Every town has its local characters, but in one English community, the most beloved employee doesn’t carry a name badge or collect a paycheck.
Instead, he wears a soft tabby coat, has bright eyes that notice everything, and answers only to “Oscar.”
Oscar is a cat with a very unusual daily routine.
While many house pets prefer to spend their hours sleeping in sunbeams or waiting for dinner, Oscar spends his days volunteering at the nearby supermarket in Stowmarket, Suffolk.
A Community Helper in Fur
For years now, shoppers have grown used to seeing him weave through the aisles, greet customers at the doors, and even inspect their carts as though ensuring they’ve made the right choices.
His gentle presence has turned ordinary grocery runs into heartwarming experiences, leaving an impression on anyone lucky enough to cross paths with him.
Locals say Oscar doesn’t just visit the store—he owns the space in spirit. Rain or shine, he shows up, confidently sitting by the entrance as if clocking in for his shift.
Children giggle when they spot him lounging near the shopping trolleys, while adults smile at the unexpected sight of a cat acting as the unofficial greeter.
Many people have even admitted that seeing Oscar turns a dull errand into the best part of their day.
Regulars now expect to see the friendly tabby keeping a watchful eye on things.
Some joke that he supervises staff as well as customers, occasionally hopping into carts to “check inventory” or rubbing against bags as if approving the purchases.
What started as an amusing habit has become a treasured part of the community’s culture.
His fans often share photos of him online, where he has built a large following and gained the affectionate title of the supermarket’s mascot.
Yet Oscar’s life isn’t all about business.
Behind the furry employee is a well-loved pet with a family who adores him.
His mom, Slyvie Nolan, has shared that despite spending long hours at the store, Oscar always makes his way back home in the evenings. There, he relaxes with his human parents and his fellow animal companions, enjoying the balance between his public duties and private comforts.
Years of Dedication
Oscar’s “career” didn’t begin overnight. According to Nolan, his fascination with the supermarket began when he was still a young cat.
While accompanying the family dogs on their daily walks, Oscar would wander along and follow the group to the store.
At first, his visits were short and curious. But soon, his routine developed into something more permanent.
Day after day, he returned, until it became clear that Oscar had unofficially accepted a job.
Now, he’s considered part of the store’s fabric. Employees and customers alike welcome his presence, never questioning his right to be there.
Some visitors travel specifically in hopes of catching a glimpse of him, while others post on social media about their delight in meeting the “Tesco cat.”
His fame has spread far beyond the local community, turning him into a small celebrity whose charm crosses borders.
Even when Oscar decides to take breaks, he still manages to melt hearts. Like any worker, he gets tired.
After hours of patrolling doors and aisles, he finds a quiet spot to curl up, often near the warmth of a car hood or in a sunny patch of pavement.
His naps are short but powerful, giving him the energy to return to his self-assigned responsibilities with renewed determination.
Watching him snooze reminds everyone that, despite his big reputation, he’s still just a cat at heart.
A Beloved Symbol of Joy
What makes Oscar so special isn’t just his presence but the joy he spreads without realizing it.
He’s not trained to comfort people or officially recognized as staff, yet his natural charm transforms a normal shopping trip into something memorable.
From greeting strangers to befriending the occasional bird that ventures close to the store, Oscar shows kindness to everyone who crosses his path.
Locals often remark that his friendliness creates a sense of warmth that lingers long after they’ve left the checkout line.
For parents, he’s a delightful distraction for restless children. For lonely shoppers, his quiet companionship can ease an otherwise ordinary day.
And for his growing number of fans online, he represents the beauty of small, unexpected joys in everyday life.
Though Oscar has clearly claimed his supermarket as his second home, there’s one thing that will always outweigh his love of community service: his devotion to family.
Each evening, when he’s satisfied with his shift, he returns home for food, rest, and affection from the humans who care for him most.
To his family, he’s not just a mascot but a beloved pet who has chosen an unusual way to share his heart with the world.
Oscar’s story is proof that sometimes the smallest creatures leave the biggest impact.
Without ever speaking a word, he has built a connection that stretches beyond his town, reminding people everywhere that kindness can come in the most unexpected forms.
For Stowmarket, he isn’t just a cat in a store—he’s a friend, a comfort, and a reminder that happiness can often be found where you least expect it.