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Home > Cats > What Breed of Cat Is Walter the Chevy Cat? The Commercial Star

What Breed of Cat Is Walter the Chevy Cat? The Commercial Star

Walter the Chevy Cat sitting in the grass hearing his ownner

The cute, charismatic gray tabby cat named Walter has won the hearts of millions with his dog-like behavior in Chevy’s ads. But what breed is Walter the Chevy Cat, exactly? Walter is most likely an American Shorthair with a tabby coat pattern, a breed renowned for its affable nature, versatility, and robust health.

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Walter’s Star Quality: The American Shorthair

American Shorthair cats are celebrated for their friendliness, adaptability, and ease of care. These are likely the traits that made Walter the perfect candidate for the Chevy commercials, where he’s seen playing with balls, herding cows, and even fetching a stick.

American Shorthairs are characterized by their medium to large size, powerful build, and round-faced, full-cheeked appearance. Their coat, usually short and thick, comes in a variety of colors and patterns, including the classic gray tabby that Walter sports so adorably.

Walter’s Unique Behavior: Not Just Any Cat

Walter’s peculiar antics in the commercials might make you wonder if all American Shorthair cats are like this. While these cats are known for their sociable and playful nature, each has a unique personality.

However, it’s not uncommon for an American Shorthair to engage in activities usually associated with dogs, such as fetching and showing an affinity for water play, just like Walter does in the commercials. But there’s a not-so-secret secret to some of Walter’s more “unnatural” behavior.

Walter the Chevy Cat scratching a tree
Image By: Walter, property of Chevrolet. All rights reserved to the copyright owners.

Is Walter the Cat Real or CGI?

Walter the Chevy Cat, after his debut appearance last summer, has made a highly-anticipated comeback. This return has led many to question whether Walter is a real cat, or is he the product of advanced computer-generated imagery (CGI)?

In the sequel advertisement, Walter is depicted engaging in a variety of outdoor activities, exhibiting his unique canine-like behaviors. Walter’s adventures include snowmobile rides with his owner, saving a skier buried under snow, and taking the lead in a team of huskies on a dog sled.

The creation of Chevy’s “Walter in Winter” commercial necessitated the use of a CGI counterpart for Walter, especially to accomplish the more intricate dog-like behaviors and when close-up shots were required.

Walter the Chevy Cat helping his owner on the snow
Image By: Walter, property of Chevrolet. All rights reserved to the copyright owners.

The CGI application enabled the ad’s creators to replicate Walter’s playful actions while staying faithful to the on-camera performance of the real-life hero.

The team behind CGI Walter crafted such a seamless execution that it led many viewers to question which parts of the commercial were digitally created. Thus, when answering the question “Is Walter real or CGI?”, the answer is: he’s both!

A real-life American Shorthair cat was undeniably involved in the filming process. However, the impressive capabilities of CGI technology were employed to enhance Walter’s most daring exploits. This combination of real-life footage and digital artistry resulted in a character that quickly became an audience favorite.

Walter’s Popularity: An Icon of Charm and Companionship

The internet’s response to Walter has been nothing short of phenomenal. A quick search will yield countless fan pages and posts devoted to Walter’s lovable quirks and the refreshing novelty of a cat taking on the role traditionally assigned to a dog in commercials.

Walter’s popularity is a testament to the inherent charm and versatility of the American Shorthair. It’s a cat breed we’ve discussed at length—and one that we’re sure to continue talking about!

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Conclusion

Walter the Chevy Cat has not only entertained us with his antics, but he has also shed light on the endearing characteristics of the American Shorthair breed. These cats are more than just pretty faces; they are companions who can bring joy, laughter, and comfort into our lives.

If you’re considering welcoming one into your home, remember the tips above to ensure a happy and healthy life for your furry friend. After all, who wouldn’t want a mini Walter to brighten up their day?

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Featured Image Credit: Walter, property of Chevrolet. All rights reserved to the copyright owners.

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