In the world of politics, it is rare to find a leader who is universally loved, never raises taxes, and sleeps on the job without complaint. For the residents of Talkeetna, Alaska, this perfect politician was not a human but a cat named Stubbs.
For two decades, this orange Manx mix served as the honorary mayor of the small historic district, drawing visitors from around the globe. His story is not a fable or a cartoon script but a verifiable chapter in the history of a town that decided to do things differently.
A Feline Rise to Power
The story began in 1997 when Lauri Stec, the manager of Nagley’s General Store, found a box of unwanted kittens in the parking lot. She selected a small ginger kitten who lacked a tail and named him Stubbs. That same year, the town’s residents were reportedly dissatisfied with the human candidates running for local office. As a joke, citizens began a write-in campaign for the tiny kitten.
Talkeetna is an unincorporated community with a population of roughly 900 people, which means it has no official municipal government or human mayor. This legal technicality allowed the write-in votes to stand as a valid expression of the town’s preference. Stubbs won the “election” and immediately took up residence in his new office at the general store. He did not have legislative power, but his presence became a central part of the town’s daily life.
The Mayor’s Unconventional Routine
Mayor Stubbs developed a specific daily schedule that locals and tourists respected. He spent much of his time at Nagley’s General Store, where he monitored the aisles and greeted constituents. His most famous habit involved visiting the West Rib Pub and Grill, which was connected to the store. Every afternoon, the mayor hopped up onto the counter to drink water laced with catnip from a wine glass or a margarita glass.
Tourists traveled thousands of miles to meet the feline official. During the height of his popularity, dozens of visitors arrived daily hoping to catch a glimpse of him. He often lay on the counter of the general store, allowing visitors to pet him while he purred.
Surviving Assassination Attempts
The life of this politician was fraught with physical dangers. Mayor Stubbs survived several serious incidents that nearly ended his term early. On one occasion, teenagers shot him with a BB gun. In another mishap, he fell into a restaurant’s deep fryer, which was fortunately turned off and cold at the time. He even accidentally hitched a ride on a garbage truck and traveled to the outskirts of town before the crew discovered him.
The most severe incident occurred on August 31, 2013, when a loose dog attacked him. The mayor suffered a punctured lung, a fractured sternum, and a deep gash on his side. He was rushed to a veterinary hospital in Wasilla, located 70 miles (113 kilometers) away. He remained there for nine days receiving treatment. Donations poured in from around the world to cover his medical bills, and he eventually made a full recovery to resume his duties.
A Long Life in Office
Stubbs continued to serve Talkeetna until his old age slowed him down in 2016. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 21, 2017, at the age of 20 years and 3 months. His death made international headlines, marking the conclusion of one of the most unusual political careers in American history.
In 1997, the town of Talkeetna, Alaska, didn't want a human politician.
Instead, they elected a ginger kitten found in a box.
For 20 years, this honorary mayor ruled without taxes or laws, drawing global tourists to a general store to meet the leader who purred on duty…🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/YSDLW9R6X9
— Fascinating True Stories (@FascinatingTrue) December 18, 2025