After Dave Franco Wins PEOPLE’s ‘Sexiest Cat Dad’ Live on Air, Fellow Feline Fans Machine Gun Kelly and Bobby Flay Can’t Help but React
It’s official — the internet’s favorite low-key funny guy, Dave Franco, just earned a very specific and surprisingly competitive title: PEOPLE’s Sexiest Cat Dad. The moment was revealed live on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where Franco learned on-air that he’d been voted the top feline father in PEOPLE’s 2025 Sexiest Man Alive Readers’ Choice poll. And while Franco appeared both humbled and amused, not everyone took the loss quietly.
Franco, who’s married to actress Alison Brie, has become something of a cat icon online in recent years thanks to his two beloved rescue cats, Max and Otis. The couple often shares glimpses of their furry family on social media, and it’s clear from every cozy photo that Franco takes his cat dad duties seriously. When Fallon revealed the award, Franco laughed and thanked fans, saying that Max and Otis were “thriving” and that being recognized for his feline affection was “an unexpected but honorable moment.”
But what followed was a full-on friendly catfight in the comments section once the announcement hit the internet. Fellow cat lovers and celebrities began weighing in — some congratulating him, others jokingly demanding a recount. Leading the pack was none other than Machine Gun Kelly, who has long shared photos of his own cat companions with fans. MGK posted a cheeky comment hinting that he felt “robbed,” playfully adding that his cats “had more drip than half of Hollywood.” Fans quickly flooded his post with laughing emojis and mock campaigns to “#JusticeForMGK.”
Celebrity chef Bobby Flay, also known for being a devoted cat dad to his Maine Coons Nacho and Stella, chimed in too — but with his signature calm humor. On TikTok, Flay recorded a tongue-in-cheek message, holding one of his cats and saying, “We just heard the news, and we’d like to file an appeal.” The clip, which has already gone viral, shows Flay joking that his cats were preparing “an official statement,” before purring into the camera, “We’re happy for Dave, but we expected a dinner invite.”
While the lighthearted drama has kept social media entertained, Franco himself seems to be taking it all in stride. In a follow-up interview, he admitted he was a bit surprised by the passionate response but added that he loved how much joy and laughter it brought to fans. “I didn’t think being a cat dad would ever get this much attention,” he joked. “But honestly, Max and Otis are the real winners here. They’re the ones getting all the extra treats.”
What makes this story so fun is how it highlights the growing trend of celebrity men openly embracing their love for pets — something that used to be a quiet corner of social media but has now become a badge of charm. Whether it’s MGK showing off his cats with his signature punk-rock flair, or Bobby Flay posting calm kitchen moments with his Maine Coons, it’s clear that pet parenthood has become one of Hollywood’s most lovable competitions.
Fans online have turned the playful feud into meme material, with hashtags like #SexiestCatDad and #TeamMGK trending across platforms. But most agree that the award couldn’t have gone to a more down-to-earth winner. Franco, who’s known for keeping his personal life private, has built a reputation for authenticity — something that clearly resonated with fans who saw in him not just a Hollywood actor, but a relatable pet dad who understands the simple joy of curling up with his cats after a long day.
As the friendly debate continues online, Franco’s response remains the same — pure gratitude. “I’m just happy people care about cats this much,” he said with a smile. “Maybe this means more adoptions and more love for animals. That’s the real win.”
