Movies screens showing feline clips for charitable purposes
The Cat Video Fest, a compilation of feline-themed internet videos, is set to return for its eighth year, attracting a diverse audience and raising funds for cat-focused charities, shelters, and animal welfare organizations.
In its eighth year, the Cat Video Fest has a global presence, extending to the UK, Denmark, France, Spain, Japan, and Brazil. Closer to home, the festivities are playing in more than 500 independent theaters in the U.S. and Canada this weekend.
Will Braden, the Seattle-based creator of the comedically existential shorts, Henri, le Chat Noir, curates the Cat Video Fest. Braden watches thousands of hours of internet videos to make the annual compilation, ensuring a steady supply of cat videos and audience interest.
The screenings of Cat Video Fest attract a diverse audience, including kids, cat ladies, hipsters, grandparents, and everyone in between. The events are not just about cats falling into bathtubs or similar comedic mishaps. Instead, they include a variety of content, such as animated videos, music videos, mini documentaries, and more.
Braden aims to ensure that Cat Video Fest remains funny and entertaining every year to keep the audience engaged. Since its inception, the fest has raised over $1 million for cat-focused charities, shelters, and animal welfare organizations. Last year, the screenings made over $1 million at the box office.
This year, Cat Video Fest 2025 is screening in multiple locations across the U.S. and Canada during August 2025. Here are some of the key venues:
- Arlington, MA at the Regent Theatre: screenings on Saturday, August 2 (1:00 PM & 7:00 PM) and Sunday, August 3 (11:00 AM & 2:00 PM).
- Paducah, KY at Maiden Alley Cinema: screening on August 11, 2025.
- Key West, FL at Tropic Cinema (George Theater): screening beginning August 1, 2025.
- St. Paul, MN at CHS Field: part of the Cat Video Festival on Thursday, August 14, 2025, with gates opening at 6:30 PM and videos starting at 8:00 PM. Attendees can bring cats on leashes and enjoy a themed atmosphere.
Each location partners with local animal organizations, with proceeds aiding cats in need. Since 2019, the Cat Video Fest has raised over $1 million for these causes.
Current theatrical partners for Cat Video Fest include Alamo Drafthouse, IFC Center, Nitehawk, Vidiots, Laemmle, and Music Box. Braden and Oscilloscope Laboratories found that one year is sufficient to get past the hurdle of convincing independent movie theaters to program Cat Video Fest.
With its combination of entertainment and philanthropy, the Cat Video Fest is one of the only things that appeals to a wide range of audience, similar to a Pixar movie or a Taylor Swift concert. So, whether you're a cat lover or just looking for a fun night out, the Cat Video Fest is a purr-fect choice.
The Cat Video Fest, a compilation of feline-themed videos, extends its reach to various lifestyle and entertainment categories, notably home-and-garden and pet-focused interests. As the festivities are played in multiple venues, pet owners might consider these events as a unique opportunity to enjoy a night out with their furry friends.
In addition to raising funds for cat-focused charities and shelters, the Cat Video Fest also supports local animal organizations, further aligning it with home and garden enthusiasts who value the welfare of all creatures great and small.
