Piano Cat Named ASPCA Cat of the Year

Nora the Piano Cat™ - the rescued feline whose piano-playing skills drew over 15 million YouTube views; inspired Lithuanian composer Mindaugas Piečaitis to write orchestral accompaniment to her famous piano bit, and earned her the noble trademark symbol at the end of her name - can now add "Cat of the Year" to her list of achievements.

The ASPCA gave Nora her Cat of the Year award yesterday in Manhattan, stating on their website:

"Though her talents are unrivaled, Nora has been named the ASPCA Cat of the Year as much for her musical abilities as for her pluck and drive to prove that shelter pets--far from being castoffs--often make the best animal companions."

Nora was rescued from an animal shelter in South Jersey by Betsy Alexander and Burnell Yow, and was brought to their Philadelphia home where she became enamored with the ivories. The Philadelphia Daily News writes:

"Nora learned to play the piano by observing [Betsy] and by watching her give lessons. An animal behaviorist posited that Nora wanted the attention Alexander was giving to her students."

• Read Nora's rags-to-riches story on her official website
• Watch the full "Catcerto" on its official website

Image © Burnell Yow