Nevada Railroad Museum Cat Who Became an Internet Hit Cried

The historic Nevada Northern Railway Museum is mourning the death of its resident cat who has become an unlikely internet sensation.

Dirt – short for Dirtbag – died in the town of Ely on Wednesday at the age of 15, the railway said on its website.

The semi-wild feline was a must in the museum, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported. His online notoriety, stemming from a Facebook photo an employee posted five years ago, led to the creation of Dirt merch featuring keychains, t-shirts, mugs and even his own mix of coffee.

Dirt was free to come and go at the museum, which is 386 miles north of Las Vegas. He was born in the engine room of the railroad, railroad chairman Mark Bassett said. Its name comes from its orange and white coat always stained with dirt and grease and disgusting baths.

When photos of Dirt first appeared on the internet, social media treated the cat less like dirt and more like a dignitary.

“We had a family come from China to LA, to Las Vegas, rent a car and drive to Ely to see Dirt,” Bassett told the newspaper. “And it’s like, ‘It’s a cat! It’s not on display.

The museum is known for offering train rides pulled by century-old steam engines and tours of the machine shop and engine room. Bassett said Dirt always came out during the tour, much to the delight of visitors, who wanted his picture taken.

He said the chat has undoubtedly increased attendance.

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

Meanwhile, Dirt Jr – or DJ – another rescue cat, still resides at the museum. – PA