Enigmatic Manilla mouser vies for favourite cat bragging rights
A charismatic Kawartha kitty is accumulating quite the online following, thanks to this year’s search for America’s Favorite Pet.
Moo, a black and white feline from Manilla, has made it into the quarterfinals of the annual contest and has his paws crossed he can make it all the way to the end.
“But even if we don’t win, we have him and that’s a pretty great prize,” said owner Carolyn Barnier.
Moo has reigned over the Barnier family home for the last five years after being discovered — while just weeks old — laying in the middle of the street by eldest daughter Sierra. The tiny tomcat helped minimize the void created just one week earlier by the death of the family’s beloved retriever.
Last November, Carolyn Barnier was scrolling through online posts when she came across one seeking participants for the annual contest. Discovering it was open to anyone, Barnier sent in photos of Moo for fun.
“I didn’t think any more about it — in fact, I actually forgot I had — until I was notified in December that I had been accepted,” said Barnier. “The only problem is I’m not very techy and it’s basically a popularity contest … I didn’t realize the depth of all of this.”
Fortunately, Moo is not only a very active cat, but Sierra and her younger sister Rilea have a fairly sizeable photo album and video collection.
Completely in the weeds at first, Barnier is getting pretty good at putting together reels. She posts something daily to help maintain Moo’s momentum.
“I think people actually look forward to seeing what Moo does next.
He’s developed quite the following,” said Barnier. “But I think the best part has been going through all the old photos and videos. It’s been great to remember the things he’s done over the years.”
The contest has also given the Scott Central Public School teacher an unexpected vehicle to deliver curriculum to her Grade 2/3 students.
“It’s given me an opportunity to address with my students how social media can be used as an effective communication tool,” said Barnier.
Making it to the quarterfinals means Moo is in the top one per cent, having beat out thousands of other cat contestants. This round runs until March 21, with the top winner of each of the remaining groups advancing to the semifinals, March 22 to 28.
Those group winners then move on to the finals, running March 29 to April 4. One cat and one dog will be named the grand prize winners the following week.
Each winner receives a prize package valued at roughly $32,500 comprised of a $10,000 cash prize and cover feature in either Modern Cat or Modern Dog magazine.
To check out Moo and help him advance through the contest, visit americasfavpet.com. There is no cost to register or vote.