Friskies Cat Food Print Ad

This vintage Friskies ad nails emotional targeting. It speaks straight to cat owners’ hearts by imagining what their furry friend would choose if given the chance.

Marketing analysis

The headline flips perspective—it’s not about the buyer, but the cat. That simple twist makes readers imagine their pet making the purchase decision, instantly connecting emotion (love for their cat) with the product.

Why it works

• Empathy: Puts the pet first, not the owner.
• Visualization: You can see your cat stocking that cupboard.
• Emotional bridge: Makes buying feel like an act of love.
• Authority cue: Mentions Carnation for added trust.

Examples

• Pedigree’s “We’re for dogs” does the same empathy flip.
• Dove’s “Real Beauty” reframed beauty from the consumer’s view.
• Apple’s “Think Different” spoke directly to creative identities.