Coal, the iconic feline from Canada’s Parliamentary cat colony, has passed away at the age of 17. He was the last surviving member of an informal group of cats that became a beloved attraction over the decades. Reports indicate that Coal had been battling a serious form of cancer that had spread to his lungs, leading to a veterinarian-administered death earlier this week.
Coal's backstory remains somewhat unclear; however, it is believed that he was left at the colony as a kitten. He joined a community that, at one point, consisted of up to thirty cats living in makeshift shelters, which some say bear a resemblance to the neighbouring Centre Block of Parliament. Volunteer caretaker Danny Taurozzi noted that his team was responsible for maintaining those shelters behind a gated area near the House of Commons.
The colony not only drew sightseers but also local wildlife, such as raccoons in search of food. As interest grew, the cats became an integral part of the tourism experience at Parliament Hill. Many prominent figures, including the Dalai Lama and former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, took the time to visit the cats during their tours. Coal’s presence and spirit will be missed by all who cherished the feline congregation, marking the end of an era for Parliament Hill’s furry inhabitants.
Coal's backstory remains somewhat unclear; however, it is believed that he was left at the colony as a kitten. He joined a community that, at one point, consisted of up to thirty cats living in makeshift shelters, which some say bear a resemblance to the neighbouring Centre Block of Parliament. Volunteer caretaker Danny Taurozzi noted that his team was responsible for maintaining those shelters behind a gated area near the House of Commons.
The colony not only drew sightseers but also local wildlife, such as raccoons in search of food. As interest grew, the cats became an integral part of the tourism experience at Parliament Hill. Many prominent figures, including the Dalai Lama and former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, took the time to visit the cats during their tours. Coal’s presence and spirit will be missed by all who cherished the feline congregation, marking the end of an era for Parliament Hill’s furry inhabitants.
