Thrift store feline becoming mini-celebrity in Sudbury

When you think of shopping in a thrift shop, you're probably looking for that awesome find or good deal.

But for many shoppers at the Sudbury Pet Save store, it's the feline front desk clerk who quickly gets their attention – often because she needs a scratch behind the ears.

Normally sleeping on the job might be discouraged, but for this kitty clerk, it's almost expected at the checkout.

"She's hilarious, she's got resting grumpy face,” said Kari Fabiilli, Pet Save’s store coordinator.

“People, if they don't know, her think she's a grumpy old cat but that's just the way she looks and we love her just the way she is."

Affectionately dubbed the 'store cougar,' Josie, the 24-year-old tabby, hasn't let age slow her down. Although this golden girl may be a little less modest in her senior years -- hey when you're hot you're hot -- she takes her job as front desk clerk very seriously.

Josie has also earned her title as chief mouser.

"She tends to leave little presents for the ladies, sometimes we don't know if it's her toy mouse or a real mouse but we figure it out pretty quick," said Pet Save director Jill Pessot.

When you think of shopping in a thrift shop, you're probably looking for that awesome find or good deal. But for shoppers at the Sudbury Pet Save store, it's the feline front desk clerk who quickly gets their attention. (Photo from video)

"I pet her every time … I come in,” said customer Joyce McCallum.

“She's usually just sleeping but this is the first time I see her awake and about." Josie's becoming a mini-celebrity of sorts in Sudbury. She has people coming from all over the city for a quick pet or two. Many people bring her treats. And a recent Facebook post of her on a thrift store site earned 24,000 likes.

"I always think it's fascinating when people come in and ask for her by name, you know they'd be leading right to her treat because that's her favourite spot," Fabiilli said.

If you do come by for a visit, here’s one big tip: she prefers treats if you're looking for a little love.

"When she's had enough of customers or it gets too busy, she retreats to the downstairs, she picks a chair at Kari's work station and she will spend the afternoon having siesta time,” Pessot said.

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