Lauren Reid // Digital Producer & Content Strategist

In the lead-up to the 2011 Video Music Awards, MTV.com went wide with a series of video vignettes featuring iconic moments from the show’s storied past. The catch? Pop stars were played by pint-sized puppies and kittens decked in full-blown costume replicas. MTV revisited VMA jaw-droppers from music’s favorite divas: Madonna, Britney, Gaga and Cher.

Building anticipation for upcoming action at the 2011 event, these videos hit the internet a week out from the big show. Clips were released with accompanying posts on the MTV Buzzworthy blog, which provided side-by-side comparisons to the original water cooler moments. At MTV Style, outfit info came direct from the animal costumer who managed to recreate every outrageous ensemble. The videos were distributed via MTV’s Facebook and Twitter accounts, with an exclusive on EW.com. 50% of streams accrued by the animal reenactments were viral.

Honoring Madge’s 1984 performance of “Like a Virgin,” Mona the cat strut down a cake staircase in a custom wedding dress and ‘Boy Toy’ belt.

Mona reprised her role as the Queen of Pop, recreating 2003’s epic triple kiss with Britney (Mazzy) and Christina Aguilera (Muncie).

Wearing a stuffed animal python and bedazzled bustier, the kitty version of Britney Spears later got a workout mimicking 2001’s “I’m A Slave 4 U” performance.

To top off the tributes, puppy versions of Lady Gaga and Cher stepped into the spotlight for Mother Monster’s 2010 Video Of The Year acceptance speech… complete with a meat dress, hat AND purse.