Actress Mayim Bialik and PetSmart Charities(TM) Challenge Cat People to Declare Their Cat Pride

#MeowOUT Yourself

PHOENIX, AZ--(Marketwired - Jun 8, 2015) -  What comes to mind when someone says "cat person?" A recent PetSmart Charities survey revealed that this person is intelligent, independent, friendly, active and trendy. Gone are the days that "cat people" were described as antisocial, weird or old-fashioned. And, people think the stereotypes that cats are shy, aloof and stubborn are no longer true. While this is a great start, it's time to be a bit more open and honest about our love for cats.

PetSmart Charities has teamed up with one of today's modern cat people, pet adoption advocate and star of CBS' "The Big Bang Theory" Mayim Bialik. A longtime cat lover who is very passionate about adoption, Mayim has an adopted cat named Frances, a once feral cat that was deserving of a forever home.

"Frances has taught me a lot about patience and love and has been an incredible addition to our family," said Mayim. "Adopting not only saves the life of a deserving pet, but it changes the lives of those who choose to adopt, as well." 

"Mayim embodies a new kind of cat person -- one that is chic, smart and proud to share her love of cats," said Julie White, senior director of programs, PetSmart Charities. "We're thrilled to have Mayim spread her 'cat pride' and help encourage others to consider saving a life by adopting."

#MeowOUT Yourself Contest
PetSmart Charities and Mayim want to know how you and your adopted cat break the stereotypes and why being a cat parent is something to be proud of. Beginning now through July 3, you can enter the contest by submitting a selfie with your adopted cat using hashtag #meowOUT on the contest landing page or via Instagram or Twitter.

Mayim will choose five of her favorite selfies; the winners' and their adopted cats will be the face of today's cats and cat people featured in PetSmart Charities' promotional materials. Now go ahead and declare your cat pride! 

ABOUT PETSMART CHARITIES™
PetSmart Charities, Inc. is a nonprofit animal welfare organization that saves the lives of homeless pets. More than 400,000 dogs and cats find homes each year through our adoption program in all PetSmart™ stores and our sponsored adoption events. PetSmart Charities grants more money to directly help pets in need than any other animal welfare group in North America, with a focus on funding spay/neuter services that help communities solve pet overpopulation. PetSmart Charities is a 501(c)(3) organization, independent from PetSmart, Inc.

ABOUT THE SURVEY
The PetSmart Charities research was fielded via Toluna Analytics to 1,022 U.S.-based respondents during the period from February 11 - 14, 2015. It has a +/- 3% margin of error.

Contact:
Jennifer Kepler
Golin for PetSmart Charities
972-341-2552
[e-mail]