Ozzy Osbourne once shot 17 cats in a drug-induced episode; here’s why he did it during his darkest days
Iraa Paul | Jul 23, 2025, 10:29 IST
( Image credit : Indiatimes )
Ozzy Osbourne confessed to killing 17 of his pet cats during a disturbing episode fueled by heavy drug use. The horrifying act took place during the peak of his substance addiction. It stands as one of the most troubling moments in his past.
Ozzy Osbourne's death:Rock icon Ozzy Osbourne has long been known for his wild lifestyle and battles with addiction, but one of the most harrowing stories from his past still shocks fans today. During one of his darkest periods, he confessed to killing 17 of his pet cats in a drug-induced breakdown. The horrifying event remains a haunting reminder of the toll addiction took on his life and those around him. The incident has now resurfaced hours after his passing.
The unsettling episode reportedly occurred in the early 1980s, a time of intense upheaval in Ozzy Osbourne’s personal life. He had recently ended his first marriage to Thelma Riley and was either on the verge of marrying or had just married Sharon Osbourne, who would become his lifelong partner and manager. During this period, Ozzy was consumed by alcohol and drug addiction, struggling with severe psychological and emotional instability.
By his own admission, his substance abuse had reached such an extreme that, in a state of drug-induced madness and emotional collapse, he fatally shot all 17 of his pet cats using a shotgun. Osbourne has since described the act as one of the darkest and most terrifying moments in his life, a tragic reflection of how deeply addiction had taken hold of him and the devastation it left in its wake.
During a 2007 interview with The Scotsman, Ozzy Osbourne recounted a deeply disturbing moment from his past while struggling with heavy drug use. He admitted that his substance abuse had reached such an extreme level that he completely lost control.
In a shocking breakdown, he killed all 17 of his pet cats. Osbourne described the aftermath, saying his wife found him crouched under a piano, dressed in a white suit, clutching a shotgun in one hand and a knife in the other.
Ozzy Osbourne, legendary lead vocalist of Black Sabbath and a towering figure in the world of heavy metal, died on Tuesday at the age of 76, marking the close of a defining chapter in rock music history. Only weeks before his death, Osbourne took the stage for a final time with Black Sabbath in a grand farewell concert held in Birmingham, England, the birthplace of the band.
The event, which took place on July 5, lasted 10 hours and served as a star-studded tribute to his monumental career. Hosted by actor and devoted metal fan Jason Momoa, the concert featured an impressive lineup including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Jack Black, Steven Tyler, and others, all honoring the man known as the "Prince of Darkness."
FAQs:
1. When did Ozzy Osbourne die?
He passed away on Tuesday at the age of 76.
2. What was his last performance?
Ozzy’s final show was on July 5 in Birmingham, England, with Black Sabbath. The 10-hour event featured stars like Metallica and was hosted by Jason Momoa.
3. Why is the cat incident being discussed again?
It resurfaced after his death as one of the most disturbing moments of his life, tied to his struggles with addiction.
4. What happened in the cat incident?
In the early 1980s, during a drug-induced breakdown, Ozzy shot 17 of his pet cats with a shotgun.
5. Did he speak about it publicly?
Yes, in a 2007 interview, he recalled being found under a piano in a white suit, holding a shotgun and a knife.
For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
My favorite Ozzy Osbourne clip
— Cats & Dogs Universe (@CatsandDogsmem) July 22, 2025
pic.twitter.com/zldGsDGViS
Ozzy Osbourne once shot 17 cats in a drug-induced episode, here’s why
The unsettling episode reportedly occurred in the early 1980s, a time of intense upheaval in Ozzy Osbourne’s personal life. He had recently ended his first marriage to Thelma Riley and was either on the verge of marrying or had just married Sharon Osbourne, who would become his lifelong partner and manager. During this period, Ozzy was consumed by alcohol and drug addiction, struggling with severe psychological and emotional instability.
By his own admission, his substance abuse had reached such an extreme that, in a state of drug-induced madness and emotional collapse, he fatally shot all 17 of his pet cats using a shotgun. Osbourne has since described the act as one of the darkest and most terrifying moments in his life, a tragic reflection of how deeply addiction had taken hold of him and the devastation it left in its wake.
The 17 pet cats Ozzy Osbourne shot waiting for him in hell pic.twitter.com/FFQpbtPeCd
— Emlyn Hera 🏴 🫐 (@hera_emlyn) July 22, 2025
During a 2007 interview with The Scotsman, Ozzy Osbourne recounted a deeply disturbing moment from his past while struggling with heavy drug use. He admitted that his substance abuse had reached such an extreme level that he completely lost control.
In a shocking breakdown, he killed all 17 of his pet cats. Osbourne described the aftermath, saying his wife found him crouched under a piano, dressed in a white suit, clutching a shotgun in one hand and a knife in the other.
Ozzy Osbourne’s death
Ozzy Osbourne, legendary lead vocalist of Black Sabbath and a towering figure in the world of heavy metal, died on Tuesday at the age of 76, marking the close of a defining chapter in rock music history. Only weeks before his death, Osbourne took the stage for a final time with Black Sabbath in a grand farewell concert held in Birmingham, England, the birthplace of the band.
The event, which took place on July 5, lasted 10 hours and served as a star-studded tribute to his monumental career. Hosted by actor and devoted metal fan Jason Momoa, the concert featured an impressive lineup including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Jack Black, Steven Tyler, and others, all honoring the man known as the "Prince of Darkness."
All of Twitter lionizing Ozzy Osborne like they just forgot how he bit heads off of doves and bats, slaughtered 17 cats, and strangled his wife.
— Salty Steno (@OnTheRecordSC) July 23, 2025
Sure, he got tame in his old age because he had no choice.
But his choices, when he had the ability to make them, were shit. #RIHellpic.twitter.com/aCUOxByNpP
FAQs:
1. When did Ozzy Osbourne die?
He passed away on Tuesday at the age of 76.
2. What was his last performance?
Ozzy’s final show was on July 5 in Birmingham, England, with Black Sabbath. The 10-hour event featured stars like Metallica and was hosted by Jason Momoa.
3. Why is the cat incident being discussed again?
It resurfaced after his death as one of the most disturbing moments of his life, tied to his struggles with addiction.
4. What happened in the cat incident?
In the early 1980s, during a drug-induced breakdown, Ozzy shot 17 of his pet cats with a shotgun.
5. Did he speak about it publicly?
Yes, in a 2007 interview, he recalled being found under a piano in a white suit, holding a shotgun and a knife.
For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
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