The University of Texas community is mourning the loss of Domino, the most well-known of the cats that roam the sprawling campus in Austin, according to a report from Austin ABC affiliate KVUE.
KVUE reported that UT took to social media to announce the passing of Domino, who used to reside in the bushes until the school’s landscapers removed them due to damage from last year’s Winter Storm Uri.
“Domino, the most well-known and beloved of UT Austin’s campus cats, was a welcoming friend on our campus for many years,” UT eulogized on Twitter. “We will remember him fondly, and thank the community who cares for these cats for all the love given to him these past months.”
According to KVUE, members of the UT student body shared their memories of Domino online.
One student described the cat, whom the university said died on Tuesday (May 3), as a source of comfort “after hard days” while another remembered him for making “every morning walking to class better,” the station reported.
A Change.org petition had been created to urge campus officials to erect a statue to the feline who was arguably the most famous creature at the school behind Bevo, per KVUE.
A memorial service for Domino was held on Wednesday (May 4) night, the station reported.
Austin NBC affiliate KXAN reported that Domino was named as such because of his black and white coat.
According to the Cats of West Campus Facebook page, KXAN reported, Domino found his way to UT as a kitten in 2009 and lived to the age of 13, the equivalent of 68 in human years.
Domino’s health had already taken a serious turn for the worst at the time of his passing, KXAN reported.
