Celebrities Who Don’t Mind Sharing the Spotlight with Cats

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This time, we’re looking at celebrities who don’t mind sharing the spotlight with cats. 

Just imagine being a celebrity on the set of a film and starring with a furry costar. In showbiz, an old axiom goes, “Never work with animals or children.” Why? They steal the show, of course. That famously funny advice is attributed to iconic American actor-comedian W.C. Fields. 

However, working with animals often becomes one of the best parts of filming for celebrity animal lovers. So much so that they decide they want to live with their animal costars for life.

Celebrities Who Love Cats: David Dastmalchian

Recently, we shared the story of actor David Dastmalchian, who met a special feline on the Panama set of filming The Suicide Squad. Dastmalchian had a chance encounter with a cat while summoning the confidence to act in his biggest scene yet. 

Thanks to some help from the film crew and some “generous animal lovers,” the actor was able to bring the feline home. Dubbed Abner Bubblegum, the Polka-Dot Cat, she made quite a debut on Instagram. There, she appeared in her very own specially designed Polka Dot Cat costume, delighting everyone. 

As W.C. Fields knew, animals and kids steal the show. Now, Dastmalchian has also posted a picture of the Polka Dot Kid, his son Arlo. There’s plenty of room in the Polka Dot spotlight.

Polka Dot Kid, David Dastmalchian’s son Arlo via Instagram

David Dastmalchian and Polka Dot Cat via Instagram

Celebrities Who Love Cats: Tiffany Haddish and Catonic

While filming the action-comedy “Keanu,” celebrity Tiffany Haddish worked with seven kittens. In the film, the kittens took turns playing Keanu the kitten. In the film, Keanu is an adorable kitten that gets catnapped. Then, two cousins have to infiltrate a street gang to get Keanu back, a comedic rescue ensuing

In real life, Haddish rescued one of the kittens from the set, naming her Catonic. Today, the cat shares a home with a Maltese/Yorkie named Sleeper and a pitbull named Dreamer. 

“I feel like they’re always trying to figure out how to make me happy. Sometimes, I get so busy I don’t have time to like date or be like snuggled up or anything and I might fall asleep on the couch and I wake up and both of them and the cat are like all on top of my body,” Haddish told PEOPLE.

On Instagram, Haddish shared an image of Catonic lounging on her computer keyboard.

“Catonic didn’t want me to cash my checks today she was no mama just chill like this,” the caption read.

Catonic via Instagram

Below, see a preview of Keanu from Cineworld Cinemas:

Betty White’s Lifelong Love of Furry Friends

When referencing a celebrity who loves animals, few compare to icon Betty White. She’s a lifelong advocate for furry friends, cats, dogs, and all animals.

“I’ve loved animals since I was in the womb,” White once said.

Indeed, she once said an orange tabby named Toby walked on the edge of her crib as a baby. Both her parents were very much animal lovers.

“My mother always told me that if Toby didn’t approve, I would have to go back,” White joked to Parade.

In 1971, she produced and hosted the Pet Set, a show featuring celebrity friends’ pets. It remains one of her favorite shows ever after an over 70-year career going back to 1949. Ever since then, she’s been helping improve life for cats, dogs, and all sorts of endangered animals.

Earlier this year, the fully restored “Betty White’s Pet Set” came to DVD and streaming services. On the show, you see celebrities like Carol Burnett, Della Reese, Michael Landon, Mary Tyler Moore, Vincent Price, and James Brolin discuss their love for animals.

Below, White and Peter Marshall enjoy a cat conversation. (image via YouTube)

Betty White and Peter Marshall on the Pet Set, image via YouTube

Over the last year, Betty White, 99, has spent her life in isolation due to the pandemic. However, she still shares her home with a bevy of animals and enjoys daily visits from the local wildlife.

“The animal community is watching over her. The virus is afraid of Betty!” said her rep.

Video from ET Canada below:

The Sound of a Cat’s Purr

When it comes to cats, White has a special place in her heart for cats. Notably, she once said, “The sound of a cat’s purr is the most soothing thing in the world.”

In a PBS episode of Newton’s Apple, Betty White discussed the science of how cats purr with vibrating muscles in their larynx. 

See the video below:

White has recommended cats for older people with a busy lifestyle, calling them “brilliant conversationalists.”

“They’re perfect for people who are busy and don’t have time to walk the dog,” said White, noting cats are also “brilliant conversationalists and provide wonderful company.”

In addition to their companionship, White believes cats are great for health and particularly for older people.

“They’re really a little health engine; they make you feel better no matter what you’re doing. I think the more we can spread the word about what wonderful pets cats are, particularly for people who live alone or older people, the more cats we can get adopted out. You know, cats force you to think about something besides yourself, which is terribly important,” White said in a 2010 interview.

R.I.P.  Betty White (January 17, 1922- December 31, 2021)

Betty White, screenshot viaYouTube/Wall Street Journal

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