Nevada rail museum cat who turned an web hit mourned

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

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

The semi-feral feline was a staple on the museum, the Las Vegas Assessment-Journal reported. His on-line notoriety, stemming from a Fb picture 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 return 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 mentioned. His title got here from his orange and white coat at all times being stained with filth and grease and from loathing baths.

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

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

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

He mentioned the cat undoubtedly elevated attendance.

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

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

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