Curious cat awarded ‘doctor of litter-ature’ degree by Vermont State University — after becoming adorable campus fixture

David Landsel
·2 min read
Max the cat standing in front of Woodruff Hall at Vermont State University Castleton, ready to collect an honorary degree
Max the cat will collect an honorary degree from Vermont State University.

More like cat and gown.

A four-legged fixture on the campus of a New England knowledge factory has been awarded an honorary degree — for adorable service to the academic community.

Max, a friendly tabby living adjacent to Vermont State University’s main entrance in Castleton was named a “doctor of litter-ature” — after spending a string of semesters wandering the halls of the institution of higher learning, charming students and staff with his positive energy.

Max, a tabby cat with great people skills, spends time with human friends on the Vermont State campus. AP
Max, a tabby cat with great people skills, spends time with human friends on the Vermont State campus. AP

“Max the Cat has been an affectionate member of the Castleton family for years,” the school said in a Facebook post.

The curious kitty first wandered down the street in search of a social life roughly half a decade ago — and the rest was history 101.

Max, who lives next door to the school, has made the campus his own in recent years. AP
Max, who lives next door to the school, has made the campus his own in recent years. AP

“So he decided that he would go up on campus, and he just started hanging out with the college students, and they love him,” owner Ashley Dow told the Associated Press.

Everybody knows Max, who laps up the attention he’s given, allowing himself to be picked up and played with, and even posed for selfies.

The social creature also loves to join campus tours, designed to show prospective students the ropes, running across the street to the meeting point at the right time.

“I don’t even know how he knows to go, but he does,” Dow said. “And then he’ll follow them on their tour.”

Dow, known as “Max’s mom” around Castleton, said that she’s spoken to graduates who return to town and want to know how Max is doing.

The friendly feline won’t be seen walking on stage at the upcoming graduation ceremony, but the school has promised to deliver Max’s degree soon.