All hail our cat goddess!
Japanese cat idol, Tama, was a stationmaster cat (natch) who attracted tourists and became world-famous, contributing to the rejuvenation of the struggling railway company Wakayama Electric Railway. Sources say she also helped significantly boost the struggling local economy surrounding the Kishi Station in western Japan.
Source: nydailynews.com
The calico cat was appointed stationmaster at the Kishi station in 2007. She would don a custom-made stationmaster’s cap while sitting quietly at the ticket gate welcoming and seeing off passengers. The cat quickly attracted tourists and became world-famous.
Tama sadly died of a heart failure on June 22. But never fear because locals consider her a goddess now (as do we).
Tama is a popular name for cats in Japan, where they are considered spiritual animals. The word is translated to mean treasure, ball or spirit.
She is being succeeded by an apprentice calico stationmaster named Nitama.
The nation of Japan and the staff of The Frisky mourn her loss.
[Daily News]Original by: Katrin Higher
