In the picturesque town of Talkeetna, Alaska, a most unusual political figure held sway for two decades. Stubbs the cat, named for his missing tail, was not your typical mayor. In fact, his ascension to the honorary title in 1997 was something of a happy accident born from a local joke during an election that residents felt lacked compelling human candidates. Stubbs, a yellow cat adopted by the general store manager, quickly became a beloved mascot of the town.
As mayor, Stubbs’s duties were largely ceremonial. His main roles involved lounging around at the local general store or sipping catnip-laced water from a wineglass, enchanting tourists and locals alike. His unique position helped put Talkeetna on the map, attracting visitors eager to catch a glimpse of the feline mayor. Despite his lack of political power, Stubbs’s influence was felt in the increased tourism that helped support the town’s economy.
Over the years, Stubbs survived several misadventures, including being shot by a BB gun and falling into a restaurant's deep fryer, which surprisingly, he survived with minimal injury. His resilience and enduring charm only endeared him further to the people of Talkeetna and cat enthusiasts around the world.
After serving as Talkeetna’s mayor for 20 years, Stubbs passed away in his sleep in 2017. His death marked the end of an eccentric chapter in the town’s history but left behind a legacy that epitomizes the quirky spirit of Talkeetna. Stubbs's story continues to capture the imagination of people globally, serving as a whimsical reminder of the joy and surprise that animals can bring into our lives.
