Kumail Nanjiani Says He Took His Latest Role as a Litter Detective Because ‘I Love Cats’ and Scooping Litter ‘Is an Act of Love’ (Exclusive)
Kumail Nanjiani Says He Took His Latest Role as a Litter Detective Because ‘I Love Cats’ and Scooping Litter ‘Is an Act of Love’ (Exclusive)
Kelli BenderThu, October 1, 2026 at 2:02 PM UTC
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Jordan Howlett and Kumail Nanjiani in Special Litter Unit for Tidy CatsCredit: Tidy Cats -
Nanjiani stars alongside content creator Jordan Howlett in Purina Tidy Cats’ three-part Special Litter Unit series
The comedian was drawn to the part because of his love for cats, especially his feline Biscuit
Nanjiani says caring for Biscuit helps ease work anxiety and has connected him with fellow cat lovers
Kumail Nanjiani is on the case for his new role.PEOPLE can exclusively reveal that the comedian and actor is the newest member of the Special Litter Unit (S.L.U.), a special task force created by Purina’s Tidy Cats litter brand. In a three-part crime-procedural ad series, Nanjiani plays the S.L.U.’s lead agent, working with his rookie officer, content creator Jordan Howlett, to solve all kinds of litter crimes.The tongue-in-cheek series, which premieres Thursday, October 1, on Tidy Cats’ social media accounts, was an easy yes for Nanjiani because the material targets one of his favorite audiences: cats.
“The reason I said I’d do it is that I love cats. I have a wonderful cat right now; she’s almost a year old, Biscuit. And I have become very familiar with which kitty litter is good and which kitty litter is not good because I truly believe cleaning my cat’s kitty litter is an act of love,” the Silicon Valley alum tells PEOPLE.
“Cleaning the litter is me taking care of Biscuit, and I do take pride in it. Obviously, nobody wants to spend their life scooping poop into a bag. It’s not a sacred duty, but it is part of how I show Biscuit I love her.”
Kumail Nanjiani for Tidy CatsCredit: Tidy Cats
Biscuit is a relatively new addition to Nanjiani’s life. Before her arrival, he and his wife, screenwriter Emily V. Gordon, were pet parents to Bagel, their cat of 17 years, who died in September 2025.
“We had Bagel for 17 years, since she was four weeks old. It was always the three of us, so her loss was definitely a pretty big thing. And then a couple of months later we were like, ‘All right, time to get back on the horse,’” Nanjiani says of how the couple decided to welcome Biscuit.
Kumail Nanjiani in Special Litter Unit for Tidy CatsCredit: Tidy Cats
The pair adopted the kitten from Kitt Crusaders at a pet adoption fair in Pasadena, Calif., and it was love at first hug.
“The person at the fair there was like, ‘Just hold her,’” Nanjiani says of meeting Biscuit. “So I picked her up, and she purred, and she looked up at me, and I was just like, ‘All right. This is our cat.’”
He and Gordon have only grown more enamored with Biscuit over time. Nanjiani says the feline is “the friendliest, most affectionate cat,” who loves belly rubs and every stranger she meets. “She’s just a bundle of joy. Every day is Disneyland for her.”
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Jordan Howlett and Kumail NanjianiCredit: Tidy Cats
“We got all this joy, and it was $75 to have this. It’s the best deal in the world,” he says of the costs to adopt Biscuit, adding, “The return on investment is absurdly good.”
For Nanjiani, Biscuit’s overwhelming value comes not just from her sweetness, but also the peace and perspective she brings to the Eternals star’s life.
“I have anxiety over work. Every day is completely different. There’s no predictability at all. Sometimes you wake up at 05:00 AM, sometimes you get to work at 08:00 PM, or you suddenly have to go to another country for three months. And so for me, having a cat has just been a really good way to get out of my head and just observe something that is truly, truly unbothered,” he explains.
Being a devoted pet parent to the perfect pet has also helped Nanjiani foster more meaningful relationships with his fans.
“People have made us art for Bagel. People have made us art for Biscuit. People send me pictures of their cats. People will show me pictures of their cats on the street. I guess I’m a famous cat lover now, and I love it. I want to see all pictures of your cats,” Nanjiani shares.
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The comedian hopes his new series of videos with Tidy Cats will help fans connect with cats and entertain pet parents who know their way around a litter box.Everyone can watch the Special Litter Unit (S.L.U.) series starring Nanjiani on Tidy Cats’ social media accounts starting Oct. 1, with new episodes rolling out throughout the week.
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
