In the quest to find Cincinnati's Cutest Pet, we're down to the final four. And truth be told, both battles carry a little more weight than we anticipated. It's a full-on, whisker-losing scrum of cat vs. dog.
We have Pumpkin (cat) vs. Mini (dog) and His Royal Highness (cat) vs. Basil (dog).
Still not sure which camp you're rooting for? Here's a look at our four fuzzy finalists, in the words of their owners.
Oh, and once you decide who you love, be sure to VOTE HERE. Come Friday, we'll be picking a winner.
Pumpkin
- Age: 6.
- Breed: Orange female cat (very obese).
- Home: Over-the-Rhine.
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.
Mini
- Age: 16.
- Breed: Miniature dachshund.
- Home: Covington.
She just turned 16 years old and this honor would be the perfect way to celebrate! She’s such a Cincy girl too! She participates in the running of the wieners for Oktoberfest, bark in the park at GABP, and loves Graeter’s ice cream and Skyline hot dogs! Besides napping, she also loves walks at Devou Park and along The Banks!
His Royal Highness
- Age: 7.
- Breed: Unsure, maybe Nebelung/Russian Blue family.
- Home: Fairfield.
My darling hubby took the photo a few months ago on his phone and our kitty won first place at my local gym/OTF pet photo contest! He beat all of the cats and all the dogs! And two prizes, one bag of treats and one bag of catnip toys. I asked them to please donate the treats which weren’t Greenies to the second place winner. Our kitty pukes treats which aren’t Greenies! Which is hysterical until you have to clean up after Hims! ;) We adopted him 7 years ago from a foster family after our previous kitty, 15 year old Calico, Captain Mary Sparrow, passed away. He has a gimpy back paw which our vet says happened before he was born or right after. He’s had arthritis through most of his life and we give medication everyday for it. We’re obsessed! ;)
Basil
- Age: 1.
- Breed: Bernedoodle.
- Home: Walnut Hills.
Basil is a beloved pet but during business hours, he is also a therapy dog in training for the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office! He will be fully certified in the Fall. He works with victims, grand jurors, first responders, and employees.
Need more pets to cheer you up? Meet all the nominees
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Meet Cincy's Cutest Pets final 4. Pumpkin, Mini, Basil, His Royal Highness
