What Happened to the Cat in Christmas Vacation?

By Michael Ferguson

If you’re a fan of the classic Christmas movie, “Christmas Vacation,” you may have noticed a furry friend missing from the final scene. That’s right, we’re talking about the family cat. In this article, we’ll explore what happened to the cat in “Christmas Vacation” and why it’s become such a popular topic of discussion.

The Mysterious Disappearance

Throughout the movie, the Griswold family’s cat is seen roaming around their house causing trouble. From chewing on wires to hiding in Christmas trees, this mischievous feline adds to the chaos of the holiday season. However, after a disastrous Christmas dinner and subsequent explosion of their home, the family is seen outside with their other pets but no sign of the cat.

Speculation

The lack of explanation for the cat’s absence has led to many theories from fans of the movie. Some believe that the cat was simply forgotten about during filming and was left inside during the explosion. Others speculate that it may have been injured or killed during the commotion.

Director’s Explanation

In an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, director Jeremiah S. Chechik addressed this topic and provided some answers to what happened to the cat in “Christmas Vacation.” According to Chechik, there was originally a scene planned where Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) discovers that he accidentally wrapped up his neighbor’s cat as a gift instead of his wife’s present. However, due to concerns over animal safety during filming and difficulties working with animals on set, this scene was cut from the final version of the movie.

Chechik also explained that there were no real cats used during filming and that all scenes featuring a live animal were actually filmed using mechanical or stuffed cats.

Conclusion

Despite not having an on-screen explanation for what happened to the cat in “Christmas Vacation,” it’s clear that the filmmakers had their reasons for cutting this particular storyline. Whether you believe that the cat was simply forgotten or met an unfortunate fate, the mystery surrounding its disappearance has only added to the movie’s enduring popularity and status as a holiday classic.