Sammy the Post Office Cat Hit and Killed by a Car
In what has got to be the worst news I’ve delivered this year, it is with a heavy heart that I share with you the news that Sammy the Post Office Cat was hit by a car this week, sustaining injuries that required euthanasia.
Sammy was a popular story on The Cat’s Meow, inspiring readers to send him gifts and letters–and getting letters in return. One reader even took a detour on a road trip to visit Sammy. He will be greatly missed.
Here’s the story from WFSA News:
‘Sammy’ the cat killed by car
Posted: Jul 22, 2009 5:14 PM PDT Updated: Jul 22, 2009 7:21 PM PDT
Posted by: John Shryock
NOTASULA, AL (WSFA) – Sad news to report on a local cat that captured national attention after being banished from his perch in the Notasulga Post Office.
‘Sammy’ the cat died Wednesday after being hit by a car. The orange kitty’s owner, Lorenz Porzig, confirmed the accident to WSFA 12 News.
Porzig said his now famous cat disappeared for several days late last week only to return Sunday. Sammy had a broken leg and was also said to have been missing his tail.
The vet who worked on Sammy said internal injuries were just too severe for a recovery. Porzig planned to pick up the cat’s body Thursday.
Sammy, unlike most animals, had his own mail box at the local post office, and people from all across the nation sent him letters and cat food. At last count residents of 49 states felt compelled to write.
The feline’s rise to fame started when WSFA 12 News’ weekly segment County Road 12 profiled the down and out sunbather.
While Sammy’s owner lived right across the street from the post office Sammy himself was rarely home. Instead he enjoyed lounging in the window at the mail facility.
When a customer complained of cat allergies postal workers gave him the boot, only to suffer the wrath of many Notasulga residents who demanded their ‘post office cat’ be repatriated. Even former Auburn football coach Pat Dye weighed-in on the situation saying Sammy should’ve been allowed to stay inside.
Sammy was never allowed back inside, though he never really seemed to mind. He spent a good deal of time just outside the door licking his paws and keeping cool.
As late as a few weeks ago he’d even taken up residence next door at the tax preparer’s office where more shade could be found.
WSFA 12 News is planning to shoot a news story on Sammy Thursday for on-air coverage.
For those who’d like to send condolences, here’s his address:
Sammy the Post Office Cat
PO Box 173
Notasulga, Alabama 36866
" 
We’re so very, very sad to hear this news. Sammy is going to be greatly missed, by people in his hometown and all across the nation. Wishing you a peaceful journey, Sammy…
My first itch is to comment on how annoying I find people who complain about their cat allergies…
That aside, I’m very mournful about Sammy’s fate. This illustrates the necessity of keeping one’s cat indoors, to avoid such needless, fatal injuries. (This is most certainly true in the US, where some people think the worth of a penny is greater than that of a cat)
It was so obvious Sammy chose to be an indoor cat, a greeter of a species that amused him – humans.
I have to end my comment with my lament over Sammy’s banishment from his life as the Mascot Post Office Cat.
Sammy, you’re safe and whole again at the Rainbow Bridge, sweetie.
We’re so sad that Sammy has gone to the bridge. He was the coolest of the cool. Rest in Peace Sammy.
Little Bit
What heartbreaking news. We sent Sammy a postcard some time ago and thought he was a most handsome orange tabby. He will be missed by so many.
RIP sweet Sammy.
I’m so sad about Sammy. I’m thankful that he showed up so his Mommy knew what happened to him. We know Sammy was one loved kitty. Rest in peace ~
Hello Skeezy, We are shocked and in greif over Sammy’s death. Such a loving cat surely didn’t deserve this to happen. Bosco says Sammy is now in heaven and will have no more worries or suffering. It is such a sad day. Bosco.
Me and myself izza very sad to hear about Sammy and the horrible accident he incurred. My eyes are weeping fur Sammy but I knowza he’s at Heaven’ post office, meeting and greeting everyone.
We are so sad to hear this. Poor Sammy
Sammy,
You will be missed and appreaciated in the Rainbow Bridge Post office.
Rest In Peace Sammy! No one over the bridge will ever complain about cat allergies!!!
Tiger says, “Me and Blackie are sad about Sammy. We say a Meowie Prayer for Sammy’s Spirit of Life. He will be remembered. Hugs to all who are hurting from his loss.
I knew a cat that got it’s tail ran over so the owner didn’t know so he walks in and tail fell OFF!!!!! Just like a lizard!!!!!
It was a shame when he was kicked out of the PO but this is even sadder news.
We are so sorry to hear this.
RIP Sweet Sammy
Such sad news.
Bless that sweet kitty…
OH NOES!
We is so sad.
We knows Sammy is gonna be ok at da post offiss at da Rainbow Bridge tho.
Purrrrrrrrrs for Sam’s furriends n peoples.
OH MY such a sad story. We hope his journey is safe and he will be welcomed to the Bridge by many friends.
xoxoxo
We’re all so very sad here at learning about Sammy. He was quite the character. Maybe through him, someone came to get to know that cats were cool and decided to adopt one. Sammy will live on in our hearts and minds.
Rest in peace, Sammy.
xxooooo
Pie and family
I’m going to catch heat for saying this, but, I really wish whoever customer complained about Sammy burns and rots in hell. In a way, s/he is also to blame for Sammy’s demise, in addition to the driver who hit him.
RIP Sammy, where you’ll be surrounded by loving folks, and not by whiny people who complain about their allergies. *rolls eyes*
We in Pen Paws sent Sammy postcards from around the world to support his fight against tyranny and unfair laws. We honor Sammy’s spirit and the spirit of the people in his town who supported him (and not the cow who had something against him).
Sosad. Rest in peace sweet Sammy.
Eddy & Family
The post office shouldn’t have catered to that customer; Sammy was a regular. I have allergies, but I have cats. You take care of your allergies, not complain about a poor cat who is minding his own business.
I’m sorry Sammy. You will be missed.
Sammy might still be alive if that cat-hating customer hadn’t insisted he be kicked outdoors. So sorry to hear Sammy had to suffer with those injuries, and bless him for finding his way home to his owner. R.I.P. Sammy…You will always be a pawesome kitty.
Echoing Emilyrose’s thoughts and feelings, exactly! My heart is on the ground over Sammy and Sugar, and all of the sweet, precious cats who do not have the kind of lives they deserve, indoors-only, with kind, loving, wonderful caregivers.
The only consolation is in knowing they are safe now, in the Care of the One Who loves them unconditionally, forever.
Oh Sammy…. sweet Sammy. We are devastated by this sad news. Rest in peace, dear friend. Such a tragedy only serves to emphasize the fact that kitties should be kept indoors; the outside world is so dangerous. Our hearts go out to Lorenz and family. Deepest condolences.
Stories about kitties being hit by cars make me so angry. What was this beloved kitty doing outdoors? What do you think is going to happen to a cat who goes outdoors? People are so stupid.
Dear Sammy,
We are all so sad about what happened to you. Maybe someday certain humans will understand the love that cats give the ones who love us and care for us in return.
I’m also at the Rainbow Bridge. You will like it here. No cat is sick or injured or old. You will have lots of fun. My family and I send sincere condolences to your Earthly family.
Purrs,
Angel TT
I live in Notasulga, just three blocks from the post office. Sammy was such a cool cat, always willing to be petted, just made a day a little brighter by greeting you at the door. His flowers are still there by the door, just hard to go by there and not see him there, we have lost a dear part of our community.
Oh Sammy,please rest in peace at the bridge,we just found out and are mourning your loss. We love you Sammy.
OMG!!That is such bad news!! sammy was so cute and cuddly. im sure it was just that his time came!! i will pray to god to give him a straight and safe journey to heaven!!
love from lilo and family
xoxoxoxo