Brace yourselves, Internet: Paddles, the social media star and “First Cat of New Zealand”, recently died after being hit by a car.
Hi, I’m Paddles and I am the First Cat of New Zealand. I have opposable thumbs, I’m purrty special. pic.twitter.com/MPkxdhWCRu
— Paddles (@FirstCatofNZ) October 21, 2017
Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand’s new Prime Minister, had adopted Paddles (a Hemingway Cat, meaning she had adorable kitty thumbs) from the New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, BBC reports.
Paddles described herself as “sassy and high-maintenance”, and her funny Tweets were a ray of sunshine.
Ms. Ardern’s partner, Clarke Gayford, shared a humorous anecdote about Paddles, explaining how the loud and proud cat almost derailed Ms. Ardern’s phone call with US President Donald Trump: She came flying through the cat-flap [and] began announcing her very squawky arrival”.
Bless.
You asked fur it. pic.twitter.com/JQuCpqiLej
— Paddles (@FirstCatofNZ) November 2, 2017
People from across the world have gone to Twitter to express and share their sorrows.
Bye Paddles, a little ray of ginger light in my mostly depressing twitter feed. #PrrpForever https://t.co/LXvaP1AbIE
— Kathy Alys (@KathyAlys) November 8, 2017
#PrrpForever It’s a sad day but @FirstCatofNZ will live forever in the hearts and minds of people and pets around the world
— Red Devereaux (@RedDevereaux) November 8, 2017
Whether you’re a cat lover or not, this truly is a tragic moment. Rest in peace, Paddles. #PrripForever.
(H/T The Daily Dot)