New Zealand's 'first cat' and unlikely internet star Paddles has died after being run over by a car.
The white and ginger cat belonged to the newly-appointed Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her partner Clarke Gayford.
A spokesperson told Stuff.co.nz that the cat died had been hit by a car near the prime minister's home in Point Chevalier.
A Twitter account in Paddles' name had amassed more than 10,000 followers and thousands of likes & retweets of photos.
Hi, I'm Paddles and I am the First Cat of New Zealand. I have opposable thumbs, I'm purrty special. pic.twitter.com/MPkxdhWCRu
— Paddles (@FirstCatofNZ) October 21, 2017
Thanks Mum for bringing me out so I can speak to the press. Must give the people what they want - and what they want is me. Prrrrp ?? pic.twitter.com/uiA1jk3qeN
— Paddles (@FirstCatofNZ) October 21, 2017
The local popularity of Paddles prompted international coverage, with Vanity Fair writing that "New Zealand's hip, young prime minister comes complete with a tech-savvy cat".
In an Instagram post, Ms Ardern confirmed her cat had passed away, saying: "To anyone who has ever lost a pet, you'll know how sad we feel. Paddles was much loved, and not just by us. Thanks for everyone's thoughts.
"And on behalf of Paddles, please be kind to the [Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals]. They found her before we did, and we will always be grateful for that."
Mr Gayson said that "our crazy little 'sleep anywhere' ginger will be sorely missed".
@jacindaardern & I are big fans of the SPCA where Paddles found us; esp. all the great work rehoming they do: https://t.co/fDZSyL0RtL pic.twitter.com/Yw5wRCUbK9
— Clarke Gayford (@NZClarke) November 8, 2017
Meanwhile, the humans behind the Paddles Twitter account retweeted dozens of tributes to the late cat:
Remember to be kind. https://t.co/8nRA8zuv8x
— Paddles (@FirstCatofNZ) November 8, 2017
Paddles' distinguished career as a diplocat and politicat figure illustrates how many magnificent individuals are cared for by the RSPCA and deserve forever homes.
— General Satire (@SontaranPR) November 8, 2017