'I knew he had chosen me': While caring for a colony of outdoor cats, a couple jokes about naming the next newcomer Mark, and soon a tuxedo kitty shows up to claim both the name and a new home

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Sarah Brown • Writer and Editor
Mar 10, 2026 6:00 PM EDT

A year ago, a small black-and-white cat showed up and accidentally became part of the family, thanks to a joke that got a little too real.

It all started after a movie night watching The Room. Like many people who experience the film for the first time, the house quickly filled with dramatic impressions of the line "Oh hi, Mark." At one point, while feeding the small colony of outdoor cats they care for, the girlfriend joked that the next cat to show up should be named Mark just so the line could finally be used properly.

A day or two later, a new cat appeared. A little black-and-white guy who looked a bit like a tiny Batman. The moment he showed up, the name was obvious. Mark had arrived.

After checking around for an owner and finding none, it became clear that he wasn't going anywhere. The cat distribution system had spoken again. Once he was brought in and checked out, Mark quickly proved he was more than just a funny name.

Now about two years old, Mark has grown into a clever, playful cat who keeps the whole house busy. He loves to play, especially with his brothers Larry and PatPat, while Bernie, the older cat, prefers to sit those games out. Mark has also earned the role of the household greeter. He's often nearby, watching everything and showing up right when someone walks through the door.

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  • 01
    A year ago today marks... Mark's gotcha day... And its all my fault My girlfriend had never seen "The Room" so obviously, we watched the room (if you have not seen the movie stop reading now and go watch it, it'll be funnier that way)
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  • 02
    Cheezburger Image 10613390336
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  • 03
    So naturally the next few weeks were filler with "oh hi mark"'s and "LISAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AA"'s because that's just what happens when you see the movie for the first time. Fast forward a day or two and while feeding the
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    Cheezburger Image 10613389824
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  • 05
    small colony i have outside (all fixed with lil houses, they be real cute and all with human names for the most part) she mentions that "oh the next cat that shows up we should name Mark so we can say
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  • 06
    XPVD e
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  • 07
    "oh hi Mark!" and at that second i knew it was over. It had been introduced into the world and sure enough... we went to the store and came home to... this little batman looking dude who she instantly
    via xguruguru
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    Cheezburger Image 10613389568
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  • 09
    said "OH ITS MARK!". Now i knew what this meant, once they have a name its over but being as cute as the lil dude was i figured he must have a home! After posting on FB and getting no reliable owner i realized... yet again...
    via xguruguru
  • 10
    The cat distribution system had struck He was put in the basement until i could get him into the clinic to get fixed and checked up and out of all the feral's I've gotten fixed he
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    Cheezburger Image 10613389312
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  • 12
    was "too cool" to get ear tipped and if i didn't take him he was going to the shelter to be immediately swiped up but i knew he had chosen me.... So here we are a year later and omg is this lil guy SMART! Probably about 2-ish
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  • 13
    now he's cleaned up like a champ and keeps his brothers on their toes although his oldest brother Bernie does not want to play while he very much -always- wants to
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  • 15
    play. Thankfully his other brothers Larry and PatPat keep him busy. Our little shadow, always at his post ready to greet you. So now that we've all made our introductions, can i get a "oh hi Mark"
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  • 16
    heartandsoulbroke He is such a handsome boy! Mark knew what he was getting into and looks so proud of himself and being able to find his forever home.
    via heartandsoulbroke

  • Mark is clearly a smart guy for finding his way to the right house. Not every cat manages to pick their forever home so perfectly. He showed up, made himself known, and ended up exactly where he belongs. That kind of timing takes a little luck and a little cat instinct. Looks like Mark knew a good situation when he saw one and decided to stick around.

  • 17
    SwitcherooU Some cats just have that little spark of awareness in their eyes, and this guy definitely has it. You can see it in pic 5. I'm not surprised to hear that he's very smart.
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  • 18
    moocow12983 I say oh hi mark all the time when cats walk into this room. I love this.
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  • 19
    XcuseMeMislSpeak... I thought this was Batman with his mask. Beautiful kitty.
    via XcuseMeMisISpeakJive

  • Mark really does look like a tiny Batman. The black-and-white coloring and that serious little face give him the perfect superhero look. Sitting there watching everything like he’s on patrol around the house. Every home could use a little Batman like that keeping an eye on things.

  • 20
    astrobleme Oh hi Mark! He's absolutely gorgeous, and smart cats are so much fun. Congrats on your dude!
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  • 21
    Purple4199 Mark is glorious!
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  • 22
    SifuMommy Oh hi Mark! I love his eyebrow whiskers! And yes, to all of you who haven't seen The Room, just do it. It will not disappoint. ee
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  • 23
    MoonDragon59 Mark is a very majestic floof! Hi, Mark!
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  • 24
    hannah_bloome That's a very distinguished gentleman you have there.
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  • That is a very proper looking cat. Sitting there all calm and serious like he has important things to attend to. Some cats just carry themselves that way, like they know they run the place. Mark definitely has that kind of energy, just quietly keeping an eye on everything.

  • 25
    Swenb Love Mark's mustache
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Cats wholesome heartwarming cute adopted pawrents Cat distribution system stray
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