Like many other meteorologists across the nation, Jeff Lyons of 14 News in Evansville, IN, has been forecasting the weather from home to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.
And like many others working from home, he’s been camera-bombed by a furry family member.
But unlike our staff-only meetings with cats and dogs revealing themselves, Jeff happened to be on-air with the whole of 14 News viewership watching when his cat Betty decided she should be part of the forecast too.
Appearing cradled in Jeff’s arms, Betty was anything but camera shy. The fluffy beauty gazed at the lights and camera, even raising a paw to say hello to her new fans. She seemed completely natural in her debut, and her natural charisma made her a fan favorite.
Betty came back for a few broadcasts and Jeff reported, “Two hams on the screen and a little ham on my fingers made it work…at least for a while. Why do I get the feeling I’m performing tricks for the cat instead of the other way around?”
But cats can be divas, especially in their older years, just as Betty illustrated in one forecast. Jeff joked about Betty’s bid for escape, writing, “Even with all of your kind comments, Betty doesn’t seem to be handling her new-found fame very well! Of course, she’s 10 years old, so can be a little crabby when I put her out of her comfort zone…but then again, aren’t we all?”
A Weather Girl with Purrsonality Goes Viral
Betty the cat was such a hit, her appearances on the 14 News weather forecast went viral, garnering a quarter of a million views since making her debut on Jeff’s weather forecast.
Articles about Betty and her weather forecasts appeared not only across the nation, but also in Spain, the UK, and Australia. Jeff highlighted spots on the globe where Betty has made the news using pinpoints made from an image of the gorgeous tabby girl.
Jeff has been a good sport about Betty’s newfound fame, posting, “W.C Fields famously said: ‘Never work with kids and animals’. I should heed that advice, but I think I’ve been replaced. Maybe the better quote is ‘Claim victory and depart the field’.”
Betty and Jeff recently streamed a Facebook Live. Here, fans could get to know the cat on a more personal level. Jeff joked he didn’t know why the world was enamored with Betty. But Betty fan Laura Moon commented it best, “Because she’s precious and we love her…She’s cat therapy!”
Indeed she is and this cat lover wouldn’t be opposed to more news broadcasts starring cats as co-anchors!
https://www.facebook.com/143109659110100/videos/247416563311566/
H/T: www.unilad.co.uk
Feature Image: Jeff Lyons – 14 News/Facebook