Internet mourns online sensation Paddles, the first cat of NZ
The death of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's cat, Paddles, has made headlines around the world.
The first cat and social media star, who was profiled in leading publications including Vanity Fair, was hit by a car and killed on Tuesday.
Ardern thanked people for their thoughts and urged them to "please be kind to the SPCA", as tributes poured in from around the world for the rescue cat.
"To anyone who has ever lost a pet, you'll know how sad we feel," Ardern said in an Instagram post on Wednesday. "Paddles was much loved, and not just by us. Thanks for everyone's thoughts."
Ardern's press secretary Mike Jaspers confirmed: "Sadly Paddles was run over by a car near the prime minister's home in Point Chevalier."
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People have started laying flowers outside Ardern's Auckland home and Paddles' death was made the news in countries such as Australia, China, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The first cat had plenty of fans on social media. Her official Twitter account that was dedicated to her antics after the election had already amassed over 11,000 followers.
The FirstCatOfNZ account has put out a message saying "sad PR Guy here.Tysm for loving Paddles, the whole world will mourn her. Not bad for a lil SPCA puss. #PrrpForever."
Paddles also had an Instagram account, which had almost 400 followers.
On Wednesday, Paddles posted, seemingly from beyond the grave, giving thanks for comments, urging kindness to each other and asking people to donate to the SPCA.
"Live fast, die young. I'll always be in your hearts. Please be kind to one another. In lieu of fish please make donations to the New Zealand SPCA" the statement said.
Ardern's partner, Clarke Gayford, has asked that people donate funds to the SPCA in memory of Paddles if they desire to as the double-thumbed Paddles was an SPCA cat.
Tributes to Paddles poured in on social media for the beloved orange-and-white cat with adorable opposable thumbs.
Another furry celeb, the US Ambassador's dog, Gracie Brown, left a touching message for the first cat.
My mom, Dad and I are very sorry to hear about @FirstCatofNZ. We will all say a prayer tonight. 🙏
— Gracie Brown (@DiploDogGracie) November 7, 2017
One dissenting voice amid the outpouring of grief came from Opportunities Party leader Gareth Morgan.
He tweeted asking if Ardern's cat was "out and about wandering" when the accident happened.
But a man who lives a few doors down from Ardern, who did not want to be named, said he had "never seen the cat wandering around".