The Cat Who Enrolled Himself

In 1952, an unexpected student showed up at Elysian Heights Elementary School in California. This student had four legs, whiskers, and a tail. A stray cat wandered into a 6th-grade classroom and happily accepted food and milk from the students' lunches.

What happened next surprised everyone. The cat returned the following day as soon as the school bell rang. And then he came back the next day. And the next. The cat made it clear that he planned to attend school full-time.

Room 8 Gets His Name

Students began calling the cat "Room 8" after the classroom he first visited. The name stuck and became his official title. Room 8 quickly became popular among students and staff alike.

In fact, being chosen as Room 8's caretaker became the most wanted leadership job at the school. Students competed for the chance to feed their furry classmate.

A Proper School Cat

Room 8 became such an important part of 6th grade life that the school included him in official activities. He even had his professional photo taken for the yearbook, just like any other student.

Celebrity Status

News about the school cat eventually reached local media, and Room 8's fame spread. During his time at the school, he received more than 10,000 letters from fans around the area. The students were happy to help by responding to these letters on Room 8's behalf.

Room 8's Legacy

After bringing joy to Elysian Heights Elementary for 15 years, Room 8 passed away in 1968 at the impressive age of 22. But his story didn't end there.

In the same year, students created a special fund at the local orthopedic hospital in Room 8's memory. The fund had a special purpose - to help children run and play with animals at the school, continuing Room 8's legacy of bringing happiness to students.

Today, Room 8 remains one of the most famous alumni of Elysian Heights Elementary School. His story shows how animals can become meaningful members of a community and leave lasting impressions on the people around them.