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Gacek
Famous cat in Poland From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Gacek (Polish: [ˈɡat͡sɛk]) is a male domestic cat with tuxedo fur. Between 2020 and 2023, this homeless cat was a tourist attraction in Szczecin, Poland. In 2020, a video of Gacek was distributed around the world on social media. Tourists came to see Gacek in his usual location on Kaszubska Street. He became over-fed, suffering obesity related conditions. Gacek was rescued by an animal shelter and recovered his health.[1]
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Popularity
Local residents recall first seeing Gacek on Kaszubska street in the town centre in about 2013.[2] A wooden booth was built there to give him shelter.[3] In 2020, a German tourist uploaded a video of Gacek to YouTube.[4] The video was shared to millions of viewers around the world.[5]
The international news media reported Gacek's popularity.[6][7][8] Reuters called Gacek the "Kim Kardashian of the cat world", because many Gacek-themed merchandised appeared for sale on the street.[9]
On 20 March 2023, someone tried to grab Gacek but the cat escaped and the person fled.[10]
The Polish Institute for Animal Care (Towarzystwo Opieki nad Zwierzętami w Polsce), TOZ, admitted Gacek for care in April 2023. Gacek was 10 kg, about 4 kg overweight (about twice his expected size).[11] He also had gingivitis and arthritis. Gacek was treated under the care of a veterinarian.[12] Gacek recovered and was rehomed.[13]
Controversy arose amongst fans of Gacek when Google Maps removed reviews of the cat's location.[14] The Straits Times reported allegations that Gacek had stolen a sausage and scratched a person's forearm.[14]
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Legacy
An online fundraising campaign in 2023 named "Gacek buys food for the homeless" secured over 9,500 Złoty for the care of homeless animals.[15] In 2024, the Szczecin government proposed a 180,000 Złoty project to commemorate Gacek which would include a monument, information boards and the neutering of 500 stray cats.[16]
The Kawiarnia Fundacji Kota Gacka (Gacek the Cat's Foundation Cafe) opened on 13 December 2024. It aims to educate the public about cat care and rehome stray cats.[17]
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See also
References
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