9Lives(R) Morris' Million Cat Rescue(TM) Campaign Continues to Find Loving Homes for One Million Homeless Cats

Morris® the Cat, famed 9Lives® cat food icon, announced today that he is launching the second phase of the 9Lives® Morris’ Million Cat Rescue™ Campaign nationwide tour to help rescue one million homeless cats. Morris is officially kicking off the second leg of his journey from Del Monte Foods’ (NYSE:DLM) headquarters in San Francisco. Morris’ Million Cat Rescue Campaign tour bus, along with homeless cats that are available for adoption from the San Francisco SPCA, will be located outside the One Market complex at the corner of Mission and Spear streets on Friday, February 9, from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. On the first leg of the tour, which began in September 2006 and visited eleven cities, Morris the Cat kicked off this national campaign by adopting the very first cat in a million -- Li’l Mo™, who resembles a younger version of himself. With more than 100,000 cats adopted into loving homes as a result of his efforts so far, Morris took a few months off to catch up on his cat naps and is ready to hit the road with the help of his protégé, Li’l Mo™. "We’re excited to be in San Francisco to officially kick off the second phase of Morris’ Million Cat Rescue Campaign. We appreciate the opportunity to work with Morris the Cat to support a cause that is near and dear to our spokescat’s heart—cat adoption,” said Ryan Thomas, 9Lives Brand Manager. "Through Morris’ Million Cat Rescue Campaign, Morris, Li’l Mo and 9Lives are continuing to educate people about the importance of cat adoption, and we’re giving future pet parents the resources and opportunity to adopt a cat of their own.” A shocking 3 out of every 4 cats that enter shelters do not leave alive. The reality is that 5.5 million cats are euthanized each year, representing 71% of all cats that enter animal shelters. Morris the Cat, once a homeless cat himself, is continuing his 34-city tour starting in San Francisco. During the tour, Morris’ Million Cat Rescue Campaign tour bus will be visiting animal shelters, retailers and other venues to help his homeless friends find loving, caring homes. Morris the Cat will be making personal stops in every market to promote his cause and give people a chance to meet one of the world’s most famous felines. In addition, 9Lives® brand is also partnering with 3,600 shelters across the country to distribute Morris’ Million Cat Rescue™ Welcome Home Kits that will educate consumers on proper care for their cats at home. As a commitment to Morris’ efforts, 9Lives brand will donate a percentage of all sales, including the newly formulated 9Lives Daily Essentials™ and 9Lives® Tender Cuts cat food, to animal rescue shelters nationwide. Owning a Cat: Good for You, Your Family and Your Four-Legged Friend Adopting a cat is not only a wonderful, life-changing event for the new furry family member – it’s a positive step forward when it comes to a pet parent’s health and happiness. A number of studies have shown that there are significant physical, emotional and developmental benefits to owning a pet that can positively impact the entire family. When it comes to the kids, research indicates self-esteem and self-confidence is enhanced in children who own a pet (Source: Delta Society/Bergensen, 1989). Owning a pet increases the survival rate of heart attack victims. In fact, 28% of heart patients with pets survived serious heart attacks compared to only 6% without pets (Source: Ontario Veterinary Medical Association). And elderly people benefit from pet ownership too. Elderly people who have pets visit physicians 16% less often than those that do not have pets (Source: animaltherapy.net). Morris’ Million Cat Rescue Campaign Tour Bus Rolls into the Bay Area 9Lives® Morris’ Million Cat Rescue™ Campaign tour bus is a state-of-the-art adoption center. The tour bus is 36-feet long and was created to provide a cat-friendly environment where potential pet parents can meet and interact with a homeless cat that is looking for a loving home. The homeless cats come from local animal shelters that work closely with Morris’ Million Cat Rescue Campaign. Features of Morris’ Million Cat Rescue Campaign tour bus include: Cat’s-Eye View: People from inside, as well as outside, the tour bus are able to view adoptable cats as they play and frolic in spacious, glass-enclosed cabins. Get To Know Your Future Four-Legged Family Member: A private, "quiet room” on the tour bus gives potential pet parents the chance to interact and bond with their future four-legged family member. Feline Fun for the Entire Family: Many tour stops offer an inflatable obstacle course for children, which will simulate a cat playground with life-size bags of 9Lives’ Daily Essentials. A tent-covered relaxation area with black and white still-photographs and a DVD of Morris’ impressive history as the world’s most famous animal celebrity will be shown. Additionally, the Morris’ Million Cat Rescue Village will include a special section where people can receive pet-care advice and attend spay/neuter clinics. Morris’ Million Cat Rescue Campaign tour bus will be in various locations around the Bay area from Friday, February 9 through Monday, February 19. Tour bus stops and locations include: Tuesday, February 13 - Nob Hill, 130 Market Place, San Ramon, CA, 94583 from 1 p.m.- 5 p.m. Thursday, February 15 - Nob Hill, 270 Redwood Shores Parkway, Redwood City,CA, 94065 from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Friday, February 16 - Raley's, 2400 Sand Creek Road, Brentwood, CA, 94513 from 1 p.m.- 5 p.m. Saturday, February 17 - Raley's, 5420 Sunol Blvd, Pleasanton, CA, 94566 from 1 p.m.- 5 p.m. Sunday, February 18 - SaveMart, 3457 McKee Road, San Jose, CA, 95127 from 1 p.m.- 5 p.m. Monday, February 19 - SaveMart, 1950 W 11th Street, Tracy, CA, 95376 from 1 p.m.- 5 p.m Following several stops in San Francisco and Sacramento, the bus tour will hit major markets including Phoenix, Dallas, Austin, St. Louis, Washington, DC, New York City, and Philadelphia. The bus tour is scheduled to conclude in August 2007. For a complete listing of Morris’ Million Cat Rescue Campaign tour bus schedule, please visit www.9lives.com. About Morris® the Cat In 1968, a street-wise orange tabby from a Hinsdale, Illinois shelter was about to be put down when the shelter staff noticed something special about the cat – a certain "star quality.” They quickly contacted Bob Martwick, a professional animal handler who quickly adopted him on the spot, and—20 minutes from death-- Morris® the Cat got a second chance. Recognizing his charisma, 9Lives® cat food quickly signed him up, and the entire nation took notice of this new star of their television commercials. From then on, Morris was to become the most recognizable cat in the world. He was ubiquitous. He graced the covers of national magazines, he was a darling of the national talk show circuit and even was cast in the major motion picture "Shamus,” with Burt Reynolds. Morris’ fame continued to grow over the years, and his accomplishments even include runs for the presidency in both 1988 and 1992 on the Finicky Party platform. Despite all of his accomplishments, it is important to mention that Morris never forgot where he came from. Morris the Cat is currently in the running for Favorite Advertising Icon at www.advertisingweek.com. About Del Monte Pet Products At Del Monte, our pet products nourish and enrich the lives of pets and pet parents by providing great-tasting, high-quality and innovative products for dogs and cats and by encouraging them to enjoy an active lifestyle together. With trusted brands including Meow Mix®, Kibbles ‘n Bits®, 9Lives®, Snausages®, Pup-Peroni®, Milk-Bone®, Meaty Bone® and Pounce®, our products enrich the connection between people and the pets they love. As a premier provider of taste-oriented pet food and pet snacks, our products play a key role in the lives of millions of pet families everyday. About Del Monte Foods Del Monte Foods is one of the country's largest and most well known producers, distributors and marketers of premium quality, branded food and pet products for the U.S. retail market, generating approximately $3 billion in net sales in fiscal 2006. With a powerful portfolio of brands including Del Monte®, StarKist®, S&W®, Contadina®, College Inn®, Meow Mix®, Kibbles 'n Bits®, 9Lives®, Milk-Bone®, Pup-Peroni®, Meaty Bone®, Snausages® and Pounce®, Del Monte products are found in nine out of ten American households. The Company also produces, distributes and markets private label food and pet products. For more information on Del Monte Foods Company (NYSE:DLM), visit the Company's website at www.delmonte.com. Del Monte. Nourishing Families. Enriching Lives. Every Day. Owning a cat is good for your family! Fact Sheet Cats are good for kids… Positive self-esteem is enhanced in children when owning a pet; they are more self-confident. (Source: Delta Society/Bergensen, 1989) Children who suffer from attention deficit disorder (ADD) are able to focus on a pet, which helps them learn how to concentrate. (Source: Love, Miracles and Animal Healing. Schoen, 1996) Kids who own pets have lower heart rates/blood pressure at physical exams. (Source: Ontario Veterinary Medical Association) Kids 11-16 with pets have better ability to understand non-verbal communications. (Source: Ontario Veterinary Medical Association) Cats are good for adults… Pets increase the survival rate of heart attack victims; 28% of heart patients with pets survived serious heart attacks compared to only 6% without pets. (Source: Ontario Veterinary Medical Association) Cholesterol and triglyceride levels are lower in pet owners than in non-owners. (Source: Delta Society/Anderson, 1990) Pets can help humans combat loneliness, depression, and other emotional problems-- even something so common as stress. (Source: animaltherapy.net) Cats are good for the elderly… Elderly people who have pets visit physicians 16% less often than those that do not have pets. (Source: animaltherapy.net) Researchers are finding that pets truly have the power to heal their owners, especially the elderly. The most serious disease for older people is not cancer or heart disease, but loneliness. Cats are a great because they can be lifted easily and fit even on the smallest laps. (Source: Love, Miracles and Animal Healing. Schoen, 1996) Pets help Alzheimer’s patients by bringing them back to the present. (Source: Love, Miracles and Animal Healing. Schoen, 1996)