The Feline Mayor of Wellington

A special cat named Mittens holds the key to Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand. This honor came not because he ran for office, but because the people of Wellington fell in love with him.

Mittens, whose full name is Mittens His Royal Fluffiness, was born in Auckland. When his family moved to Wellington, Mittens decided the city belonged to him.

Business Booster with Paws

Mittens became known as a supporter of local shops. Each day, he would pick one store to take his nap in. This simple act brought in more customers. People would stop by just to see his impressive fluffy fur while he slept.

Soon, someone who worked at the SPCA (Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) got to know Mittens well. This person created a social media group so locals could keep track of where Mittens was and make sure he stayed safe. The group grew quickly as more people wanted to follow Mittens' adventures.

From Unknown to Famous

The funny part of this story is that Mittens became the most popular resident in Wellington without his family knowing! His owners had no idea about his fame until a reporter from the New Zealand Herald called asking for an interview about their cat.

Mittens had become such a big deal in Wellington that the mayor gave him an official key to the city. This special honor came with a certificate and a small key that attached to his collar.

Retirement in Style

Now at 14 years old, Mittens has retired from his public life. He moved back to Auckland with his family and enjoys a quiet, comfortable life at home.

Though he didn't win New Zealand's Person of the Year award (mainly because he's not a person), Mittens left his paw print on Wellington's heart. His story shows how one friendly cat can bring an entire city together and create joy for everyone he meets.