At five years young, Storm has perfected the art of independence while maintaining a social calendar busier than most. A black and grey tabby with a bold spirit, he marches to the beat of his own drum, venturing wherever curiosity leads him.

His favourite stops? The Produce Shop, The Pet Store, 24/7 Gym, Countdown on Queen Street, Pak’nSave, Art of Dentistry on Royal Street, Clover and City Fitness on Princess Street, because why limit yourself to just one type of establishment? Whether inspecting the shelves, supervising foot traffic, or ensuring gym-goers stay motivated, he makes himself known in every adventure.

Storm isn’t just a local cat; he’s Upper Hutt’s unofficial community liaison. His reputation precedes him, so much so that his human receives texts and phone calls from kind strangers, updating her on his whereabouts or reporting that he has decided to accompany them on their errands. It’s hard to say whether Storm considers this friendship or a feline version of quality control, but either way, Upper Hutt has embraced him wholeheartedly.

And in a place known for its warmth and kindness, Storm fits right in.

For many in Upper Hutt, the loss of beloved Angus the Countdown cat, still feels fresh. He was a fixture in the community, a familiar face who made grocery runs just a little brighter. While no cat could ever replace him, Storm carries forward that spirit of connection, reminding us how deeply pets weave themselves into the fabric of our daily lives.

Have you had an encounter with Storm on one of his many adventures? Come share your interaction on his Facebook page: Storm the Trooper!

A “thank you” to Renée for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

19/05/25