Meet the Nominees for Cincinnati’s Cutest Pets
In search of Cincinnati’s Cutest Pets, we asked you to introduce us to your pets. Let’s meet the nominees and hear their stories!
We have a winner! Cincinnati’s Cutest Pet, according to Cincinnati.com readers, is a 6-year-old, 22-pound orange cat named Pumpkin. (Get it? Orange and round and ready for fall?)
The lovable Pumpkin was nominated by her adopted owner, Chris Seelbach, who also happens to be president and CEO of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Cincinnati.
About Chris Seelbach
Seelbach served on Cincinnati City Council from 2011 to 2022 and became SPCA Cincinnati’s president and CEO in April 2025. Under his leadership, SPCA Cincinnati plans to open an Over-the-Rhine adoption center as part of a $3.5 million facilities expansion.
Since the two crossed paths, Pumpkin (25 pounds at the time) and Seelbach have been making big orange waves across Cincinnati and the whole of America. Pumpkin was up against Basil, a therapy dog in training for the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office, in the final round. The orange, round one took the win by a stunning score of 2,229 to 695.
Pumpkin: The Tale of the Tape
- Breed: Orange female cat (very obese).
- Current Weight: 22 pounds.
- Home Neighborhood: Over-the-Rhine.
- Fun Fact: After her owner passed away in March 2026, Pumpkin found a second chance with SPCA Cincinnati’s CEO Chris Seelbach. She’s become an internet favorite, inspiring thousands by proving it’s never too late for a fresh start – and a healthier life.
Pumpkin, the Celebrity
Pumpkin has been making quite the splash over the past few months as her celebrity status continues to rise. Earlier this month, Seelbach and Pumpkin made an appearance on “Good Morning America.”
Back in April, Seelbach joined The Enquirer’s “That’s So Cincinnati” podcast to discuss his role at SPCA, the timeline for the OTR and Sharonville expansions, and the fostering of his beloved Pumpkin.
Pumpkin’s Trail to the Title
- Round 1: Pumpkin defeats Caroline Bingley Cotton St. Pierre 524-73.
- Round 2: Pumpkin defeats Ms. Cleo 398-103.
- Round 3: Pumpkin defeats Millie (the cat) 725-140.
- Round 4: Pumpkin defeats Mini 1,469-202.
- Round 5: Pumpkin defeats Basil 2,229-695. 👀
Congrats, Pumpkin. Stay cute!
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer. Read More
