Hello Kitty is not a cat, and we’re all confused

*Attached video: Take the kids to the movies for $3-$5

(WJW) – Hello Kitty is not a cat. Yes, you read that right, and you are not the only one to find that statement a little confusing.

In honor of Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary, which officially falls on Nov. 1, 2024, its maker Sanrio made a surprising distinction about the popular cartoon character created by Yuko Shimizu.

According to Jill Cook, the director of retail business development at Sanrio, Hello Kitty is not a cat.

Cook spoke on the TODAY show on Thursday, July 18 , saying Hello Kitty is actually a little girl who was born and raised in the suburbs of London.

“She has a mom and dad and a twin sister Mimmy, who is also her best friend. She enjoys baking cookies and making new friends,” Cook said.

In a clip of Cook’s interview that was posted on TikTok , commenters seem to be shocked that the beloved character is not a cat.

“Why does the little girl have whiskers?” one commenter asked.

Another said, “I’m sorry but she’s 100% a cat and you can’t convince me otherwise.”

Not only were they shocked to find out that she is in fact a little girl, but she is also not from Japan.

“IS SHE NOT FROM JAPAN?” while another commenter simply said, “She’s British?!”

According to Entertainment Tonight , whether or not Hello Kitty is a cat was also a hot topic in 2014 during the year of her 40th anniversary.

According to Cook , although many are shocked to learn that Hello Kitty is not a cat, her message stays the same.

“Her core message is friendship, kindness and inclusivity,” Cook said.

Cook said that Hello Kitty’s message is part of what has helped her transcend borders, languages and cultures.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.