We are very sad to announce the passing of Pudgie's friend Frank Furko on June 19th, 2019. Frank was a good friend to many, and there will never be another one like him. We know he is playing polkas with Pudgie in Heaven. Read Frank's obituary here. This site will remain up in his memory.
Rest in Peace Frank. We love you. See ya later.

The feature length documentary Frank and the Wondercat by Tony Massil and Pablo Alvarez-Mesa (2015) is available to watch here on Amazon.

Welcome to the online home of Pudgie Wudgie, the Allegheny Valley’s Most Famous Cat!  Maybe you’ve seen the adorable mural of the playful orange kitten while you were riding along on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, or maybe you’ve seen the Cat Crossing sign while on Hulton Road in Plum, Pennsylvania. 

These signs mark the place where Pudgie Wudgie lived with his devoted assistant Frank Furko from 1986 until Pudgie’s passing in 2001.  Frank still maintains these signs in Pudgie’s memory. During Pudgie Wudgie’s 14 years on earth, Pudgie and Frank brought joy and happiness to thousands of people.  This website is dedicated to the memory of Pudgie Wudgie and the story of his life. 

Frank knew almost immediately that Pudgie was an exceptional cat.  What began as a few amazing tricks turned into a life of international celebrity.  Pudgie Wudgie appeared in the National Enquirer, live on the Maury Povich Show, in a taped segment on the David Letterman Show, and in a commercial for Dad’s Cat Food. Pudgie appeared on television and in newspapers worldwide, as Italian, Turkish, and most recently Canadian media have taken an interest in his fascinating story. 

Despite all this attention, during his life Pudgie always found the time to entertain at local schools, hospitals, and nursing homes in the Pittsburgh area.  Pudgie’s affection for the Pittsburgh Steelers is also legendary – many have seen his Steeler’s Fan costume in the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum at the Heinz History Center. 

Read more about Pudgie Wudgie in Frank’s own words!  Look at the gallery to see Pudgie wearing some of his more than two hundred costumes, fifty hats, and thirty pairs of glasses!  Watch some unbelievable video footage!  Read through some of Pudgie’s press clippings! And please sign our guestbook, especially if you’d like to share your favorite memory of Pudgie Wudgie and his friend Frank.  We’d love to hear from you!