k) in Region 3, which has all but made the path for @abdulscats (176k), the leading vote-getter in this round with 724, a much easier path to the Final Four. One big upset that almost happened, but didn’t, was between #4 @adventurecatleo (110k) and #13 @showbizkitties (820), who lost by only 6 votes.

Check out the bracket below for several other upsets that occurred, and state tuned for the beginning of the Round of 32 this morning (Sat 3/19) with Regions 1 and 3 tipping off again, followed by 2 and 4 on Sun 3/20.

About March Meowdneess: 2021 Summary & 2022 Updates

Hi there – Harris from Catfluence here. Before I get into the 2021 Summary and 2022 Updates, I’ll give a brief background about what “March Meowdness” is and how it came about.

In the early stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic, like many others, I was stuck working from home, couldn’t really go anywhere, and had a lottt more time on my hands. The NCAA College Basketball Tournament had been cancelled, but I still had the urge to fill out a bracket for something, and I came up with the idea for a bracket of the top cat accounts on IG.

The accounts are seeded 1-16 in four “regions” based on follower count. The way it works is for each round I’ll share the matchups as polls to the @Catfluence IG story. Followers and fans will vote on which account they want to win, and after 24 hours the account with more votes will advance to the next round.

There will not be a play-in game, but otherwise, everything will follow the real-life men’s college basketball tournament timeline. 2020 was all kind of thrown together last minute, and while a lot more planning went into 2021, there were still a lot of lessons learns and some changes coming to this year.

One major change will be that the competition will, unfortunately, be limited to USA-based accounts only. This is largely in part because of both supply chain shortages and the increase in shipping costs. It’s simply too expensive for myself and for brands to ship out the prizes to the winners internationally, which I bit the bullet on last year, but costs have gone up even more since then.

Last year’s champion, Moss, will sadly not be able to repeat as the winner, but Smush, who finished first in 2020 and runner up last year, will look to regain the throne. Brands will also be shipping out their prizes to winners individually, rather than me gathering all the prizes and shipping them together in one package. These changes are the only way for me to scale this, and I hope everyone understands – I am very sorry to anyone who is left out this year!

That being said, I would also like to express my gratitude to all the amazing brands who have agreed to sponsor prizes for the Final Four this year. More on each brand is below, and they’ll be featured on the bracket and in content Catfluence social channels throughout the tournament.

We’re still accepting submissions, so if you’d like to enter your cat Instagram account to compete, please fill out this short form. Once spaces are filled and the seeds are chosen, the bracket will be added here to be filled out and submitted. Prizes will also be given out to accounts who fill out a bracket and share it to their IG stories. Updates to this blog post will be made following each round.

Best of luck everyone!!!

2022 Preview

Learn more about March Meowdness on a recent episode of the Cattitude Podcast with Michelle Fern on PetLifeRadio.com!

March Meowdness is back and better than ever! Even more brands are on board to sponsor prizes for the Final Four and Tournament Champion, and many of the top accounts from last year have returned. You can scroll down to read a summary of last year as well as to see all of this years’ brand sponsors.

Several accounts who made it as far as the Sweet 16 last year will be looking to get back to that point this year and get further now that 2022’s contest is USA-based accounts only and @mosstherat, the reigning champion, cannot participate.

Returning Sweet 16 accounts include @unatheadventurecat, @elliemcat, @sirsimonaofsays, @blu.bluragdoll, @bambiandfosters, @chuckandsophia, @louis_the_kitten_prince, @thejunocat, who is back for the third year in a row, and @venustwofacecat, who leads the pack with 2 million followers.

One account to watch is @abdulscats, who entered in 2021 with 1.5k followers, but has experienced tremendous growth since, with over 176k followers to date! Another large account to watch is @smushofficial, who took home the crown in 2020 and fell in the finals to Moss in 2021, so you never know what happens with upsets in March and the power of the internet.

After each round, there will be a new summary posted to the top of this blog with an updated bracket. Check out the timeline below and check out the bracket to take a look at the regional matchups.

Key Dates:

  • Selection Sunday: March 13
  • First round: March 17-18
  • Second round: March 19-20
  • Sweet 16: March 24-25
  • Elite Eight: March 26-27
  • Final Four: April 2
  • Championship matchup: April 4

2022 Catfluence March Meowdness Sponsors

Bad Cat Coffee Company

Bad Cat was founded by Traci and inspired by her beloved cat, Peaches!

Bad Cat Coffee Co. serves locally roasted, coffee, espresso, cat-themed lattes and so much more at the Morgan Street Food Hall, 411 W. Morgan Street, Raleigh, NC 27603. They also have an online store.

They also ship anywhere in the USA and deliver in their local area in North Carolina. They will be giving a bag of ground coffee, a t-shirt, and a travel mug to the first-place winner!

Catfluence

Catfluence is a brand dedicated to cat influencers, influencers with cats, and more!

We’ll be putting up shirts, mugs, stickers, hats, and other merch from our store as prizes to the Final Four.

Fat Cat Foods

Orlando-based Fat Cat Gourmet Foods is the brainchild of husband-and-wife team Eyal Goldshmid and Deborah Moskowitz, two long-time foodies who made their passion for exploring flavorful and fiery food their full-time profession.

Their award-winning sauces focus on that magical middle ground where flavor and fire meet. Their products feature exotic flavor combinations, all-natural ingredients, and heat levels ranging from mild to super-hot. They are purr-fect for grilling, marinating, dipping, and more.

Deborah and Eyal had a cat named Tiggy, who is no longer with us, but at one point got up to 23 pounds, hence the name “Fat Cat”. They will give a three-pack of their hot sauces to the winner!

FIWOTTTDA

FIWOTTTDA® is a home appliance brand with over 10 years of experience in air purification products. The product range includes air purifiers, commercial ozone generators, etc. It provides a full range of indoor air quality equipment-based solutions in technology, such as air purifiers, humidifiers, air disinfection spas, heating, and cooling.

They have conducted extensive research and development on internal filtration technology, which has also enhanced their capabilities and expertise. They are giving a $20 gift card to their website to the first-place winner.

Inspire Unity

Due to the seemingly negative world we live in, Inspire Unity was created by college students Jason and Noah to bring people together through the things we love!

They have created a series of online projects has created a way to unite people despite daily challenges and differences we all face. Each project will consist of thousands of pictures submitted by people all over the world. Each photo will be coupled with a donation and be uploaded to the collage of the designated project. The donations from each upload will be used to help fund a cause/organization connected to the project.

Their first project consists of their adored furry friends – cats – specifically, Fur Angels Rescue Shelter (FARS) a 501(c)(3) foster-based nonprofit in Toledo, Ohio. They will be giving away a beanie and a free upload to their cat collage.

Juvenia Pets

JUVENIA PETS is a nutritional supplement based on Resveratrol (powerful antioxidant of natural origin) unique on the market that delays the general aging of dogs.

In addition, it is the ideal accompaniment in the treatment of chronic diseases. They will be donating a bottle of Juvenia Cats Gel to the Final Four.

Litter Genie

Litter Genie® cat litter disposal system is the ultimate, hassle-free solution for controlling cat litter odors. Keeping you – and your cat – happy.

Each of the Final Four competitors will receive a Litter Genie XL Pail and the winner will receive a swag pack of branded products!

Living Art USA

Living Art USA was founded in 2010 by Jane Morocco. Jane is an industry leader as well as an accomplished author, environmentalist, philanthropist, and community activist.

Living Art features luscious, low maintenance plant varieties perfect for any urban growing environment that are pet and child-Safe.

The winner will receive a plant of choice – Money Tree (Pachira Trunk) or Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea).

Oskar & Klaus

Oskar was a blind cat who sadly passed away in 2018. His sidekick and best friend is known as “The Klaus.” Also part of the family are blind cats George and Juno, who made a run in our tournament last year!

Oskar & Klaus has their own online store with merch, stickers, books, and more! Their “Mission to Cataria” book was an official selection for “Story Time From Space”, and was read by astronaut Ricky Arnold from the International Space Station.

For this years’ prizes, they will be giving away a special prize pack with some pawesome goodies!

PETKIT

PETKIT Network Technology Co., Ltd., founded in 2013, is a high-tech company dedicated to designing and producing smart products for pets.

The company has rapidly developed into one of the world’s leading technology-engaged companies in the pet industry. Supported by their award-winning design and technology team, their goal is to provide elegant, sustainable, and cost-effective products and services, which they do to over 30 countries across the world.

The winner will receive several products from their online store, including Fresh Element Solo, Eversweet Solo, Breezy Dome, and Lifted Pet Bed all together.

Pizzacat

You’ve probably seen The Pizza Cat floating around the internet, well they are the original creators of this viral kitty!

They make hilarious original memes and videos with their two cats, Pizza and Cheeto, who both participated in the Meowdness the past two years. They also run the IG account @chonksdointhings.

Check out the Pizza Cat Party Website to learn more as well as the Uncle Grumpy Inc Esty store for merch. Stickers will be sent out to our finalists!

Purradise Ranch

Purradise Ranch is a sanctuary for desperate house cats and a non-profit 501(c)3 organization located in Phoenix, AZ, operated by Priscilla Dean – President, Felix G. Ray – Treasurer, and Roz Deason – Secretary.

The ranch is home to over 75 cats who roam freely in a one-acre, specially-fenced and loving environment for the rest of their lives. All of the cats are free to come and go as they please, except for a few kittens who live in the Hacienda – but they now have their own catio to enjoy the beautiful Arizona weather.

Each finalist will get a copy of VoCATbulary Words: What Part of “Meow” Do You Not Understand?!, written by Priscilla and available on Amazon. They made a pawesome promo video too!

Saveplace

saveplace is a manufacturer of Home, Pet, Kids, Adults goods… And it all started with the idea of ​​a hammock in a dream!

The idea was born in the light of daylight in 2014. The first collection of hammocks was sewn by the founder herself. Now the sewing company in Lithuania sews the highest quality goods of the patented brand saveplace® for homes, pets, children and adults.

They will be providing a Chair/Table Hammock and Ninja Plush Cat Toy to the winner.

Shameless Pets

Shameless Pets is a fun and sustainable pet treat brand using upcycled fruits and veggies!

They have many pawesome treats for dogs and cats including flavors such as Catnip ‘n Chill, Yam Good Salmon, and More Lobster, Cheese.

The champion of March Mewodness will receive a year’s supply of treats ($140 value)!

Sweet Dream Pet Baskets

Based in Tokya, Japan, Sweet Dream Pet Baskets was founded by Deniz Aygün Benba, an nter-disciplinary artist from Istanbul, Turkey.

One she started crocheting a basket for herself, her cats Pusheen and Frost were sitting in them, and after that basket, she kept making more and more. They are the only brand worldwide using up-cycled t-shirt yarn to knit baskets for pets, and their techniques and patterns are all original, inspired by ancient tapestry patterns, as well as modern styles and symbols.

They also have an amazing ambassador program that we encourage you to check out if you’re looking to get involved with a brand and grow your cat account. They will be providing a cat collar to the first place winner.

Uproot Clean

Uproot Clean makes easy to use, effective, and affordable Patent Pending lint/pet hair cleaner that works on clothes, bedding, carpets, furniture, and more! All that you need to say goodbye to your lint and pet hair woes!

They will be providing a bundle set with 1x Uproot Cleaner Pro, 1x Uproot Cleaner Mini and 1x Uproot Cleaner Max to each of the Final Four accounts. 

Vital Cat

A balanced diet of healthy, raw cat food can provide relief for your cat’s dry skin and coat while also improving oral health (helping promote strong teeth and fight bad breath).

Vital Cat® offers only limited ingredient products—raw cat food and treats—so your cat experiences all of the possible health benefits of a raw diet. They have Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food, Frozen Raw Cat Food, along with snacks, treats, and supplements.

They will be providing some of their food and treats to the Final Four accounts!

1st – $125

2nd – $75

3rd – $50.00

Wag Source

Wag Source is a woman-owned and operated business, founded by a dog-mom in search of a healthier way to treat her two dogs, and ultimately, for all humans who are searching for the best supplements for their dogs and cats!

They have a Calming Aid for Cats and a Kidney Support for cats, and each account in the Final Four will get a jar of their choice. First place will also receive a $50 Wag Source gift card.