New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s cat Paddles has died after being hit by a car.

A spokesman for the Prime Minister said the “first cat of New Zealand” was hit by a car and killed on Tuesday.

The cat, who had a Twitter feed dedicated to his antics, had already amassed a following of more than 11,000 fans.

She even interrupted the Prime Minister’s first phone call with US President Donald Trump, demanding PM Jacinda’s attention by jumping on a chair beside her and loudly squeaking her indignation.

Tributes to Paddles have already started pouring in, including condolences from Gracie Brown, US ambassador Scott Brown’s dog.

My mom, Dad and I are very sorry to hear about @FirstCatofNZ. We will all say a prayer tonight. ?

— Gracie Brown (@DiploDogGracie) November 7, 2017

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