One of the island’s most well-known cats has passed away.

Smudge’s owners confirmed this week that the four-year-old feline died in her sleep earlier this week.

In a statement uploaded to the Smudge’s Adventures Facebook page, owner Rachel Liu said: ‘Hi everyone, we're really sorry to tell you that our beautiful Smudge passed away last night. We found her sleeping peacefully in the Glen by our house. She lived life to the full and had many friends and servants. She will be very sadly missed.

‘Please feel free to share your favourite memories and photos of her on her page, which will be left up as a tribute to her and to follow her sister Willow's adventures. We hope you all enjoyed following our amazing girl and her crazy antics.’

In February 2024, the Facebook group was created for the very ‘im-paw-tant pussycat’.

Since its creation, it has amassed more than 5,500 followers, with fans both locally and from as far afield as Stockholm and Chicago.

Smudge, became a familiar and friendly feline face around Douglas.

She could often be found strolling into TK Maxx, lounging in her designated bed outside Frank Matchams, visiting the B4 & After salon, or simply patrolling the streets and stopping for a stroke.

Following this week’s announcement, hundreds of individuals and businesses shared their tributes and memories of Smudge.

A spokesperson for promenade bar Frank Matchams wrote: ‘From everyone at Frank Matchams. We are truly sorry to hear of this. A beautiful little soul… loved by so many in the island. We will truly miss seeing you around. A tribute will be arranged at one of your favourite safe spots at Matchams in remembrance.’

Smudge’s impact even extended beyond the island, with her adventures connecting parents Rachel and Winston Liu with TT tourists from America, who later took them out for dinner.

Speaking about Smudge’s life, Rachel and Winston said: ‘We would love people to remember that she owned Douglas and we were all her servants. That she was awarded Freedom of the City in 2024 when she met the Mayor. That she just loved everybody and was such a character. She was a wild one for sure and we'd never met a cat like her.

‘She was known for her adventurous and mischievous nature, enjoying outings to the TT Village, local pubs and even the Ballakermeen Prom.

‘Her curiosity once even led her into the Strand Street Spar, where she became trapped overnight and had to be rescued by a key holder.

‘I think what made her so special to people who had never met her was her love of adventure and her devil-may-care attitude. Like going wherever she wanted, not caring if she was actually allowed or not, and trying to board a Steam Packet ferry without checking in!

‘She was just a friendly, lovable girl who loved attention and meeting new people.

‘She was also like a rebellious teenager. Even locking and barricading the cat flap couldn't keep her in. We nicknamed her “Houdini”.

‘There is literally so much more I could say about her, it was hard to think of just some. She was just an amazing cat who loved everyone and they in turn loved her.’