Distress as Flea the Facebook Cat dies

The passing of Flea, the town cat of St George’s, has prompted tributes to pour into Bermuda from across the world.

The famous feline was a big hit with locals as well as tourists and often received postcards and Christmas presents from visitors who came across him during their holidays.

The well-loved moggy died on Sunday after contracting a lung infection.

Flea would often be found strolling around the west end of Water Street and even had his own basket in the Island Shop.

Theresa Gibbons, from the Island Shop, told the Sun that Flea had touched the lives of many visitors.

She added: “The town has lost a big character. It took me one hour to walk from the bank to the shop on Monday because people kept coming up to me and saying how sorry they were to hear of Flea’s passing.

“The shop certainly feels a lot emptier now and I keep thinking he’s going to walk in at any moment.

“Flea was a fixture in the Island Shop and he often had more presents at Christmas time around his basket than I did under my Christmas tree.

“He has left a big hole and Sunday was a very sad day.”

Dozens of people have left comments on Flea’s Facebook page, which has just over 80 members.

And Ms Gibbons said she had been inundated with messages from well-wishers after Flea’s death.

Shannon Jacobs from New Jersey said: “I’m so sorry to hear this! He was a pleasure and so welcoming.”

While Greg Weeks added: “I am very said to hear this as will be my whole family. My oldest son is 6 and he made his 5th trip last fall and his first stop is always to see Flea.”

Flea was a familiar face in the Olde Town since before July 2004, when he was rescued by Suzanne and Steve Hollis from the old Club Med site.

Presents from tourists

At that time he was just a flea-ridden kitten on death’s door.

Mrs Hollis said: “Animals like Flea have an amazing way of connecting with people and it is amazing when you think about all the tourists who have come to Bermuda and still remember him and send him presents.

“He must be have one of the best known cats on the island. He was a very special animal and a very independent soul too.

“I am sure he will be missed by many in St George’s but also by people who have visited Bermuda in the past.”