After stepping forward as a candidate for prime minister and bringing happiness to many, the final feline from the cherished former cat colony on Parliament Hill has passed away. Coal Taurozzi, the last surviving member of the colony, was euthanized on Tuesday due to cancer, as confirmed by his owner, Danny Taurozzi. Coal, who had recently turned 17, experienced a rapid deterioration in his health following Canada Day.
Described as a gentle cat with a kind disposition, Coal, with his sleek black coat and vibrant green eyes, had been a welcoming presence for countless visitors to Canada’s prominent political center. Found as a kitten on Parliament Hill, he was raised in the cat colony where volunteers provided care and sustenance. Originally brought to the House of Commons for rodent control, the cats were eventually replaced by alternative pest management techniques in the 1950s and were subsequently removed. However, dedicated volunteers continued to look after the cats, naming them and constructing a small village for them behind Centre Block for protection.
At its peak, the sanctuary housed over 30 strays, consuming nearly $7,000 worth of donated cat food annually. The cats not only served as stress relievers for politicians but also received informal RCMP protection. The sanctuary became a popular tourist destination, with Hill guides still receiving inquiries about the cats to this day. The sanctuary was closed in 2013 due to welfare concerns, and all remaining cats, including Coal, were adopted.
In the years that followed, Coal gained a significant social media following and even ran for prime minister in the 2015 federal election. Last year, a fundraising campaign was launched to assist with Coal’s substantial medical expenses, as he battled rare cancer, arthritis, and kidney disease. Despite having pet insurance, the total cost of Coal’s medical care exceeded $30,000. Through a successful GoFundMe initiative, over $15,000 was raised, prolonging Coal’s life and providing him with top-notch medical treatment.
Expressing gratitude to all donors, Danny wishes for Coal to be remembered as a symbol of compassion in Canada. Reflecting on the legacy of having cats on Parliament Hill, Danny highlighted the special significance of the feline presence in the heart of the nation’s political landscape.