Jacinda Ardern’s cat, paddles, has died

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s famous pet cat, Paddles, has been tragically killed by a car. Known widely as the country’s ‘First Cat’, Paddles was beloved by many and the proud owner of a prolific Twitter account.

The Prime Minister’s office has confirmed the cat’s death, news.com.au reports, and well-wishers have taken to Twitter to express their condolences.

Thanks Mum for bringing me out so I can speak to the press. Must give the people what they want – and what they want is me. Prrrrp ❤️ pic.twitter.com/uiA1jk3qeN
— The Ghost of Paddles (@FirstCatofNZ) October 21, 2017

https://twitter.com/FirstCatofNZ/status/921638253614178304/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.marieclaire.com.au%2Fjacinda-ardern-s-cat-paddles-has-died

9 lives. 1 super kitty. 11.4k sad followers. Many tears. Much love.
As you say, not bad for a lil SPCA puss. #PrrpForever
— 🦚 (@LadyMelisande) November 7, 2017

https://twitter.com/FirstCatofNZ/status/927987161311338496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.marieclaire.com.au%2Fjacinda-ardern-s-cat-paddles-has-died

Just spoke w Paddles’ Dad, @NZClarke. If you would like to remember Paddles you are most welcome and encouraged to donate to the NZ SPCA. 😽
— The Ghost of Paddles (@FirstCatofNZ) November 7, 2017

Paddles’ ‘PR Guy’ seems to have taken over her Twitter account to respond.

Paddles, who had opposable thumbs on her claws, was quickly becoming a worldwide political personality in her own right. Ardern shared the below post on her Instagram to mark her pet’s death:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jacinda Ardern (@jacindaardern)

‘To anyone who has ever lost a pet, you’ll know how sad we feel,” she captioned the above image. “Paddles was much loved, and not just by us. Thanks for everyone’s thoughts. And on behalf of Paddles, please be kind to the SPCA. They found her before we did, and we will always be grateful for that.’

RIP.

This article originally appeared on marie claire.