If you had told Mauren Kennedy growing up that one day she’d share her home with six rescue cats—and hundreds of thousands of fellow cat lovers online—she probably would have laughed.
After all, she didn’t even grow up with cats.
Today, Mauren is the creator behind Cat Lady Tails, where millions of people have fallen in love with Gremlin’s famous little blep, Calcifer’s larger-than-life personality, and the everyday chaos that comes with living alongside six rescue cats. But long before the videos, brand partnerships, and online community, there was simply one curious woman who agreed to meet one tiny kitten.
As it turns out, that single decision changed everything.
It All Started With Gremlin
Cats weren’t part of Mauren’s childhood.
Like many people, she assumed she’d always be more of a dog person.
That changed in 2013 when her roommate brought home an abandoned kitten found in a cardboard box in a Walgreens parking lot.
Mauren admits her first instinct wasn’t exactly enthusiasm.
It didn’t take long.
The tiny tortoiseshell kitten—with a distinctive little blep caused by her unusual jaw—quickly stole her heart. Mauren named her Gremlin, inspired by the soot sprites from Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro.
At around the same time, Instagram was still a brand-new platform.
She had no grand strategy.
Just a camera roll overflowing with cat photos.
The Cat Distribution System In Action
For several years, Gremlin remained an only cat.
Then life happened.
As Mauren’s beloved dog Shelby began slowing down with age, she worried Gremlin would eventually be lonely. A visit to a local “Clear the Shelters” event introduced her to a sweet orange tabby named Calcifer.
She thought that would be it.
It wasn’t.
The pandemic brought Jiji into the family after Calcifer proved to have a little too much kitten energy for Gremlin. Then, while driving down a quiet country road, Mauren spotted two tiny long-haired kittens darting across the pavement.
Those kittens became David Rose and Alexis Rose.
Surely five cats was enough.
Or so she thought.
A few years later, during an ordinary neighbourhood walk, Mauren spotted a skinny calico cat panting in someone’s yard.
Chihiro had found her way home.
Meet the Stars of Cat Lady Tails
Every member of Mauren’s feline family has a role to play.
Calcifer is every bit as goofy as he appears online.
Jiji is clever, dramatic, and never shy about sharing her opinions.
David somehow managed to keep his kitten face while growing into an adult cat, while Alexis fully embraces classic tortitude.
And then there’s Chihiro.
Although Gremlin may be the cat that started it all, it’s the personalities of all six cats together that have made Cat Lady Tails feel so relatable.
Welcome to Cat Lady Tails HQ
Like many creators, Mauren’s workday starts early. Very early.
Usually somewhere between 5 and 6 a.m., six hungry alarm clocks make sure she doesn’t sleep in.
The mornings include topping up food bowls, feeding neighbourhood cats, making coffee, and settling onto the couch—usually buried beneath whichever cats decide she’s available.
Bedtime has its own traditions too.
As for sleeping?
There’s generally a cat on her left side, several on her feet, and at least one already planning tomorrow morning’s wake-up call.
The Politics of Living With Six Cats
While Cat Lady Tails is full of cosy moments and funny videos, Mauren is refreshingly honest that multi-cat life isn’t always effortless.
In fact, she jokes that there’s a reason most people stop at two or three.
Moving into a larger home dramatically improved relationships between the cats, reinforcing just how important space can be in a multi-cat household.
She says multiple litter boxes, cat trees, hideaways, and learning feline body language have all made an enormous difference.
Behind the Cute Videos
It’s easy to assume that successful pet creators simply spend their days cuddling cats and filming adorable moments.
The reality, Mauren says, is a little different.
Between working multiple jobs, creating sponsored content, and caring for six cats, life is often improvised.
She also wants people to understand that caring for pets has become significantly more expensive.
More Than Cute Cat Content
While Cat Lady Tails certainly delivers plenty of laughs, Mauren hopes her platform also encourages responsible pet ownership.
She proudly supports adoption, works with organisations like the ASPCA, speaks out against declawing, and regularly reminds followers that shelters are full of incredible cats waiting for homes.
Her advice for anyone considering bringing home a pet is simple—but important.
She also has one message she wishes every future pet owner would hear.
“It’s Their House. I Just Live Here.”
Ask Mauren who’s really in charge, and she doesn’t hesitate.
Honestly, after spending a little time with Gremlin, Calcifer, Jiji, David Rose, Alexis Rose, and Chihiro, we’d have to agree.
And their favorite activities to do together?
Follow Mauren
You can keep up with Mauren and all six cats on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, Threads, LinkedIn, and her website at Cat Lady Tails.
It All Started With Gremlin
