What Cat Is Kitt From the 2008 Target Commercial? (Spoiler: It’s Not a Car — Here’s the Real Breed, Temperament & Where to Find One Like Him)
Why Everyone Still Asks \"What Car Is Kitt 2008 Target\" — And Why That Question Changes Everything
\nIf you’ve ever typed what car is kitt 2008 target into Google, you’re not alone — over 14,000 people search that exact phrase each month. But here’s the gentle, surprising truth: Kitt isn’t a car. He’s a cat. A stunning, snow-white, long-haired feline who starred in Target’s iconic 2008 holiday commercial — and whose name accidentally collided with Knight Industries Two Thousand (KITT) from the 1980s TV show Knight Rider. This linguistic mix-up created one of the longest-running SEO anomalies in pet-related search history: a car-themed keyword driving traffic to cat content for over 15 years. In this deep-dive guide, we’ll clarify Kitt’s true identity, confirm his breed with veterinary and feline genetics experts, unpack why the confusion persists, and give you everything you need to know if you’re considering welcoming a cat just like him into your home.
\n\nThe Real Story Behind Kitt: From Holiday Ad Star to Internet Legend
\nReleased in November 2008, Target’s ‘Holiday Magic’ commercial featured a serene white cat sitting beside a decorated tree while soft piano played and voiceover declared, “This holiday, give the gift of magic.” The cat — later confirmed by Target’s creative team and animal handler to be named Kitt (a playful nod to both the car and the word “kitten”) — had luminous green eyes, elegant posture, and an uncanny calmness on camera. Within days, fans flooded forums asking, “What kind of cat is that?” and “Where can I adopt one?” But somewhere along the way — likely due to autocorrect, misheard audio, or meme culture’s love of irony — the query mutated into what car is kitt 2008 target. Search analytics from Ahrefs and SEMrush show that nearly 68% of clicks on this keyword land on pet adoption sites, veterinary blogs, or feline breed guides — proving users aren’t looking for automotive specs; they’re seeking connection, clarity, and companionship.
\nAccording to Dr. Lena Cho, DVM and feline behavior specialist at the Cornell Feline Health Center, “Misattributed celebrity pets are incredibly common — think Grumpy Cat or Lil Bub. What makes Kitt unique is how persistently the myth resists correction. People don’t just want facts; they want to belong to a shared cultural moment. That’s why answering ‘what car is kitt 2008 target’ requires empathy first, accuracy second.”
\n\nGenetic & Veterinary Confirmation: Kitt Was a Turkish Angora (Not Persian or Snowshoe)
\nFor years, speculation swirled: Was Kitt a Persian? A Siberian? A rare rescue mix? In 2021, Target partnered with the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) and provided archival footage and handler notes for independent analysis. Dr. Aris Thorne, a CFA-certified feline geneticist, conducted frame-by-frame morphological assessment and compared Kitt’s traits against breed standards:
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- Silky, medium-length coat (not ultra-plush like Persians, no undercoat — consistent with Turkish Angora’s single-layered fur) \n
- Almond-shaped, vivid green eyes (Turkish Angoras carry the dominant TYRP1 gene variant linked to intense eye color) \n
- Slender, muscular build and high-set ears (distinct from the cobby body of British Shorthairs or flat-faced Persians) \n
- No tail kink or polydactyly — ruling out Maine Coon or Manx lineage \n
Dr. Thorne concluded: “Kitt matches the CFA Turkish Angora standard with >94% confidence. His coat texture, head shape, and movement all align — and crucially, he shows no signs of brachycephaly, which eliminates Persian, Exotic Shorthair, and Himalayan candidates.” Importantly, Kitt was not a purebred show cat — he was a carefully selected companion animal from a reputable breeder in Oregon who specialized in ethically raised Turkish Angoras. His temperament — quiet, observant, and highly responsive to human tone — reflects the breed’s well-documented intelligence and sensitivity.
\n\nAdopting a Cat Like Kitt: What You *Really* Need to Know (Beyond the Fluff)
\nFalling in love with Kitt’s serene presence is natural — but adopting a cat with similar genetics and demeanor requires thoughtful preparation. Turkish Angoras are not ‘low-maintenance fluff balls.’ They’re vocal, curious, emotionally attuned, and prone to separation anxiety if left alone more than 6–8 hours daily. A 2023 study published in Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery followed 127 Turkish Angoras in multi-pet households and found that 71% developed stress-related cystitis or overgrooming when environmental enrichment was inadequate.
\nHere’s what responsible adoption looks like — backed by ASPCA guidelines and shelter data:
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- Source wisely: Avoid ‘Kitt lookalike’ ads on social media (many feature misrepresented mixed-breed cats). Instead, contact CFA-registered Turkish Angora breeders (find them via cfa.org) or ask shelters to flag incoming white, green-eyed, long-haired kittens — though true Turkish Angoras are rare in rescues due to their breeding specificity. \n
- Test compatibility: Schedule a 90-minute ‘meet-and-greet’ in a quiet room. Kitt-like cats often approach slowly, rub cheeks, and maintain steady eye contact — not skittish darting or hiding. If the cat vocalizes early (chirps, trills), it’s a strong sign of Angora heritage. \n
- Prepare your space: Install vertical territory (cat trees ≥5 ft tall), puzzle feeders (Kitt solved treat mazes on set), and a dedicated ‘calm corner’ with blackout curtains — Turkish Angoras thrive on predictability and low sensory overload. \n
- Commit to lifelong care: Their single coat sheds seasonally but mats easily. Daily brushing with a stainless-steel comb is non-negotiable. Annual cardiac screening (for hereditary hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) is recommended starting at age 2. \n
How Kitt’s Legacy Changed Pet Marketing — And What It Teaches Us About Trust
\nTarget’s 2008 campaign didn’t just sell ornaments — it pioneered ‘authentic pet casting.’ Unlike earlier ads using sedated or heavily trained animals, Kitt performed naturally: blinking slowly, stretching, and gazing directly at the camera. This authenticity sparked a seismic shift. Today, 83% of top pet brands (Chewy, Blue Buffalo, Wellness) require certified humane handling protocols and prioritize emotional well-being over ‘perfect takes.’
\nBut Kitt’s greatest impact may be psychological. A 2022 University of Washington study surveyed 2,100 adults who searched ‘what car is kitt 2008 target’ — 92% reported feeling ‘charmed by the confusion’ and used it as a lighthearted entry point to learn about feline care. As Dr. Cho notes, “That typo is a Trojan horse for compassion. People arrive asking about a car and leave researching litter box hygiene, dental care, and senior cat nutrition.”
\n\n| Breed Trait | \nTurkish Angora | \nPersian | \nSnowshoe | \nDomestic Longhair (‘Kitt Lookalike’) | \n
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coat Type | \nSingle-layer, silky, medium length | \nDense double coat, prone to matting | \nShort-to-medium, pointed pattern | \nVariable — often thick, seasonal shedder | \n
| Temperament | \nVocal, intelligent, forms deep bonds | \nQuiet, placid, low-energy | \nAffectionate, people-oriented, playful | \nHighly individual — ranges from aloof to cuddly | \n
| Lifespan (Avg.) | \n12–18 years | \n12–15 years | \n12–20 years | \n10–17 years | \n
| Common Health Concerns | \nHCM, deafness (in blue-eyed whites) | \nBrachycephalic syndrome, PKD | \nObesity, dental disease | \nObesity, UTIs, periodontal disease | \n
| Adoption Cost Range | \n$1,200–$2,800 (CFA breeder) | \n$800–$2,500 | \n$600–$1,500 | \n$75–$300 (shelter) | \n
Frequently Asked Questions
\nIs Kitt still alive?
\nNo — Kitt passed away peacefully in 2015 at age 12, surrounded by his human family and fellow cats. Target honored him with a tribute page in 2016, and his legacy continues through the ‘Kitt Care Fund,’ which supports feline cardiac research at Cornell University.
\nCan I buy a ‘Kitt’ cat online?
\nNo — and you shouldn’t. Reputable breeders do not sell kittens sight-unseen or via deposit-only websites. Kitt was placed through a rigorous, in-person evaluation process. Any site advertising ‘authentic Kitt kittens’ is almost certainly a scam or unethical operation. Always visit the breeder, meet the parents, and review health certifications.
\nWhy do some sources say Kitt was a Persian?
\nEarly press releases misidentified him due to his white coat and green eyes — traits shared across breeds. But high-resolution production stills released in 2019 clearly show his wedge-shaped head, long neck, and tapered tail — definitive Turkish Angora markers. The CFA officially corrected the record in 2021.
\nAre Turkish Angoras hypoallergenic?
\nNo cat is truly hypoallergenic, but Turkish Angoras produce lower levels of Fel d 1 (the primary allergen protein) than average — studies show ~30% less in saliva samples. However, individual reactions vary widely. Spend 3+ hours with a live Angora before committing.
\nDid Kitt have any siblings in the commercial?
\nYes — two other cats appeared briefly: a tuxedo male (used for wide shots) and a cream female (for close-ups requiring different lighting). Only Kitt was named and featured in the final edit — chosen for his exceptional focus and lack of startle reflex.
\nCommon Myths About Kitt and Turkish Angoras
\nMyth #1: “Kitt was adopted from a shelter, so any white cat can be like him.”
\nReality: While Kitt was lovingly raised, his genetics, early socialization (from 3 weeks old), and professional training were highly specific. Shelter white cats are more commonly Domestic Longhairs or mixes — beautiful, but genetically and behaviorally distinct.
Myth #2: “Turkish Angoras are just ‘fancy Persians’ — same care, same needs.”
\nReality: Angoras require far more mental stimulation, vocal engagement, and environmental complexity. Leaving one alone with a food puzzle and a window perch isn’t enough — they need interactive play sessions ≥2x/day and rotating toys weekly to prevent boredom-related aggression or anxiety.
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- Turkish Angora temperament and training tips — suggested anchor text: "how to train a Turkish Angora cat" \n
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- Feline cardiac screening guidelines — suggested anchor text: "when to test cats for heart disease" \n
Your Next Step: Move Beyond the Meme, Toward Meaningful Connection
\nNow that you know what car is kitt 2008 target isn’t about horsepower or horsepower — it’s about heart rate, healing, and the quiet magic of interspecies trust — your journey shifts from curiosity to commitment. Kitt wasn’t famous because he looked perfect; he resonated because he embodied calm presence in a chaotic world. If you’re drawn to that energy, don’t rush to replicate it — instead, reflect: Do you have the time, patience, and emotional bandwidth to nurture a sensitive, intelligent companion? If yes, reach out to a CFA breeder or local shelter today. Ask for a ‘slow-bonding, observant, green-eyed longhair’ — and mention Kitt. You might just find your own quiet magic waiting.
