A beloved cat who was dubbed the “unofficial mayor of Sellwood” has died, his owner said.
In a Saturday Facebook post, Gabi Moore, the owner of Nutmeg, a cat known for frequenting the CVS at Southeast 17th Avenue and Tacoma Street, wrote that the 19-year-old feline had died.
“He led a beautiful, full life, and he’ll forever be remembered by so many people who got to know him and love him,” Gabi Moore wrote.
In a Saturday phone call with The Oregonian/OregonLive, Gabi Moore said that she and her husband, Joe, were glad that they could spend Nutmeg’s last years with him.
“It means a lot to us that we were able to give him his retirement life,” Gabi Moore said. “He really fulfilled his purpose in his life here by touching the lives of so many people.”
Nutmeg the cat watches over Sellwood CVS customers from the store’s counter in April 2026.Courtesy of Jordan Soto Monroy
Joe Moore said the family would hold a memorial service in a few weeks to commemorate Nutmeg and give community members the opportunity to come out, speak and share memories.
In May, community members rallied around the elderly cat after someone filed a complaint against Nutmeg with CVS’ corporate offices. Residents circulated a petition in support of their furry friend and sent messages to the pharmacy chain’s customer-service team online.
Age-wise, Nutmeg was literally off the charts. A cat age chart on Chewy.com, an online retailer of pet supplies, tops out at 16, which the site says translates to about 87 for a human. At 19, Nutmeg would’ve been pushing 100.
Nutmeg’s fans mourned his passing in the comments on Moore’s post.
“Devastating news, but grateful to have known this incredible feline who captured the hearts of the neighborhood,” Catherine Pollock-Robinson wrote.
Angela Thompson wrote that she was one of the residents who wrote CVS customer service in support of Nutmeg.
“I was proud to see Nutmeg at my visits. Always gave me a positive purpose for picking up yet another Rx to chase my failing body’s needs,” Thompson wrote. “Our precious animal babies provide us with an elevated life experience and must be honored.”
Elise Friedrich wrote that she met Nutmeg for the first time two weeks ago while out on a walk.
“I had seen so many posts about him on this group and he definitely lived up to the hype. So friendly and enchanting. Walked right up to greet us as we approached the CVS block,” Friedrich wrote. “Thank you for your service, Mr. Mayor, you will be truly missed.”
A friend of the family, Lisa Jones wrote that she has known Nutmeg since he was first adopted by the Moores.
“I’ve lived with cats every minute of my life, scores of them. Not one as dear and quirky and unique as Nutmeg. I’ll miss him dearly.”
