Woods Weekly Mews
A Volunteer Publication
September 23rd, 2010
"The cat who doesn't act finicky looses control of his humans" - Morris
Morris the cat made his professional debut in 1968 as the famous 9Lives cat food's "spokes-cat".
Did You Know? The original Morris was a shelter cat named Lucky. Lucky was the perfect name for the handsome short haired orange tabby - a resident at the Hinsdale Humane Society Animal Shelter in Lombard, IL, Lucky was just hours away from being euthanized when he was "discovered" by animal trainer Bob Martwick. After passing several concentration tests, Martwick paid his $5.00 adoption fee and set to work training the puss.
A few months after obtaining Lucky, Martwick was contacted by the Leo Burnett Advertising company, who was searching for a good looking cat to eat a bowl of food for a commercial. The company they were representing was 9Lives and with that first commercial, a star was born. Almost overnight, Lucky - renamed Morris - became a national icon and the most recognized cat in America. With his jaded voice (that of John Irwin of the ad agency) and bored, condescending stare, Morris became known as the world's most finicky cat. And sales of the 9Lives brand cat food soared.
As Morris's fame spread, he branched out to other mediums. In 1972, Morris co-starred with Burt Reynolds and Dyan Cannon in the movie Shamus and won a Patsy Award (the animal equivalent of the Oscar) for his outstanding performance. He was the cover cat for Cat Fancy's thirtieth anniversary edition in 1995 and in 1996 appeared on the cover of Ilene Hochberg's satiric book, Good Mousekeeping. Morris visited the White House, where he signed a bill with his paw and he was offered as a presidential candidate in both 1988 and 1992 (perhaps we should consider him for 2012?).
Morris, obviously, has been portrayed by several different handsome orange tabbies over the years. The original Morris lived out his life - a happy 19 years - with Bob Marwick. He passed away in 1975 and was buried with great ceremony in Martwick's back yard. The current Morris lives in Los Angeles with his trainer, Rose Ordile.
Something to Celebrate:
Last week's happy tails:
Feline Adoptions- Julius, Ike, Birdie, Minkey, Dutchess, MacEy, Tiger and Sprinkles
K9 Adoptions- Buddy, Clifford, Jess, Sophie, Sequoia, Donnalie, Molly, Jet, Cocco, Patrick, Squirrel, Ginger, Sadie, Ghirardelli, Chocolat and Hershey
Last week I mentioned all of the cute orange tabbies who currently reside at Woods. And cute they are - but there are also adorable brown tabbies, striking solid blacks, irresistible torties, enchanting grays and even a few Siamese, among others. And - as opposed to the finicky Morris, you'll find all our little darlings are loving and eager to please. Come spend some time with them - and perhaps take home your own little star!
Thank you -
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