Cover Story: Ten tweets with Catlanta

At times, the Twitterverse seems over-stuffed with self-indulgence (that, and pictures of lunch), but one local artist has found popularity by bringing social media to Atlanta’s streets. Less than a year ago, Catlanta converted smartphone-toting Atlantans into ravenous scavenger hunters looking for his magnet and cardboard cut-out kittens. The anonymous artist first hides the craft kittens around the city, then posts a picture on Flickr, tweets clues, and posts info on Facebook. His more than 2,700 followers pursue the kittens, taking home the feline-inspired art on a first-come, first-nabbed basis. On November 10, the High Museum partnered up with the artist for Catlanta Day where patrons received free admission if they presented a kitten. So how did Catlanta win Atlanta’s heart? I tweeted the man to find out.

@cl_atlanta: How did you get the idea for Catlanta?
@cat_lanta: Catlanta was based off a drawing of my cat. I found a bunch of magnet sheets next to a dumpster, and starting hiding them.

@cl_atlanta: How cute. What’s your cat’s name?
@cat_lanta: Sterling, she’s a shelter kitten so she came with the name. Most people think she’s a he.

@cl_atlanta: Did you use Twitter before @cat_lanta?
@cat_lanta: Yes, I had my own account, but this account quickly took over my time. I’ve always liked how interactive twitter can be.

@cl_atlanta: Interactive like this #Twinterview (I just made that up). Tell me, how do you use social media to plan a “kitten drop”?
@cat_lanta: I don’t plan the hunts ahead of time. Social media allows me to get info and pics out to large numbers quickly. It makes the hunt.

@cl_atlanta: Why is it important to keep your identity secret?
@cat_lanta: It’s tough to hide a kitten, photo it, and tweet it without people spotting me. It’s even tougher if they know what I look like.

@cl_atlanta: Have you ever been caught? Any close calls?
@cat_lanta: Yes, but only a couple times. Most recently at Catlanta Day. It was nearly impossible to hide so many cats in such a small area.

@cl_atlanta: Catlanta Day was great! Why do you think Atlantans covet your creations?
@cat_lanta: 1. Everyone loves cats. 2. It’s a fun way to interact with your city. It’s become a citywide game anyone can join in on.

@cl_atlanta: Is Catlanta art?
@cat_lanta: Yes, I think so. There’s a free art movement that is growing so fast in Atl. It’s unconventional, so it’s hard to categorize it.

@cl_atlanta: You’re right, everyone does love #cats. Why do you like them?
@cat_lanta: Cats do what they want, and I like that.

@cl_atlanta: We could all learn something from their nonchalant attitude. Finally: Who are your Twitter must follows?
@cat_lanta: must follows: @fafatl, @evereman, @criminalrecords, @cl_atlanta, @mintatl, @goodie_bags, @fallen_arrows, @ABVatl, and @plfpaint.