The Prince Of Darkness And Pussycats: 5 Shocking Facts About Ozzy Osbourne's Complicated History With Cats
Few figures in rock history possess a more complex and contradictory public image than Ozzy Osbourne. Known globally as the "Prince of Darkness," his life story is a wild tapestry of heavy metal stardom, reality television chaos, and deeply personal struggles, all of which extend even to his relationship with animals. As of December 2025, the story of "Ozzy Osbourne cats" is not just a footnote in his biography; it's a multi-layered narrative encompassing one of his darkest confessions, a surprising modern-day turn as an animal rights advocate, and the unforgettable pet mayhem captured on his iconic reality show, The Osbournes.
This article dives into the complete, unvarnished story, balancing the infamous historical incidents with the more recent and often overlooked details about the rock legend's engagement with felines and animal welfare, providing a fresh perspective on a man who has lived a thousand lives.
John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne: A Biographical Snapshot
To fully understand the context of his legendary, often chaotic, life, here is a quick look at the man behind the myth.
- Full Name: John Michael Osbourne
- Nickname: Ozzy, The Prince of Darkness, The Godfather of Heavy Metal
- Born: December 3, 1948
- Birthplace: Aston, Birmingham, England
- Spouses: Thelma Riley (m. 1971; div. 1982), Sharon Osbourne (m. 1982)
- Children: Jessica Osbourne, Louis Osbourne, Elliot Kingsley (with Thelma); Aimee Osbourne, Kelly Osbourne, Jack Osbourne (with Sharon)
- Career Highlights: Co-founder and lead vocalist of the pioneering heavy metal band Black Sabbath (1968–1979, 1997–2006, 2011–2017). Launched a highly successful solo career in 1980. Starred in the reality TV series The Osbournes on MTV (2002–2005).
- Notable Achievements: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Black Sabbath (2006) and as a solo artist (2024).
- Health/Recent News: Continued to manage various health issues, including Parkinson's disease (officially diagnosed in 2003), while remaining active in music and his family's podcast.
The Infamous Incident: The 17 Cats and the Shocking Confession
The most widely circulated and disturbing story concerning Ozzy and cats dates back to the early 1980s, a period marked by his most extreme struggles with substance abuse. This dark chapter remains a permanent part of his narrative.
A Drug-Fueled Rampage
Ozzy Osbourne has openly confessed that during a severe drug-fueled binge in the 1980s, he committed a horrifying act of animal cruelty.
The rocker admitted to slaughtering 17 of his family’s pet cats with a shotgun.
His wife, Sharon Osbourne, returned home to find the grim scene, which she called a turning point in their lives and relationship.
Ozzy has described the incident as a complete loss of control, a psychotic episode brought on by his heavy drug and alcohol abuse.
He later called the incident a life-changing moment that underscored the depth of his addiction.
The Air Rifle Controversy
In a separate, more recent incident, Ozzy also admitted to using an air rifle to shoot at "cats and birds" that wandered into his Los Angeles garden.
This admission, while not as severe as the 1980s event, reignited public discussion about his controversial relationship with animals and his occasional struggles with impulse control, even in his later years.
The Redemption Arc: PETA, Animal Rights, and The Osbournes
Despite the dark history, the Prince of Darkness has, in recent years, shown a surprising and public commitment to animal welfare, contrasting sharply with his past actions. This shift highlights a journey of personal redemption and advocacy.
Partnering with PETA Against Declawing
In a significant move that surprised many fans and critics, Ozzy Osbourne partnered with the animal rights organization PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) in 2020.
The campaign focused on speaking out against the cruel practice of cat declawing.
PETA praised the rock icon for showing a "gentle side" to animals, acknowledging his complicated past while celebrating his advocacy for animal rights.
This partnership was a powerful statement, allowing him to use his massive platform to promote a positive message about the humane treatment of felines.
Cat Chaos on The Osbournes TV Show
During the run of the hit MTV reality show, The Osbournes (2002–2005), the family's house was famously a chaotic zoo of pets, though the dogs—like Rocky, Bella, and Bugzy—often stole the spotlight.
However, cats were a recurring source of low-level mayhem and humor, providing some of the show's most memorable, lighter moments involving Ozzy.
- The Coyote Threat: In one notable episode, Ozzy was seen trying to capture a cat to protect it from the threat of coyotes in their neighborhood.
- Forgotten Names: A running gag involved Ozzy's confusion and forgetfulness regarding the names of the numerous pets, including the family's cats.
- Ozzy vs. the Cats: Clips often showed the cats causing minor disruptions, from going missing to trying to eat Ozzy's food, solidifying the image of a man perpetually bewildered by domestic life.
The Current State of the Osbourne Zoo (2025 Update)
While the Osbournes’ household is always full of life, the current focus is primarily on their canine companions.
A Life of Dogs and Loss
The Osbourne family has always maintained a large pack of dogs, with names like Bella, Alfie, Charlie, Flick, and Moe being familiar to fans.
In August 2024, Ozzy publicly mourned the death of his beloved dog, Rocky, who had been a member of the family for 15 years.
In May 2024, the family introduced a new rescue bulldog, Bugzy, on their podcast, showing their continued commitment to pet ownership.
While the family's podcast and recent social media posts frequently mention their lively pack of dogs, there is no recent, specific mention of a current family cat in late 2024 or 2025, suggesting their primary focus has shifted to their canine family members.
The story of Ozzy Osbourne and cats is a profound illustration of his life’s extremes: a dark past fueled by addiction, a comical struggle with domesticity on reality television, and a surprising, positive turn toward animal rights advocacy. From the tragic 17 cats of the 1980s to the anti-declawing campaign with PETA, the Prince of Darkness has proven that even his relationship with the humble house cat is anything but ordinary.
Relevant Entities and LSI Keywords:
Ozzy Osbourne, Sharon Osbourne, Black Sabbath, Prince of Darkness, The Osbournes, MTV, PETA, 17 Cats, John Michael Osbourne, Birmingham, Aston, Thelma Riley, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Heavy Metal, Solo Career, Rocky (Dog), Bugzy (Dog), Kelly Osbourne, Jack Osbourne, Aimee Osbourne, Substance Abuse, Drug-Fueled Rampage, Shotgun Incident, Animal Rights, Cat Declawing, Los Angeles Garden, Coyotes, Geezer Butler, The A Word.
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