Chicago, Illinois (June 13, 2007)

From his humble beginnings as a shelter cat to his celebrity status as America’s favorite feline - Morris® the Cat, famed 9Lives® cat food icon, returned to the Hinsdale Humane Society, a shelter outside of Chicago, where he was originally “discovered” more than four decades ago by professional animal handler Bob Martwick. The nostalgic homecoming is part of Morris the Cat’s efforts to kick-off the second year of 9Lives’ Morris’ Million Cat Rescue Campaign, a national initiative that is dedicated to saving one million homeless cats. With more than 250,000 cats rescued to date, Morris the Cat continues in his mission to save one million of his fellow felines.

“It’s exciting to bring Morris the Cat back to the Hinsdale Humane Society and we are honored that the local community has shown so much support as we kick-off the second year of 9Lives’ Morris’ Million Cat Rescue Campaign. Morris the Cat was a shelter cat and we hope that his amazing story will inspire people to adopt a four-legged family member of their own,” said Ryan Thomas, 9Lives Brand Manager. “In addition to funding Morris’ Million Cat Rescue Campaign and national bus tours, 9Lives will make a financial donation to support animal shelters across the country every time a 9Lives product is purchased.”

To celebrate Morris the Cat’s lifetime achievements - including several silver-screen appearances, two presidential campaigns and numerous awards, such as US Magazine’s “Animal Star of the Year” award three years in a row - June 13 is declared “Morris the Cat Day” by the Village of Hinsdale. Additionally, Hinsdale Humane Society, from which Morris the Cat was originally adopted in 1968, will be renamed “Hinsdale Humane Society, Home of Morris the Cat.”  And staying true to Morris the Cat’s Chicago roots - the 9Lives brand will team-up with the Chicago Bulls to donate $60,000 to the Hinsdale shelter in honor of Morris the Cat.  Chicago Bull Tyrus Thomas, the Luvabulls, and Benny the Bull, along with local fans of Morris the Cat, will all be on hand to celebrate Morris the Cat’s homecoming.

“America’s favorite feline is certainly the pride of Hinsdale. We appreciate that Morris the Cat is leveraging his celebrity status and his humble beginnings here at the Hinsdale Humane Society to help find loving homes for his fellow four-legged friends - thanks to the 9Lives’ Morris’ Million Cat Rescue Campaign,” said David Robinson, Hinsdale Humane Society Board President. “June is Adopt-A-Cat Month® and we hope that today’s events will remind people that cat adoption is a wonderful opportunity to open your heart and home to a new best friend.”

9Lives’ Morris Million Cat Rescue Campaign Hits the Road… and the Web at Catster.com
From Hinsdale, Morris the Cat will embark on a journey across the U.S. in his state-of-the-art 9Lives’ Morris’ Million Cat Rescue mobile adoption bus, with the support of two high-tech 9Lives’ Morris’ Million Cat Rescue satellite vans enabling the campaign to cover more ground in its effort to rescue cats. In each market, 9Lives’ Morris’ Million Cat Rescue vehicles will visit local shelters, retailers and special events to educate consumers on proper care for their newly adopted cats by distributing 9Lives’ Morris’ Million Cat Rescue Welcome Home Kits.

The 9Lives’ Morris’ Million Cat Rescue bus and vans will stop at the popular “Taste of Chicago” from June 29 through July 8, after which all three vehicles will split up to follow three separate routes, stopping at multiple cities including Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Denver, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, New York, Charlotte, Nashville, Boston, New Orleans, Portland, and Phoenix through October 2007. Visit http://www.9lives.com/ for a complete listing of bus and satellite van visits.

9Lives has also partnered with Catster.com, an online community for cat lovers, as another way for potential pet parents to find a homeless cat in their area. In addition to providing information, photos and profiles of homeless cats, Catster.com offers support, advice and opportunities for new cat owners to connect, as well as share photos, videos and stories about their four-legged friend. It’s the purr-fect online community for those who are passionate about cats.

Looking for You New Best Friends? June is Adopt-A-Cat Month®
9Lives’ Morris’ Million Cat Rescue Campaign took another significant step this year by joining forces with the American Humane Association™ as the official sponsor of Adopt-A-Cat Month®. “We are extremely proud to be partners with 9Lives and Morris the Cat,” said Marie Wheatley, President and CEO of the American Humane Association, “as we all share a common goal of generating greater awareness for cat adoption and educating the public on responsible pet care.”

9Lives’ Morris’ Million Cat Rescue Campaign has already created more than 250,000 happier and healthier American households by adopting and saving the lives of 250,000 cats. Adopting a cat might be just what the doctor ordered. Studies show that including a pet in the family brings benefits to all. Children experience enhanced self-esteem and a greater sense of responsibility. Adults benefit from lower heart rates, blood pressure and cholesterol. And for seniors, owning a pet also addresses one of the most serious causes of illness - loneliness. 

From Kitty to Cat - The Importance of Growing Years
To ensure all newly adopted kittens are receiving proper nutrition from the moment they arrive home, 9Lives is also introducing a new product, 9Lives Growing Years™, which will be available at grocery stores nationwide in August 2007. As a commitment to Morris the Cat’s efforts, 9Lives brand will make a donation every time 9Lives cat food, including the newly formulated 9Lives Growing Years, is purchased. That money will be donated to animal rescue shelters nationwide.

For more information about 9Lives’ Morris’ Million Cat Rescue Campaign, bus or van stops, visit http://www.9lives.com/.

About Morris® the Cat
In 1968, a street-wise orange tabby from a Hinsdale, Illinois shelter was languishing for a loving home after being abandoned by his owner when the shelter staff noticed something special about the cat - a certain “star quality.” They quickly contacted Bob Martwick, a professional animal handler who quickly adopted him on the spot, and - 20 minutes from death - Morris® the Cat got a second chance.  Recognizing his charisma, 9Lives® cat food quickly signed him up, and the entire nation took notice of this new star of their television commercials. From then on, Morris was to become the most recognizable cat in the world. He was ubiquitous. He graced the covers of national magazines, he was a darling of the national talk show circuit and even was cast in the major motion picture “Shamus,” with Burt Reynolds.  Morris’ fame continued to grow over the years, and his accomplishments even include runs for the presidency in both 1988 and 1992 on the Finicky Party platform. Despite all of his accomplishments, it is important to mention that Morris never forgot where he came from.  

About Del Monte Pet Products
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With trusted brands including Meow Mix®, Kibbles ‘n Bits®, 9Lives®, Snausages®, Pup-Peroni®, Milk-Bone®, Meaty Bone® and Pounce®, our products enrich the connection between people and the pets they love. 

As a premier provider of taste-oriented pet food and pet snacks, our products play a key role in the lives of millions of pet families everyday.

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Del Monte Foods is one of the country's largest and most well known producers, distributors and marketers of premium quality, branded food and pet products for the U.S. retail market, generating approximately $3 billion in net sales in fiscal 2006.  With a powerful portfolio of brands including Del Monte®, StarKist®, S&W®, Contadina®, College Inn®,   Meow Mix®, Kibbles 'n Bits®, 9Lives®, Milk-Bone®, Pup-Peroni®, Meaty Bone®, Snausages® and Pounce®, Del Monte products are found in nine out of ten American households.  The Company also produces, distributes and markets private label food and pet products.  For more information on Del Monte Foods Company (NYSE:DLM), visit the Company's website at http://www.delmonte.com/.

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