Cat on Twitter Raises Nearly $5,000 for Charities

He may not know how to use a computer, but Romeo the Cat sure knows the power of Twitter: The two-time rescue kitty has raised nearly $5,000 in seven weeks for various animal charities using the micro-blogging site. On an account started for fun by his owner, Caroline Golon of Charlotte, N.C., the furry feline has rounded up more than 3,200 followers — cats, dogs, hamsters, horses, turtles, birds and possibly some humans — and offered to donate 5 cents to charity for every follower gained. But in a twist any pet lover will applaud, some of Romeo's fans are matching his contributions, and companies like FURminator, Petco and Iams each stepped up to donate products to the charities involved. This month's benefactor is Kitten Rescue of Los Angeles.

''I'm an accidental fund-raiser. I love animals, and it just seemed like a way to make a difference,'' Golon, a young mother who works in public relations, told the Allentown (Pa.) Morning Call recently.

Now, Romeo — with Golon's assistance — chooses a different organization to benefit each month; past recipients have included the Humane Society, Forgotten Persian Rescue and Coopersburg, Pa.'s Animals in Distress.

Still, all that tweeting doesn't mean that Romeo — who also has a blog — has shirked his usual kitty activities. He's still chasing after his adopted brother Pugsley, a furry black cat. As Romeo said in one of his Twitter postings: "Gonna get that Pugsley. He is unawares. Have huge, dilated pupils; am crouched down low. HAHA!SPRING!"

Good luck, Romeo!

Follow Romeo on Twitter at @romeothecat!