RIP: Nutmeg, famous cat of Disneyland with cocktail named in her honor, has passed away
By FoxIsHere
It's a well-known fact that Disneyland is brimming with imaginary creatures, such as Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. However, there are also real-life animals that have made the theme park their abode, and they hold a special place in the hearts of many dedicated visitors.
Today, Disney enthusiasts are grieving the loss of Nutmeg, one of the feral cats who had become a cherished presence in the legendary park. Nutmeg recently passed away, leaving behind a void that will be deeply felt.
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Nutmeg was among the approximately 200 feral cats that freely wander around Disneyland during nighttime, a peculiar yet widely known secret about the renowned theme park.
According to legend, the cats' presence dates back to the park's opening in 1955 when Walt Disney himself discovered a colony residing in Sleeping Beauty Castle. The park staff has warmly embraced these feline inhabitants, recognizing their valuable role in natural pest control. After dusk, the cats diligently roam the premises, hunting down rodents—actual mice, not the beloved characters Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
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Far from trying to rid the park of the cats, Disneyland has set up feeding stations and a spay-neuter program to keep them under control.
“We are not trying to get rid of them,” said Gina Mayberry, who manages the park’s animal housing, told LA Times. “They keep the rodent population down.”
And over the years, the cats have built up a fandom amongst Disney aficionados, a special secret attraction for those who know where to look. An Instagram dedicated to the felines, Cats of Disneyland, has over 115,000 followers.
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Sadly, one of the most famous of these cats recently passed away. According to several Disney park blogs, a cat named Nutmeg, sometimes called “queen of the Disney cats,” died last week.
Nutmeg, a tan long-haired cat, could frequently be found in Disney’s California Adventure Park. She was often found in the area now known as the “Magic Key Terrace,” an area exclusive to annual passholders.
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“Everyone who knows the Disneyland cats is mourning the death of Nutmeg, a true celebrity amongst the beloved feral cats of Disney,” tweeted YouTuber Jackson Galaxy. “We join everyone in mourning Nutmeg’s passing and give many thanks to Disney for elevating and embracing community cats!”
Another tweet memorialized her as a “terrific host.”
Nutmeg left behind quite a legacy: her portrait can be found on the wall at the Magic Key Terrace, and her face can be seen in the mosaics.
In addition, she has her own “secret menu” item named after her: according to Disney Food Blog, “The Nutmeg” includes dark rum, half and half, and raspberry flavoring with cinnamon and — of course — nutmeg dusting. It can be purchased at the Alfresco Tasting Terrace for $16.
The Disneyland feral cats have clearly won the hearts of many Disney fans, and Nutmeg was the most beloved of all — rest in peace to this iconic cat ❤️
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