Are ‘Christmas at the Catnip Cafe’ & ‘The Nine Lives of Christmas’ in the Same Universe?

Connection Between the Movies

The Hallmark films "Christmas at the Catnip Cafe" and "The Nine Lives of Christmas" appear to be connected through cameos by actors Paul Campbell and Kimberley Sustad. Sustad, who stars in "The Nine Lives of Christmas" series as Marilee, a veterinary student turned veterinarian, makes an unnamed character cameo in "Christmas at the Catnip Cafe," which stars Campbell. The interaction between Sustad’s character and Campbell’s character, Ben, references Marilee's past involving a firefighter, suggesting a possible continuity between the movies.

Cameo Details and Character References

In "Christmas at the Catnip Cafe," Kimberley Sustad’s character briefly appears cradling a cat, suggesting she has "one at home" and references firemen, hinting at a connection to her previous roles. Her mention of a fireman strongly hints at Marilee’s relationship with firefighter Zachary from "The Nine Lives of Christmas" films. The dialogue implies that if this is Marilee, she and Zachary are still a couple, tying the films together in the same universe.

Alternative Interpretation

Another interpretation is that Sustad’s cameo is a playful nod rather than a direct story continuation. Paul Campbell also appeared in "The Nine Kittens of Christmas" as a firefighter assisting Marilee, reinforcing the link between the two movies subtlety through recurring actor roles and themes rather than explicitly extending the storyline.

Plot Synopsis of Christmas at the Catnip Cafe

"Christmas at the Catnip Cafe" centers on Ben, played by Paul Campbell, and Olivia, a marketing executive, who inherit a cat café and face challenges due to differing visions for the business. The cameo by Sustad is a minor but meaningful connection to her previous Hallmark film roles, making fans speculate about a shared universe.

“That was really cute,” Sustad’s cameo character remarks, referencing a (failed) story time while cradling a cat, “Cats make better… I right like cats. A lot. I love.” She later adds a playful suggestion about adding a fireman, hinting at her earlier roles.

Author's Summary

The cameo by Kimberley Sustad in "Christmas at the Catnip Cafe" cleverly ties the film to "The Nine Lives of Christmas," suggesting they exist in the same universe, though it remains ambiguous whether this is a direct continuation or an homage to past roles.

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Black Hills Pioneer Black Hills Pioneer — 2025-12-01

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