Mittens the cat has had a book written about him and received a key to Wellington, certified with the title of 'his floofiness'. Photo / Tourism NZ
Mittens the cat has had a book written about him and received a key to Wellington, certified with the title of 'his floofiness'. Photo / Tourism NZ
Editorial
OPINION
A cat from the capital has been a captivating distraction this week.
The family of Mittens, a Turkish angora beloved by Wellingtonians, has reportedly sold up to move to Auckland. In fact, it's a return after leaving Tāmaki Makaurau four years ago.
Mittens is famous for wandering around thecentral city and making himself at home, particularly in Wellington's nightlife. He's frequented a strip club and, on another occasion, sat on the counter of a Cuba St bar until 2am watching people drink. He's also sat on the lap of a customer receiving a haircut at a salon.
Last year Mittens was awarded Wellington's highest honour - the key to the city - and has almost 70,000 followers on Facebook.
Mittens the cat of Wellington. Photo / Tourism New Zealand
Soon after the move was announced by his "servant", Silvio Bruinsma, Green MP Chloe Swarbrick posted a photo of herself with the celebrated cat. One follower posted: "I can't believe Welly is losing him to Auck. I'm devastated." Another simply cried: "Too soon."
Of course, Mittens is a cat and doesn't have the foggiest inkling of our interest. However, bestowing a non-human entity with human traits is positive as it renders the creature more worthy of moral care and consideration.
The act of anthropomorphism, as it is known, also helps us to simplify and make sense of things we find complicated, which is one reason why it's a popular device in children's stories.
