Helping Cats Through Social Media: Interview with Cats_n_videogames

Cats_N_Videogames creates content with their cats helping real life kitties in the process showing that social media can be a force for good. (All images in this article courtesy of Cats_N_Videogames)

In one special corner of Instagram you will find Cats_N_VideoGames.

"Cats_N_Videogames is a happy place where people can see my cats, along with my favorite video games and recent games that I play," said Ash, aka the human behind the cats.

The account Cats_N_Videogames celebrates just that with tons of pictures and videos of adorable cats posing with various games.

Their cats, totaling 12, pose alongside a variety of physical and retro media. "Their names are: Suzy, Sprite, Peanut, Penguin Poo Baby, Goblin, Ghost, Soot, Cinder, Cheese, Noodles, Wolfie and Moose."

"They are either rescued from shelters or found outside," said Ash. I have to credit my wife, she’s the cat whisperer and knows how to take care of them all. I think she’s secretly trying to get one cat of each color."

The passion for cats goes beyond the ones they reside with. They also feed stray cats in local colonies.

But why cats?

Ash looked around his community and found cats in need.

"Cats express love, peace and innocence. All Animals do. We have A LOT of cats down here in Florida (where I live) with cats being so fertile mixed with the year round warm weather it’s an ideal breeding ground," said Ash. "We take them in and give them a home."

"I have always enjoyed taking pictures, writing and just creating media in general. That combined with my cats just makes me feel happy. That’s what I am passionate about: cats and video games," said Ash.

The blend of passion and advocacy led to Ash raising funds for other cats in need for a local cat rescue group.

Cats_N_Videogames raises funds for local cats through sales of their merch.

"Camp Many Paws are great. They are a very small team that try to keep the cat population under control through trap, neuter and return policy. They also help cover vet bills for injured strays if they need it."

"Camp Many Paws also foster and will find homes for cats that can be homed. Sprite, our chunky orange tabby was from Camp Many Paws. She was found behind a hardware store!"

Resource: What is TNR?

People interested in helping out real life cats can grab merch. "I sell t-shirts and stickers to raise funds to help the cause. 100% proceeds go to them."

Fans of Cats_n_videogames have shown up to help cats. "The gaming community has been very welcoming and I’ve had followers donate money to the local charity I often mention. Thank you all so much for your generosity!"

"Half Life retrospective with my cats" a YouTube video by Cats_n_videogames

Ash's content creation goes beyond Instagram posts.

"I started a YouTube channel in March of last year (same name) where I look at my favorite video games. I try it make it fun and have my cats appear in skits that relate to the game that I am covering. I am really enjoying that journey so far."

"I like action, shooters, horror and platformers. I’m also partial to a real time strategy game. I think Resident Evil is my favorite franchise. I have grown up with it and it has been a big part of my video game journey," said Ash.

We also had to ask Ash what his favorite cat game is. "Gori from Gori Cuddly Carnage. That game is fantastic. It’s like a mix of Devil May Cry and Tony Hawk Pro Skater with a cat! I also like the cat king from Ni No Kuni."

"Can I say all of the cats in every video game ever made?" (We agree ฅ^>⩊<^ ฅ)

"My goal is to keep having fun taking pictures and making videos. It’s as simple as that really! Oh and to keep helping my local cat charities."

Ash also had advice for anyone out there who wants to follow their lead and help cats too. "There are trap neuter return groups all across America and I’m sure a quick google search can help you find the nearest one. They always need extra funds! Make sure they are a Local non profit. They rely on donations and volunteers."

Ash had one more message before we close out, "ADOPT A CAT. SAVE A LIFE!"

We couldn't agree more.

Support Cats_N_Videogames work to help cats on Instagram and catch their videos on YouTube

˖ ꗃ ﾍ(^･･^=)~

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