This article reflects on Coal's life and the unique role he played in attracting visitors to Parliament Hill for decades.
**Coal the Cat, Last of Canada's Parliamentary Feline Legacy, Passes Away**
**Coal the Cat, Last of Canada's Parliamentary Feline Legacy, Passes Away**
Coal, the beloved last remaining cat from Canada's iconic parliamentary cat colony, has passed away at 17, marking the end of an era.
Coal, the final cat from a famous feline colony outside Canada’s Parliament Hill, has died at the age of 17, bringing a poignant end to a remarkable era. Known for his charm and good-natured demeanor, Coal was beloved by both locals and tourists alike.
Diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer that had spread to his lungs, Coal was humanely euthanized after receiving veterinary care, as announced on his dedicated Facebook page. His backstory remains largely a mystery, but it’s believed he was abandoned at the colony as a kitten, where he thrived amidst a community of up to thirty other cats.
Supporters like Danny Taurozzi dedicated themselves to managing the colony, which consisted of makeshift shelters that echoed the iconic Centre Block building nearby. The cats weren't just sheltered; they became a cornerstone of the Parliament Hill experience, frequently interacting with visitors and receiving affection when they sought it.
This semi-official cat society attracted significant attention over the years, even becoming a photogenic destination for tourists exploring the Canadian political landscape. Notable figures, including dignitaries like the Dalai Lama and former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, have stopped by to admire these furry companions.
Today, as reflections on Coal’s life circulate, many who visited Parliament Hill will cherish the memories of this singular cat and the legacy he leaves behind—a reminder of the warmth and personality that can be found even amidst the serious business of governance.
Diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer that had spread to his lungs, Coal was humanely euthanized after receiving veterinary care, as announced on his dedicated Facebook page. His backstory remains largely a mystery, but it’s believed he was abandoned at the colony as a kitten, where he thrived amidst a community of up to thirty other cats.
Supporters like Danny Taurozzi dedicated themselves to managing the colony, which consisted of makeshift shelters that echoed the iconic Centre Block building nearby. The cats weren't just sheltered; they became a cornerstone of the Parliament Hill experience, frequently interacting with visitors and receiving affection when they sought it.
This semi-official cat society attracted significant attention over the years, even becoming a photogenic destination for tourists exploring the Canadian political landscape. Notable figures, including dignitaries like the Dalai Lama and former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, have stopped by to admire these furry companions.
Today, as reflections on Coal’s life circulate, many who visited Parliament Hill will cherish the memories of this singular cat and the legacy he leaves behind—a reminder of the warmth and personality that can be found even amidst the serious business of governance.
