Happy Tails to You

Morris the Cat is almost 13--nearly George Burns’ age, in cat years--and he’s going strong: a 1990 Morris the Cat calendar, public appearances, continuing 9-Lives TV spots. Plus that new one for Kitten Dinners, in which Morris makes a finicky comment about some talkative kitties. Said a 9-Lives spokeswoman: “He’s still very much in the media limelight.”

Morris travels three months a year to 25 cities, drawing crowds at state fairs, military bases, cat shows. etc. He did a segment of “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” last year, was featured on “Entertainment Tonight” and appeared on regional talk shows.

The original Morris died in 1978 at age 19. Both were found at animal shelters, and Morris II hasn’t forgotten his roots. He’s the official spokescat for “Adopt-a-Cat Month” each June, sponsored by 9-Lives and the American Humane Assn. He also helps publicize Cat Health Month each September, which 9-Lives sponsors with the American Veterinary Medical Assn.

His screen persona is no act, insisted the spokeswoman, who claimed to know Morris personally.

“He really is finicky,” she said.