Famous Friday: Room 8

Room 8 is the name of a feline who lived in California. Although Room 8 sounds like a strange name for a cat, once you hear his story, you will understand why this is a fitting name for him.

The story begins in 1952 in Elysian Heights Elementary School in Los Angeles. One day a malnourished tabby cat wandered into the school, and went directly to the grade 6 classroom – classroom number 8. The feline had no fear of being in the classroom, and simply jumped onto the children’s desks, and even opened up their lunch boxes for a bite of food. The students simply could not resist giving this poor cat food, and soon enough, the cat began returning to the classroom for a daily meal. Needless to say, Room 8 did not stay skinny for long.

The children decided to name the strange cat Room 8, in recognition of the first classroom that he decided to spend time in. Room 8 became the resident cat that year, and would often be seen wandering the hallways or sleeping in a classroom. After a long summer without the students, one would assume that he would not continue to return to the school, but sure enough, Room 8 returned to the school the next year. Not only did he return the next year, he began to live at the school during the school year for over 15 years. He would disappear for the summer time, and would return right on schedule at the beginning of every school year. He became a part of everyday life for the students of Elysian Heights Elementary School, and is featured in many classroom photographs.

Unfortunately, in August of 1968, Room 8 succumbed to his many health problems, passing away at the age of 21. Room 8 was loved so much that he was given a 3-column obituary, and a proper burial and tombstone thanks to donations from the students who had known him.

A non-profit, no kill shelter for special needs cats called The Room 8 Memorial Cat Foundation was created in 1972. The foundation is still alive and well today, and if you would like to learn more about Room 8 or the foundation please visit, http://www.room8cats.org/.

Tagged as: cat, Famous Friday, feline, kitty, kitty cat, room 8, room 8 cat, stray cat