It wasn’t planned, but one feline became the purr-fect family member of one midtown Manhattan firehouse — and he will be dearly missed.
Boogie the cat, whose “silly antics” at FDNY Engine 1/Ladder 24’s West 31st, Street firehouse garnered him 19,000 followers on Instagram, died this weekend, according to the New York Daily News. RELATED:Manhattan community saddened with death of beloved firehouse Dalmatian The five-year-old black and white cat was brought into the firehouse to help deal with a mice problem, but instead he won the hearts of everyone who met him.
“Boogie brought so many smiles to this firehouse, neighborhood and even around the world with his silly antics. A cat that was brought in to help with mice ended up becoming a much bigger part of the firehouse family,” said a tribute posted on Saturday on Boogie’s Instagram @midtownboogiefdny. The Instagram account had over 350 posts of photos showing Boogie’s silly ways as he climbed on top of fire trucks, lounged on swivel office chairs and couches, bonded with fellow firefighters, and posed for photos with fans. It was not immediately clear how Boogie died and thousands flocked to his page to express their condolences and kind words for the beloved cat.
Also sending his condolences was another FDNY firehouse cat named Carlow who said goodbye to his “meowtual partner” on his Instagram account @carlow_fdny_cat, the New York Post reported. “You will be missed brother,” read the post.
RELATED:NYC photographer captures personality of shelter animals in portraits On Sunday, the firehouse also posted a video of photos of Boogie with fans and thanked everyone for the support pouring in since his passing.
“We are so humeowbled by the outpouring of love and support for Boogie,” the post said. “I know there are many more and we welcome any pictures people would like to direct message us. Thank you again for being amazing.”
