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The cat of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has died after being hit by a car.
Paddles, a ginger and white cat, was a rising superstar in New Zealand, after a Twitter account set up in her name attracted more than 11,600 followers in less than a month.
Paddles was just 12 months old, and adopted by New Zealand's new Prime Minister from the NZSPCA.
She famously sported opposable thumbs, and through her cypher, known as "PR Guy", she tweeted to her vast and growing band of twitter fans.
She quickly became known as a cat with attitude, claiming independence as she was "not affurliated with the Labour Pawty".
Paddles almost interrupted Ms Ardern's first phone call with US President Donald Trump last month, before being shooed out of the room.
Children and adults from many countries engaged with Paddles and her prideful ways, sending photos of their own cats, and even the odd dog.
Followers have tweeted tributes to this furry "spiritual leader" of the nation - and have mourned the loss of the joy and good humour Paddles inspired.
The Prime Minister expressed her sadness at the loss and asked: "On behalf of Paddles, please be kind to the SPCA. They found her before we did, and we will always be grateful for that."
Ms Adern's partner, fishing TV show host Clarke Gayford, welcomed the public's condolences, and encouraged donations to the NZSPCA.
There is speculation Mr Gayford is behind the cat's social media presence.
When contacted by ABC news for comment, PR Guy "prefurred" to stay anonymous, saying sadly: "This is about Paddles, not me."
Topics: animals, world-politics, internet-culture, social-media, new-zealand
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