Men named Max have won the Nobel Prize (Planck), the Oscar for Best Actor (Schell), and multiple Formula One World Championships (Verstappen). Now, a cat named Max in the US joins these lofty ranks, having earned a doctorate in “litter-ature” when Vermont State University bestowed an honorary degree on the campus-dwelling tabby. This recognition, given in honor of his friendliness, quickly went viral in light-hearted news circles online.
The cat, formally named Max Dow, has proven to be a skilled napper and hunter of mice. He “has been an affectionate member of the [campus] family for years,” according to a pun-laden Facebook post by the school in Castleton, Vermont, announcing the unusual degree conferral.
The post humorously stated, “With a resounding purr of approval from the faculty, the board of trustees of Vermont State has bestowed upon Max Dow the prestigious title of doctor of litter-ature, complete with all the catnip perks, scratching-post privileges, and litter-box responsibilities that come with it. Congratulations Dr. Max Dow!”
Max Dow will not be attending Vermont State’s graduation ceremony on Saturday, but the school plans to deliver his degree to his owner soon. Vermont Public highlighted Max Dow’s life story, revealing that he was once a feral kitten in Fair Haven, Vermont, before living with his human, Ashley Dow, in Castleton for the past five years.
Max Dow has been a regular visitor to Vermont State’s Castleton campus, where students often scoop him up, give him rides in their backpacks, and take pictures of him for their photography classes. He provides emotional support to the students and even accompanies prospective students on campus tours. Despite occasional conflicts with feral cats in the neighborhood, the campus community has rallied to protect Max, following Ashley Dow’s request to bring him home if spotted after 5 pm.
Ashley Dow shared how one of Max’s extended absences led students to create a shrine in his honor, complete with candles and a framed picture. “It’s been pretty interesting to be Max’s mom,” she said.
