This 2025 Cat Mayoral Race is Taking Over Somerville — And America’s Hearts
Published On: 9/11/2025
Last Updated On: 9/11/2025
By Callie, Seymour, Yebba, and Mama and our Hooman Ashley!
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A catty mayoral race is brewing in Somerville, courtesy of NBC 10 Boston
😹 When a Cat Became Mayor (Sort of)
It all started with a missing sign. Berry—a sleek black-and-white shorthair who roams the Somerville Community Path—was mistaken by some as a stray. To reassure neighbors, her owner Mallory Bissett posted a note reading: “Bike Path Mayor.”
What was meant as a simple message quickly turned into a movement. The sign went viral, Berry became “incumbent,” and soon other pets launched campaigns of their own. Suddenly, Somerville was home to the furriest election in America.
🐈 Campaign Trail Chaos, But in the Best Way
Dozens of homemade signs started popping up along the path. Cats, dogs, a parrot, even a tortoise joined the race. One local described the scene as “ambient chaos,” with paw-litical slogans scattered like autumn leaves.
And instead of the usual doom and gloom of politics, residents were all in. “There’s not a lot of good going on right now, but this is good,” one neighbor shared. For a city known for community pride, this was the kind of joy everyone needed.
🐾 Meet the Paw-litical Players
The ballot is as colorful as a bag of toy mice:
Berry – The incumbent, campaigning on “Make Cats Outside Again.”
Orange Cat – Standing for “fair and free elections” and firmly against rats.
Lady Marmalade – Glamorous, bold, and running on sheer cattitude.
Puzzle & Pirate – Platforms include naps, kibble, and more naps.
Freya – Flying the banner of the “Com-meow-nist Party.”
Minerva – Her entire campaign slogan? One word: “CRIME.”
Beans the Bunny & Nagi the Tortoise – The not-so-feline underdogs, proving democracy welcomes all paws (and shells).
Even Somerville’s real mayor, Katjana Ballantyne, weighed in—calling the campaign “absolutely purr-fect for our community.”
🐱 Why This Matters (Beyond the Laughs)
At first glance, it’s just funny signs. But look closer and you’ll see something bigger: neighbors bonding, kids learning about elections, and pets bringing people together. The “Bike Path Mayor” race is raising smiles (and a little healthy debate) all while spotlighting the love between hoomans and their animals.
Voting wraps up this week, and whether Berry holds her title or an underdog takes the crown, one thing is certain: Somerville’s furry democracy has already won.
💌 Don’t Miss More Paw-litics
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🐾 Coming tomorrow on Stray Cat News
Check out my friends Sean & Ann, along with their adorable dog - Owners of a pet friendly stay in Coudersport, PA!
We’ve been purring with excitement about our recent stay at a pet-friendly Airbnb in Coudersport, PA—yes, the one with the dreamy hot tub and space for both dogs and hoomans to unwind. 😻 In our upcoming recap, we’ll share our favorite cozy corners, paw-approved amenities, and why this spot is a must-stay for pet parents.
But that’s not all… keep an eye out, because next up we’re heading to a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired home for our next adventure. Think modern design, natural light, and plenty of room for us to claim sunbeam nap spots.
