"Grandpa", an LCC feral cat, was a popular campus fixture for thirteen years.

He first appeared in 1995 as a young adult, along with a sister, "Laney". Grandpa was so named because he was thought to be the progenitor of several feral campus cats. But when he was first captured by LCC's Animal Support Committee, under the College's feral cat policy of Trap/Neuter/Release, he was found to be already neutered. But his name stuck.

In time, Grandpa became less feral. He spent most of his later LCC years outside the Business Building. He was a familiar greeter of all who passed. Staff and students spoiled him with frequent tummy rubs and treats, including weekly flank steak and turkey tidbits from the cafeteria.

In 2008, Grandpa retired to a private home to live out six more years of spoiled luxury. He lived to be almost twenty.

A photo book, "Feral: the Life of Grandpa, an LCC Campus Cat, 1995-2014" is in the Reserve section of the LCC Library (PW1812).

Photo: "Grandpa, Lord of His Domain", (c) 2007 Bert Ewing.