Bruno The Cat Heads To New Home After Hundreds Of Applications

MORTON GROVE, IL — Bruno, the overweight cat who became an overnight internet sensation last week after a local animal shelter posted about him on social media, is headed to a new permanent home Tuesday. With a knack for standing on his hind legs, extra paws and a very particular set of preferences, the 7-year-old feline inspired hundreds of applications from people interested in adopting him, according to Morton Grove-based Wright-Way Animal Rescue.

The 25-pound Russian Blue is polydactyl, with extra "thumbs" on his front paws. He was described as a chatty, high-maintenance cat who knows what he likes. According to the shelter, he drinks a ton of water but only if it's placed in certain places.

Bruno prefers to be pet while eating and will meow throughout if a human does not oblige, according to the widely shared adoption listing that boosted him to instant internet stardom. He tends to stand on his back legs when he wants food, and he does not enjoy having his belly rubbed.

Wright-Way selected Lauren Paris, a Chicago-based actress and singer, to adopt Bruno. Shelter staffer Lynn Blackburn broke the news to Paris with a phone call Monday night. In a video posted by the shelter, Paris sounded overjoyed, while Bruno appeared unflustered.

"Bruno Bartlett" now has an Instagram account, established by Paris, and is set to move in to his new apartment Tuesday night following an open house event at the shelter.

"We are over the moon elated, excited, thrilled. I am also already overwhelmed by his social media attention," Paris wrote.

Paris, a Seattle native, explained she provided the shelter with a letter of recommendation, a letter of intent, as well as video footage of her home, boyfriend and a performance of a original song about Bruno.

"Won't pet him on the tummy because I know he don't like that, I'll let him meow and meow at me, my thick and tubby kitty-cat," go lyrics written by Kathleen Gibson of Second City.

"Real cats have curves," Paris concludes the tune.

Earlier: Local Fat Cat Bruno, 7, Reviews Applications For New Owner »

Chicago area residents will have a chance to meet Bruno Tuesday night at the Business After Hours free event co-sponsored with the Morton Grove Chamber of Commerce from 5 to 7 p.m. at Wright-Way Rescue's North Shore Humane Center, 5915 Lincoln Ave. (RSVP online)