It’s December! And I’ve been reliably informed The Avocado likes cats!

Jingle Cats was the brainchild of Mike Spalla, a music producer. The idea was simple – use cat noises to “sing” Christmas carols, note for note. Spalla first tested the idea at a family Christmas party, then created a version of “Jingle Bells” that was sent to Los Angeles radio stations. A full length album soon followed in 1993.

Now, you might think this is insane, especially if you’re familiar with the album or clicked the video, but this was a HUGE hit, especially in Japan and Canada. The first album sold two million copies and won a Billboard Music Award. There were multiple followup albums, including Jingle Dogs, Jingle Babies, and at least one of non-holiday songs like Secret Agent Man, which obviously has a lot to do with cats. Hallmark licensed Jingle Cats for holiday cards and products. There was, bafflingly, a Japan-only PS1 game, and Jingle Cats even lasted in the public consciousness long enough to get a DVD and iTunes releases over a decade after the first album’s release. Not bad for an album at least one reviewer called “the worst thing to happen to Christmas music“.

For further reading, I suggest this bonkers Los Angeles Times article. Now, because you all like cats, I assume you’ll listen to the full 50 minute album. You’re welcome.