As Animal Planet’s beloved show Must Love Cats charmed audiences in its first season, we had the purr-fect opportunity to catch up with its charismatic host, John Fulton. Known for his genuine love for felines and his adventurous spirit, John offered us a peek behind the scenes of the show and shared his thoughts on cat stereotypes, the joys of cat companionship, and his passion for cat rescue.
John Fulton, host of Animal Planet's Must Love Cats, during an interview, emphasizing his passion for cat rescue.
During our exclusive virtual sit-down, we were eager to delve into John’s experiences traveling the country for Must Love Cats, exploring the diverse world of cat lovers and their furry companions. And yes, we couldn’t resist asking the question many fans were curious about!
Debunking Cat and Cat Lover Stereotypes
One of the fascinating aspects of Must Love Cats is its exploration of the human-cat bond across different communities. We asked John about the infamous “crazy cat lady” stereotype and whether his travels confirmed its reality. John’s response was refreshingly down-to-earth: “Crazy cat lady? Never heard the term!” he joked, immediately dispelling the negative connotation.
He elaborated on cat stereotypes, noting, “A common stereotype is that a cat chooses you and I found that out to be mostly true.” He shared anecdotes from the show where cats seemed to intentionally enter people’s lives, emphasizing the unique connection cats often initiate with their humans. John also challenged the “independent cat” cliché, explaining, “Everyone loves to say cats are ‘independent’ and that’s not always true cause certain types of cats love to be with people and they certainly depend on their owner for love and especially food.”
When it came to stereotypes about cat people, John offered an insightful perspective. “Of course the ‘crazy cat lady’ is a common theme but the women I met who had a lot of cats weren’t crazy at all, they just really love animals.” He highlighted the genuine compassion and care he witnessed, particularly in individuals dedicated to cat rescue and welfare. “Also, the few places I visited that had hundreds of cats were outside and the cats were very well taken care of and they adopted out many cats,” John added, emphasizing the responsible and loving nature of many multi-cat households and rescue operations.
John Fulton: A Cat Lover in Real Life
For those wondering about the personal life of the most famous cat-loving host, we had to ask: Is John Fulton a free agent? With a smile, John confirmed he was “taken by my girl and the kitties,” much to the delight of his fans who appreciate his genuine affection for cats both on and off-screen.
Speaking of kitties, John proudly shared details about his own feline family: “Billie Holiday and Betty Davis were rescues and they are both females.” His commitment to cat rescue extends beyond the show and into his personal life, as he adopted his two Maine Coon mixes from a rescue organization. “As kittens, they looked like Maine Coons but the vet now says that they are probably domestic short hairs with a touch of Norwegian forest cat. I’ve had them for about 4 months,” John explained, showcasing the joys of adopting cats of any breed and age.
John Fulton with his rescue cats, Billie Holiday and Betty Davis, highlighting the importance of cat adoption and rescue.
Do Billie and Betty share their dad’s on-screen charisma? “Actually, they are not the biggest fans of me so they don’t show me their tricks but when ‘Must Love Cats’ comes on, they enjoy watching it,” John chuckled, revealing a humorous glimpse into his relationship with his feline companions. While traveling for Must Love Cats, John ensures his rescues are well cared for, sharing that “The cats are at my girlfriends place. She takes care of them when I’m gone.”
Fan Encounters and Marriage Proposals!
John’s role as host of Must Love Cats has undoubtedly brought him into the spotlight. Referencing the internet fame of fellow cat enthusiasts “An Engineer’s Guide to Cats,” we inquired about the fan attention John has received. “I mostly get very nice people saying very nice things to me. Once in a while someone will let me know how much they don’t like me which I think is great cause I don’t always like myself,” John responded with his characteristic humor and humility.
And what about those marriage proposals? “About 5 and I said yes to all of them,” John joked, confirming the enthusiastic reception from fans who admire his passion for cats. He playfully assured us that his love for cats has never been a deterrent in relationships, quipping, “I’ve only dated women with over 12 cats. It’s never been a problem.”
Supporting Cat Rescue: A Cause Close to His Heart
Beyond the entertainment value, Must Love Cats subtly highlights the importance of animal welfare and cat rescue. John’s personal commitment to this cause is evident as he passionately supports Kitty Bungalow, the organization where he found Billie and Betty. “I support Kitty Bungalow because they helped me find my two cats.” He also praised North Shore Animal League of America, “North Shore Animal League of America is fantastic too because they are the largest no kill animal rescue and adoption in the US,” further emphasizing the critical work of no-kill shelters and adoption services in providing safe and loving homes for cats in need.
As our interview wrapped up, John turned the tables and posed a question to the readers, showing his genuine engagement with the Must Love Cats audience: “If they have a story for MLC’s 2nd season (if we get picked up).” Fingers crossed for a second season filled with more heartwarming stories of cats and the people who love them!
And finally, addressing the age-old question of cat versus dog people, we had to ask: Has John ever owned a dog? “When I was real young I had a dog named Charow. He was a cool dog but my cats were cooler,” John admitted, solidifying his status as a true cat devotee. John Fulton’s dedication to Must Love Cats Rescue both on and off screen makes him a true champion for felines everywhere.
