A CATHOLIC priest was forced to tweet a picture of his pet cat yesterday after grieving students were hoaxed into believing it had died.
Undergraduates at Edinburgh University took to social media in droves to express their sadness at the supposed passing away of “Library Cat” Jordan.
But it later turned out that the eight-year-old feline – which even has its own library card – is very much alive.
Owner Father Dermot Morrin stepped in to stop the malicious rumour by tweeting visual evidence of Jordan’s continued existence.
Grief quickly turned to fury at the hoaxer with one angry student claimed she would “literally f*** up the person who made up the rumour about Library Cat being dead.”
Jordan lives with friars at the university’s Catholic Dominican chaplaincy but spends all time on campus, spending most time in the library.
A hoaxer put out on social media that Jordan had been knocked down and killed by a van.
One upset student said it was “possibly the worst news anyone could possibly receive”.
Another student wrote: “Library cat better not be dead. I don’t think I could cope with that. Heart and soul of Edinburgh uni.”
“These rumours that the library cat is dead are too much for me right now,” said an undergraduate.
One grief-stricken student used capitals to communicate their sense of loss, writing: ”LIBRARY CAT CANNOT BE DEAD IT’S NOT ALLOWED.”
A funeral date was even suggested for the late cat.
Father Morrin was eventually asked via social media to confirm the dreadful news.
He posted a picture of a very grumpy – but alive – Jordan napping in his basket.
He wrote: “Library cat is in good shape and very comfortable.”
Relief quickly turned to fury.
“Why would anyone spread such a hateful rumour?” asked a student. “Attention seeking has gone a step too far.”
The feline came to the Catholic Dominican chaplaincy as a kitten but never took to life as a mouse catcher with men of the cloth.
Despite being named after a 12th Century saint, Jordan preferred the company of trendy young students – and an easy life in the well-heated library.
Every day, Jordan leaves the friary and crosses Edinburgh’s leafy George Square in the old town, to the university’s main library.
There, he enjoys being petted by students from across the globe, and even has a favourite turquoise chair near the door.
Students say he helps them to relax before exams, and the Facebook page set up in his honour has more than 6,000 Likes.
He only returns to the friary for a daily main meal.
Father Morrin confirmed : “There was a rumour started somewhere but it’s completely untrue. Jordan is absolutely fine.”
Last month, Miller – Glasgow University’s cat – definitely passed away, much to the distress of students.
Miller’s owner, Laura Kerr, received DVD’s containing pictures and videos of the cat, and even had a student say a prayer in her garden.
The university has since suggested naming a building or even erecting a statue after the 18-year-old tabby.
