Simba the cat greets high school students for more 13 years

On April 4, Simba the cat will be honoured for his loyalty to Westbrook High School in Westbrook, Maine.

For 13 years, Simba has been showing up at the school each morning at 7 a.m. He greets students at the school's front door, visits the superintendent's office for a quick cuddle, and makes his rounds to various classrooms.

School administrators keep close watch on the cat, ensuring he doesn't get too close to students with allergies.

"He'll show up in class and sit on people's text books and just intrude," grade-12 student Kim Larley told WMTW.

"(For) most people, it's human nature. Animals are very warm. They're calming. They bring a sense of peace," said Westbrook superintendent Marc Gousse.

The school's art department will be holding a celebration in the 15-year-old tabby cat's honour tomorrow. Simba's owner, local resident Eileen Shutts, will be in attendance.

"I think he probably knows he's liked and loved, and it's mutual," Gousse told WMTW.