Meet Merv: The Talking Cat Who’s Making the World Smile (One Summoned BAGAGWA at a Time)

I’ll admit it: we’re a little bit obsessed with Merv in our house. My husband and I eagerly await the latest updates, like the moments she loses her mind over Charals, their gardener—who, yes, often works topless just to send her into maximum flirt mode. I lose it every time she hits them with a sharp, unapologetic “no” or an “I’m not in the mood,” because somehow she manages to be diva, sweetheart, and comedian in the same breath.

Our geriatric cat who passed last year was a lot like Merv in his younger years—definitely not as vocal—but the looks, the ESP, and the moods were very much the same, which might be why we’re so drawn to their adventures. Merv (aka Mervyn Cumberland Weems), her mom Chanel, and her dad Chad are pure chaos in the best possible way. And while they’re already huge deals on the internet (over 2.4 million followers on TikTok and 1.3 million on Instagram!), we thought it would be great for our Catsters to get to know them a little better.

We’re so honored they wanted to share Merv’s story with us—and we hope you enjoy it! And, we recommend you set aside a couple of hours so you can really dive into all the incredible content they’ve created—and don’t forget to subscribe to their socials! –Nicole from Catster

“BAGAGWA”

What is it? Is it a person? Is it a spirit? Is it a racoon?

These are the questions I (happily) get on the street, as my beloved talking cat becomes a worldwide phenomenon, amassing more fame than her actor pet-dad will ever have.

It was 2017 when my lovely wife, Chanel, a makeup artist, found this sweet kitten in an area of Los Angeles with a serious stray animal problem. In fact, most people she worked with had their own stray pet from that very alley behind the photo studio. We had talked about having a kitty, despite me feeling like there was no room in my heart for another pet. But – we went for it!

This tiny white goblin, now known as MERV, was drinking chemicals in a janitorial closet, and had ants all over her. We didn’t know if she’d survive. But we gave her the best care possible!

So, what happens next? Well, OBVIOUSLY the cat has to begin speaking perfect English, right? Yep!

Merv didn’t just start talking—she started connecting. There’s something about her voice, her timing, her absolute refusal to follow any script but her own, that cuts through the noise of the world. Whether she’s asking for a snack with that signature “BAGAGWA,” or interrupting a Zoom call like she owns the place (because she does), Merv brings people joy-and not just in the silly, memorable way.

We’ve heard from people all over the world: folks in the middle of grief, burnout, illness, heartbreak, just people just trying to get through the day who tell us that Merv makes them laugh when nothing else will. That her nonsense words and confident attitude remind them to keep going. That she helps them feel just a little more human again. And honestly, that’s what keeps us sharing her with the world.

Because Merv may be a sassy weirdo Siamese with an attitude. But to so many people, she’s also a bright spot. A reminder that life is unpredictable, hilarious, and worth showing up for – even if just to hear what the cat’s going to say next.