Buzz
Looking for another reason to adopt a fluffy new feline companion? June marks Adopt-A-Cat Month, a time dedicated to helping these majestic creatures find their forever families. Imagine dedicating an entire month to the pursuit of adopting the ultimate household pet! Still not convinced? Your future viral sensation might be just waiting for you at a shelter nearby. After all, many of the most loved internet-famous cats were adopted too.
1. Hana
Being the younger sibling of one of the internet’s most famous cats—Maru, known for his love of boxes and bags—certainly comes with its challenges, but little Hana handles it with an abundance of charm, grace, and just the right touch of style. Adopted by Maru’s human family in 2013, this adorable Chiba cat quickly brought her own unique sweetness and playful spirit to Maru’s viral videos.
2. Nora, The Piano-Playing Cat
The internet's favorite musical cat, Nora, began her journey as a shelter kitten from Cherry Hill, New Jersey, before being adopted in 2006. Betsy Alexander and Burnell Yow, her future owners, already had five cats and weren’t looking for another. But Nora’s ability to charm Betsy, a piano instructor, was undeniable, and they couldn’t resist bringing the little gray tabby into their home. Nora’s passion for playing the piano was soon revealed, thanks to the couple’s two grand pianos and Betsy’s piano students. It wasn’t long before Nora started tapping the keys with her paws.
3. Keyboard Cat
The original Keyboard Cat, Fatso, who was born in Washington State, is no longer with us, having passed away in 1987—long before the concept of viral videos even existed. However, she too began her life as a shelter kitten. Fatso was initially adopted from a Spokane shelter while still sick, but her family was dedicated to nursing her back to health. After she recovered, it became clear that Fatso had an extraordinary talent—clomping the piano keys.
4. Lil Bub
Lil Bub's distinctive appearance, marked by several genetic mutations including dwarfism, gives her that adorable ‘perma-kitten’ look. While this was endearing, it initially made it difficult for her to find a home when she was put up for adoption in 2011. Bub was the runt of a feral litter and, despite being fostered by a loving family, she struggled to find her forever home. That is, until Mike Bridavsky, her future dad, met her. He adopted her, and together they turned her into an internet sensation. Today, Bub uses her fame for a good cause, helping raise funds for animal charities and shelters. This June, in honor of her birthday, she is raising money for the ASPCA instead of asking for gifts.
5. Colonel Meow
Although Colonel Meow is no longer with us (having passed earlier this year), his legacy as an internet icon lives on. This Himalayan-Persian crossbreed was not only known for his fierce expression but also holds the 2014 Guinness World Record for the “longest fur on a cat,” measuring an impressive nine inches. Rescued by the Seattle Himalayan and Persian Society, Colonel Meow was adopted by his loving family (his 'slave beasts') at a local Petco. His luxurious coat and grumpy face made him an internet star, and he will forever be remembered as a great feline leader. We miss you, Colonel!
6. Nala
Nala Cat is beloved across the web for one simple reason: she's absolutely adorable. This Siamese-Tabby mix, with her wide eyes and a permanent look of surprise, captures hearts with her flair for wearing the most ridiculously cute outfits. Born into a home overcrowded with cats, Nala was taken to a local shelter where she was separated from her littermates. When Nala was around six months old (her exact birthday remains unknown), her future owner visited the shelter. Although she wasn't planning to adopt that day, Nala won her over with a big face kiss, and the two have been inseparable ever since.
7. Hamilton the Hipster Cat
Hamilton, the California cat with an iconic built-in mustache, was born in a feral colony in San Jose. Along with his sister, Flower, he was rescued by the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, who worked tirelessly to prepare the two shy kittens for adoption. After a lot of patience and trust-building, Hamilton found his forever home in September 2012. His instant bond with his new dad made the adoption process even smoother.
