In October 2025, actor Dave Franco took to the stage of *The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon* to accept the title of Sexiest Cat Dad Alive, awarded by PEOPLE’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Poll. Displaying heartfelt enthusiasm, Franco dedicated his victory to the two cats that stole his heart: Max and Otis. It was clear that his affection for his pets extends beyond the standard boundaries of cat ownership, and he expressed gratitude for their roles in his life.
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“Honestly, I feel like I’ve been silently campaigning for this my whole life,” Franco remarked during his acceptance speech. He acknowledged that the cat-loving brotherhood has been a recurring theme in his interviews, saying, “I never realised how rare it was for a man to be obsessed with his cats until every journalist brought it up.” His heartfelt speech also paid tribute to his late cats, Harry and Arturo, who he affectionately referred to as “18-pounders,” ultimately reminiscing about the dating challenges he faced while being a self-professed cat person.
Franco’s newfound fame as a beloved cat dad has drawn attention not only for its charm but also its significance. His victory was noted in a *New York Times* trend piece titled “It’s A Great Time to Be a Guy Who Loves His Cat,” signifying a cultural shift in the way male cat ownership is perceived. Reflecting on this trend, he told PEOPLE that the title represented a high point in his life. “What’s wild is how many people bring it up,” he said, light-heartedly proclaiming, “I’ve peaked. It’s all downhill from here.”
Not one to shy away from humour, Franco lightened the mood with another faux acceptance speech at a subsequent event. Here, he again thanked his beloved cats while highlighting the amusing paradox of being a cat owner. “I remember when I was single and I would go on dates. I’d tell these women that I had 36 cumulative pounds of cat at home, and then I would never see them again,” he joked.
Beyond revelry, Franco also utilised his platform to challenge preconceived notions about cats. He credited a film titled *Flow* for shifting the narrative around feline representation in popular culture, arguing that it depicted cats as heroes rather than villains. “Flow won the Academy Award because it told the truth,” he asserted, championing a broader conversation about how pets are portrayed in film and media.
In a September 2026 interview with *USA Today*, Franco elaborated further on his mission to change the negative connotations surrounding cats. He maintained that cats are often vilified, a notion he challenges specifically due to his love for the animals. He described the contagious enthusiasm that comes from conversing with fellow cat lovers, noting that conversations often devolve into a sharing of photos and a chorus of adoring comments about their pets.
Franco’s candidness about his joys and struggles as a cat dad even made waves in the podcast realm. During an episode of *Armchair Expert* with Dax Shepard, he playfully discussed the impact of his title. “It’s all flattery, baby. What’s not to like?” he laughed, while also recognising the rarity of a man with such a deep love for cats. “Having 36 cumulative pounds of cats also weeded out the dating pool. Not a lot of girls are down with that!”
In his personal life, Franco is happily married to actress Alison Brie, and together they share a household with their two feline companions. Brie has credited Franco as a grounding influence, preventing her from overindulging in pet-related purchases. Their date nights have taken on a delightful and uncomplicated rhythm, with Franco describing his ideal evening as one spent snuggled in bed with Brie and their cats, watching movies and turning in early.
As the year drew to a close, anticipation swirled for the 2026 edition of PEOPLE’s Sexiest Cat Dad title as Franco’s reign came under reflection. While promoting his new film *Forgotten Island* on *The Tonight Show*, he treated viewers to a nostalgic throwback photo from the 1990s featuring a young Franco with spiky hair, a puka shell necklace, and an adorable kitten beside him. “That’s a vibe, Jimmy, and you know what that vibe is saying? PEOPLE magazine’s Sexiest Cat Dad 2025,” he quipped, reigniting laughter in the studio.
As the results of PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive Readers’ Choice Poll are set to be revealed on October 20, the spotlight on cat-loving men continues to grow, marking a new era where such affections are celebrated, rather than sidelined. With a firm advocacy for pets and a light-hearted approach to fame, Franco has undoubtedly made his mark in the realm of feline fandom.