Nevada rail museum cat who grew to become an web hit mourned

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The historic Nevada Northern Railway Museum is mourning the dying of its resident cat who grew to become an unlikely web sensation.

Filth — brief for Dirtbag — died Wednesday within the city of Ely on the age of 15, the railway stated on its web site.

The semi-feral feline was a staple on the museum. His on-line notoriety, stemming from a Fb photograph an worker posted 5 years in the past, led to the creation of Filth merch together with keychains, T-shirts, mugs and even his personal espresso mix.

Filth was free to come back and go on the museum, which lies 240 miles (386 kilometers) north of Las Vegas. He was born within the railway’s engine home, Railway President Mark Bassett stated. His identify got here from his orange and white coat at all times being stained with dust and grease and from loathing baths.

When Filth’s photos first hit the web, social media handled the cat much less like dust and extra like a dignitary.

“We had a household fly over from China to LA, to Las Vegas, hire a automotive and drive to Ely to see Filth,” Bassett advised the newspaper. “And it’s like, ‘He’s a cat! He’s not on show.’”

The museum is understood for providing prepare rides pulled by century-old steam engines and excursions of the machine store and engine home. Bassett stated Filth at all times got here out in the course of the tour, to the delight of tourists, who needed his image.

He stated the cat undoubtedly elevated attendance.

The museum plans to honor Filth with a funeral service and two bronze statues, Bassett stated.

In the meantime, Filth Jr. — or D.J. — one other rescue cat, nonetheless resides on the museum.

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