Famous cats of film

Cat lovers always think a film (or a book, a game, ok, anything!) is better with a cat. For the purpose of this blog, we won't be discussing the magnificent Broadway hit CATS or cartoon cats. Instead, we'll focus on real-life felines that have helped make the cinema world go "meow!"Entertainment Weekly's 26 Most Iconic Cats in Cinema bestowed the first spot to Orangey, the companion of Holly Golightly (played by Audrey Hepburn) in Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961). Number two was Jonesy, Sigourney Weaver's shipmate in the1979 sci-fi nightmare, Alien. Winston Churchill places third for his back-from-the-grave appearance in Sematary (1989).While there have been many feline movie stars through the years, few can claim fame during the silent film era. For a special treat, check out a short video clip of the 1901's The Sick Kitten here:

Cat lovers always think a film (or a book, a game, ok, anything!) is better with a cat. For the purpose of this blog, we won't be discussing the magnificent Broadway hit CATS or cartoon cats. Instead, we'll focus on real-life felines that have helped make the cinema world go "meow!"

Entertainment Weekly's 26 Most Iconic Cats in Cinema bestowed the first spot to Orangey, the companion of Holly Golightly (played by Audrey Hepburn) in Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961). Number two was Jonesy, Sigourney Weaver's shipmate in the

1979 sci-fi nightmare, Alien. Winston Churchill places third for his back-from-the-grave appearance in Sematary (1989).

Argus Filch (played by David Bradley) in the Harry Potter series had a pal named Mrs. Norris, and her sneaky ways netted her the number four spot on the list. And even though he placed 20th on the list, who can forget Mr. Bigglesworth, the hairless (and evil) companion of Dr. Evil himself in the Austin Powers series. Check EW's link cited below for more fabulous featured felines.

You may wonder if a cat has ever won an Oscar. The answer sadly is no, but a few have won a PATSY (Picture Animal Top Star of the Year.) This awards program, discontinued in 1986, was started by the Hollywood office of the American Humane Association in 1939 to honor animals in the movie world. The only cat awarded a PATSY for motion pictures was Rhubarb in the 1952 production of Rhubarb. The satire featured a cat who inherited a baseball team.

It was not until 1958 that PATSY awards were given to television animals, and many cats have won. But that's a topic for a later blog.

While it's always fun to see a cat take over the silver screen, movie groupies should keep this anonymous quote in mind, "If you want the best seat in the house, move the cat."

Sources:

Entertainment Weekly

https://ew.com/movies/cats-of-cinema/

The 26 most iconic cats of cinema

Academic.com

https://en-academic.com/dic.nsf/enwiki/834728

PATSY Award