Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Mumbai Metro Gives Gundavli Cat Honorary Chief Feline Officer
A ginger cat often visits Gundavli Metro Station in Mumbai.
A commuter named Sandesh Samant shared a picture of it online.
He jokingly asked the metro company to give the cat an official job.
The metro company played along and called the cat the “Chief Feline Officer.”
Its pretend jobs include checking the station and watching commuters.
People online made jokes about renaming the station “Meowdavli.”
One commuter said they had seen the cat for about three years.
Most people enjoyed the funny story, although a few questioned celebrating stray animals.
A ginger tabby regularly seen at Gundavli Metro Station has been humorously named the honorary “Chief Feline Officer.”
The Mumbai Metro operator said the cat’s joking duties include station inspections, commuter observation and sitting where people can admire it.
The title was prompted by commuter Sandesh Samant, who asked the operator to recognize the cat’s unpaid station presence.
Social-media users suggested names such as “Meowdavli” and joked about feline security and the cat’s supposed duties.
The exchange reportedly surpassed 50,000 views and gave commuters a cheerful break from Mumbai’s daily rush.
- Who
- A ginger tabby, commuter Sandesh Samant, the Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd, and social-media users.
- What
- A regularly seen station cat was humorously given the honorary title “Chief Feline Officer.”
- When
- The relevant social-media posts were dated August 21, 2026; the article was dated August 22, 2026.
- Where
- Gundavli, also spelled Gundavali, Metro Station on Mumbai Metro Line 7 in Mumbai.
- Why
- Samant asked the metro operator to recognize the cat, and the operator responded with a humorous honorary appointment.
Supporters
Critics
Celebrating the station cat
Supporters
Many commuters, social-media users and an animal advocate welcomed the humorous gesture and enjoyed the cat’s presence.
Critics
A few commenters questioned the celebration of stray animals.
Animal welfare
Supporters
Animal advocate Sonal Ramnathkar said the metro authority should provide food and a water bowl and allow the cat to rest safely.
Critics
The article reports concerns from commuters who may not be comfortable around cats; an official said such animals come and go rather than staying permanently at stations.
- Animal
- Ginger tabby cat
- Station
- Gundavli/Gundavali Metro Station
- Metro line
- Mumbai Metro Line 7, also called the Red Line
- Honorary title
- Chief Feline Officer
- Joking duties
- Station inspections, commuter observation and sitting where commuters can admire the cat
- Social-media reach
- More than 50,000 reported views, with hundreds of likes, reposts and replies
- Longtime sightings
- One commuter said they had seen the cat for around three years
