This Viral Cat Adoption Infomercial Is so Bad It’s Good

When was the last time you saw one of those pet adoption videos with the heartbreaking images of abused or abandoned pets on the screen with that sad Sarah McLachlan song playing? Chances are, it was recently. Now, a new viral cat adoption infomercial is hoping to turn that idea on its head to provide a little laugh…and get you out to adopt a pet.

Atlanta, Georgia-based Furkids Animal Rescue and Shelters released a lighthearted cat adoption ad that parodies those horrible infomercials seen on late night TV.

“Has your goldfish lost its novelty? Do potted plants not excite you like they used to?” the commercial begins. “Then come on down to Furkids Furry Animal Emporium!!” says Paul Preston, brainchild of the video, in the mock ad while Adoption Team Manager Nicole Neill mimics one of the inflatable wavy-arm air dancers you see outside car dealerships.

Preston tells viewers of the shelter’s huge selection of “quality cats” available for adoption.

“You like black cats? We’ve got the blackest cats you’ve ever seen. It’s like midnight inside a coffin over here. You like sleepy kitties? We’ve got the sleepiest kitties you’ve ever seen.”

Watch the cat adoption infomercial here:

The video was originally posted on December 23, but in recent days has really caught on. It became the number one trending video on YouTube and has amassed more than 1.2 million views as of January 5.

In an email to Your Daily Dish, Furkids CEO and Founder Samantha Shelton said the video was meant to “inspire people to adopt and support our animals. It is a message Furkids has been fervently and passionately sharing for 15 years.”

While the video is meant to be lighthearted, pet adoption in animal shelters remains a significant issue.

The ASPCA estimates that nearly 7.6 million companion animals enter shelters every year, but approximately 2.7 million of those become euthanized. For cats and dogs, only an estimated 35 percent are adopted. (The ASPCA notes that around 26 percent of animals that enter shelters are actually returned to their owners. They estimate in total 31 percent are euthanized.)

The video is already making a difference at Furkids according to Shelton.

“We are seeing a lot of positive comments of people wanting to adopt,” said Shelton. “People not fearing shelters. People praising the good comedy and our authentic love for our animals and desire to find them homes. We have received an increase in adoption applications for our animals and for Paul, of course! Who wouldn’t want this comedian in their home?”

Shelton concluded, “The animals and Furkids scored a big victory with this video! We hope it inspires people to visit their local animal shelters and adopt, volunteer and offer support!”