A final meow: Hong Kong says goodbye to its favorite feline star 'Mannings Cat'

Hong Kong's first-generation "celebrity cat," Didi—the beloved feline star of Mannings pharmacy commercials—has crossed the rainbow bridge at the age of 18, his owner announced on social media.

The news sparked an outpouring of grief from fans who grew up with the iconic British Shorthair, with many leaving heartfelt messages like, "Rest in peace," "Thank you for growing up with Hong Kongers," and "Goodbye, Mannings cat—I loved your ads so much!"

Didi rose to fame in 2011 as the inspiration behind Mannings' advertising mascot—a giant human-dressed "Mannings Cat" modeled after him.

The original commercial depicted the mascot embarking on an epic journey, climbing snowy mountains and crossing deserts to find a cure for its sick young owner.

The heartwarming ad instantly made Didi a household name, and his image remained a staple in Mannings' promotions, appearing as recently as this year's Lunar New Year campaign.

Beyond his commercial success, Didi was a local celebrity in Tai Hang, where he and his feline siblings were often spotted strolling the neighborhood.

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His owner regularly shared his daily life on the Facebook page "Mannings Cat Fat Didi," endearing him to thousands of followers.

Last February, Didi celebrated his 18th birthday, with photos showing him slightly slimmer but still spirited in his golden years.

Fans and neighbors flooded social media with tributes, sharing memories of encounters with Didi and thanking him for bringing joy to the community.

His legacy as Hong Kong’s original "internet-famous cat" lives on, leaving behind a city that will forever remember his whiskered face and the warmth he brought through the screen.

(Marco Lam)