"Morris, it's din-din time!"
Morris the Cat refers to a long-running advertising campaign by 9-Lives cat food that began in 1968.
The titular cat (voiced by John Erwin in North America, Johnny Morris and Richard Briers in the UK) is an orange tabby that's described as the "world's most finicky cat". He's a snarky cat who won't eat anything but his favorite cat food: 9-Lives.
On top of being an advertisement icon, Morris is associated with being a spokesperson for cat ownership and adopting pets from rescues. There have been three cat-care books "written" by Morris, he's adopted a kitten named Li'l Mo, and there is a campaign known as the "Morris' Million Cat Rescue". Morris has been played by three different cats, all rescued from shelters.
This campaign provides examples of:
- Cats Are Lazy: Morris is one of the Trope Codifiers for the lazy, sarcastic orange tom. He likes lazing around and eating 9-Lives.
- Cats Are Snarkers: A signature of the campaign is Morris's snarky one-liners against his surroundings.
- Cats Are Superior: Morris thinks he's better than his peers.
- Cats Have Nine Lives: Invoked by the 9-Lives brand name.
- Cat Stereotype: He's one of the Trope Codifiers for the snarky, short-haired orange tomcat.
- Pet Dress-Up: One of the ads has Morris having to deal with this treatment when a girl has him dressed up like an infant.
- Picky Eater: Morris won't eat anything but 9-Lives.
- Trademark Favorite Food: Morris loves 9-Lives.