New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has expressed her sadness over the loss of her cat Paddles, after announcing its death on social media.
The female cat, a rising social media star nicknamed the First Cat of New Zealand, was hit by a car in Auckland on Tuesday.
"To anyone who has ever lost a pet, you'll know how sad we feel. Paddles was much loved, and not just by us," Ms Ardern wrote on her social media accounts.
"Thanks for everyone's thoughts. And on behalf of Paddles, please be kind to the SPCA [Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals]. They found her before we did, and we will always be grateful for that."
Paddles, known for hrt extra set of claws that looked like human thumbs, was adopted from an animal rescue shelter by the Labour leader and her partner Clarke Gayford.
The ginger and white cat became an international hit after a mystery Twitter account appeared in her name in October, 2017.
Under the 'First Cat of NZ' Twitter account, a post said Paddles was proud of her 'thumbs' and described herself as: 'Not affurliated with Labour Pawty'.
Mr Gayford recently said the cat interrupted Ms Ardern's phone call with US President Donald Trump in late October.
Condolences have already poured in from all over the world, including a message on behalf of the US Ambassador's dog Gracie Brown.
Along with Ms Ardern, the Paddles Twitter account has also asked for donations to the New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
New Zealand Labour Party leader Jacinda Ardern during a visit to Addington School in Christchurch, New Zealand, Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2017. Source: AAP
