The winner of Cincinnati's Cutest Pet is ...

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 S

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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.

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, "boy-I'm-famous" final score of 2,229 to 695.

Here's a little bit more about our champ, her rise to fame and a look back at her romp through the bracket of baddies.

Meet Pumpkin, the

Pumpkin: The tale of the tape

Age: Almost 6.
Breed: Orange female cat (very obese).
Current weight: 22 pounds.
Home neighborhood: Over-the-Rhine.
Fun fact from the owner: 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 while inspiring thousands of people 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 its meteoric rise.

Earlier this month, Seelbach and Pumpkin made an appearance on "Good Morning America."

And back in April, Seelbach joined The Enquirer's "That's So Cincinnati" podcast to discuss how he came into his role at SPCA, the timeline for the OTR and Sharonville expansions, and, of course, the fostering of his beloved Pumpkin.