The Instagram star will be the first ever feline to take the stage in ‘Cats’ production.
Grumpy Cat – made famous by her grumpy facial expression caused by an underbite and dwarfism, will join the cast of ‘Cats’ on Broadway. Her debut will be on Friday night at the Neil Simon Theatre in New York.
Grumpy Cat has had a whirlwind life since becoming famous after her owner posted photos of her on Instagram that went viral because of her unusual appearance. A ‘statement’ was released from Grumpy Cat about being the first real cat in ‘Cats’, she said “Being selected as the first real cat to perform in Cats on Broadway is an honour. I hate it. If I’m really being honest, I’d prefer to play the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera.”
It is an impressive achievement for Grumpy Cat who will be the first ever, real life cat to make it onto the stage. However, she has had other showbiz success, and she is no stranger to the limelight. Grumpy Cat has appeared on various television shows including Disney, has starred in her own Christmas film and is even the official spokescat for Friskies cat food.
Grumpy cat has four best-selling books and a range of merchandise for sale – she has really done well for herself and this next big move to the stage will give Grumpy Cat, even more, publicity. ‘Cats’ the musical is a world-famous, record-breaking musical which is celebrated by everybody. It was adapted from TS Eliot’s ‘Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats’, and includes dance, music and verse.
Grumpy Cats owner hopes that all the media attention will hopefully bring more attention to cats with disabilities. Grumpy Cat also has a brother with dwarfism – who is just as adorable, but he is a little less friendly and so stays out of the spotlight.
There is very little support for people who are dealing with disabled pets and many do not get the education they need to look after their pets the best way they possibly can.
Dwarfism in cats can create many health problems like bowed legs, heart problems and a shorter lifespan. Not only that, most cat registries and pet associations do not even recognise dwarf cats as a legitimate breed and they are excluded from most major pet shows (but Grumpy Cat has managed to claw her way into one of the biggest Broadway shows in the world). Breeding of cats with dwarfism is also banned under the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals, as it is seen as animal cruelty and an unacceptable manipulation of genetic disease.
Either way, Grumpy Cat has opened the door for other felines to make it big and has hopefully spread a little message about animals with disabilities and how to properly take care of them. She will be the star of the show – we might even catch a glimpse of a Hollywood smile.
Would you go and see Grumpy Cat on stage?