deadmau5 Adopts New Rescue Cat Cathulhu
Electronic artist deadmau5, born Joel Zimmerman, announced on Instagram Tuesday, June 16, that he is adopting a 3-year-old tabby cat named Cathulhu. The adoption follows a $30,000 donation Zimmerman made to the Humane Society of Oakville, Milton & Halton in Ontario, Canada, to assist 27 rescued felines.
Zimmerman shared a carousel post featuring a photo of the tabby and a video of the cat in a kennel. He captioned the post stating that his other cats—Dizzy, Dolly, and Peanut—would have a “new roommate coming after the weekend.”
Leah Sems, the content director for deadmau5, commented on the announcement, calling the new cat the “New king of the castle!”
How did Cathulhu get his name?
The name originated from a June 7 Patreon post where Zimmerman asked fans to help name nearly 30 cats. Followers suggested “Cathulhu” for the male tabby, identified as No. 3, due to his curled white whiskers and ear shape.
One follower noted the whiskers resembled tentacles and the ears looked like wings, referencing the H.P. Lovecraft entity Cthulhu. Zimmerman later confirmed the name in a separate Patreon post revealing the monikers for the group.
Did You Know? On May 27, deadmau5 met a $30,000 funding request from the Humane Society of Oakville, Milton & Halton after the shelter rescued 27 felines requiring medical care.
Why did deadmau5 donate to the shelter?
Zimmerman provided the funds after the shelter issued a plea for help with the medical needs of the 27 rescued cats. Shortly after the donation, he told the local news site InsideHamilton, “I might take one — because I’m a sucker.”
The adoption occurred during Adopt a Cat Month. Zimmerman has a history of working with the Toronto Humane Society and prioritizing shelter animals over “handcrafted rare” breeds.
Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the combination of a substantial financial gift and a high-profile adoption creates a dual impact. By leveraging his platform, Zimmerman not only provides immediate medical funding but may also drive increased adoption interest for the remaining rescue animals.
What is the artist’s history with rescue animals?
In a 2025 interview with Billboard, Zimmerman discussed his preference for rescues, mentioning his late cat Professor Meowingtons and current pets Peanut, Dizzy, and Dolly. He stated that rescues know they have been saved “somewhere in their little, tiny brains.”
Zimmerman told Billboard that he avoids “showpiece” cats because many pets are removed from homes or born into litters that no one can look after. He described the failure of some kittens to survive as “a bummer.”
What happens next for the artist?
Zimmerman may continue his public advocacy for shelter animals, as he has previously used platforms like Patreon and Instagram to engage fans in rescue efforts. He could potentially highlight the recovery of the other 26 cats funded by his donation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Cathulhu?
Cathulhu is a 3-year-old tabby cat adopted by deadmau5 from the Humane Society of Oakville, Milton & Halton.
How much did deadmau5 donate to the shelter?
The artist donated $30,000 on May 27 to help provide medical care for 27 rescued cats.
How was the name Cathulhu chosen?
Fans on Patreon suggested the name based on the cat’s curled white whiskers and ears, which they compared to the Lovecraft entity Cthulhu.
Do you think celebrity adoptions encourage more people to visit animal shelters?