Beloved 'Cat Ambassador' Mourned By Bucks County SPCA

LAHASKA, PA — Anyone who has ever visited the Bucks County SPCA in Lahaska knew Morty, the shelter's ambassador cat.

The 20-year-old ginger cat could always be found lounging around on the front counter, napping in the retail bins marked 'donation of choice' or warming the lap of a staff member.

Sadly, after a full and enjoyable life at the shelter, Morty died peacefully on Tuesday, Oct. 31 at his adopted home with his devoted caretakers by his side.

The shelter reported the news in a Facebook posting along with photos of Morty lounging around the office.

Morty arrived at the shelter in 2005, a rescue from a large hoarding case. And while the goal of the Bucks County SPCA is always to help animals recover and find new homes, Morty turned out to the the exception.

He recovered and stayed put.

Morty on duty as the front counter. (Bucks County SPCA)

Morty catches a cat nap on the credit card machine. (Bucks County SPCA)

Morty in his Halloween scarf. (Bucks County SPCA)

According to the staff, initially Morty was reclusive and choose to avoid people at all costs, keeping to the nonpublic areas of the shelter. No one is quite sure what changed, but one day Morty decided to strut into the office and engage with the shelter’s visitors.

From then on, the odds were good that you could find the shelter's four-footed greeter lounging on the front counter supervising pet adoptions and dog license purchases.

Over the years, Morty featured in innumerable photo ops for the shelter, provided quality assurance testing for scores of donated towels and pet beds, and even became the voice of BCSPCA’s E-Tails newsletter for a season.

"Chief among Morty’s many roles was that of simply being a cat - walking to his own beat, being content in his own fur, and providing a quiet source of comfort and entertainment to a parade of humans," said the shelter staff in a Facebook posting announcing Morty's passing.

"Our animal companions enrich our lives beyond measure. While our hearts are heavy at having said goodbye to our old friend, he gave us many good memories and we carry on our lifesaving work in his honor," the SPCA wrote.

Morty's many fans were posting comments on the BCSPCA's Facebook page.

"Once, one of my foster kittens didn't survive and I sat down in the lobby and cried," writes Kelly "Morty came around the corner and hopped up on my lap. It was so comforting. I'll never forget Morty or my lost little foster kitten, Magic."

"Morty was the best representation of the BCSPCA, being a client himself," writes Jeness. "He will be greatly missed and his legacy will live on."

And Pamela writes, "So sorry to hear about Morty’s passing. We’ve adopted four cats over the
years and he greeted us each time. He was the best employee."

The community is invited to share their photos and memories of Morty, tagging the SPCA
@buckscountyspca or sending them to info@buckscountyspca.org. Pictures and notes will be displayed in the Lahaska shelter lobby.

Donations made in Morty’s memory will be used for BCSPCA’s Animal Relief Fund which provides medical care for animals rescued from cruelty or neglect, and those needing specialized medical care.

Morty, the donation of choice. (Bucks County SPCA)

Morty feeling a little boxed in. (Bucks County SPCA)