Hong Kong’s iconic street newsstand “Cream Cat” to leave Tsim Tung, leaving fans heartbroken!

▲The living landmark of Tsim Tung, “Cream Cat,” is about to leave and temporarily retire home to rest. (Photo / from“Tsim Tung Cream Cat”fan page)

Reporter Lin Yuling / Comprehensive report

The star attraction of a Hong Kong newsstand is an adorable chubby cat known as “Tsim Tung Cream Cat.” With its creamy-colored fur, it lazily naps and acts cute atop piles of magazines, playing the role of a brooding heartthrob. It has charmed nearby office workers, and many tourists specifically visit to pay homage, surrounding it for photos, making it a “living landmark of Tsim Tung.” However, a recent post on its fan page revealed thatdue to the newsstand’s impending closure, Cream Cat will soon be leaving Tsim Tung, leaving fans reluctant but sending their wishes: “Rest well, we’ll miss you!”

▲Cream Cat has presided over the newsstand for 10 years, often napping and acting cute in the store. (Photo /Tsim Tung Cream Cat)

“Tsim Tung Cream Cat” has been the face of the newsstand for 10 years now. Nearly everyone among the local office workers knows it, and it has also attracted travelers making pilgrimages, truly becoming a living icon of Tsim Tung. Cream Cat rose to fame without trying too hard, and eventually launched a fan page in response to public anticipation, earning coverage from media outlets around the world. Soon after, regular customers gifted the owner another British Shorthair cat, “Sister,” who became known as the “Tsim Tung Cream Cat’s wife.” The owner dotes on both cats and, based on their usual nap times, has officially designated the hours between 2:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. as “rest time — no customers allowed,” all to allow the beloved cats to live long lives, free from excessive attention and pressure, earning praise as a conscientious pet owner. Moreover, to give back to fans’ love, the owner also established the “Cream Cat Charity Fund” in 2014 to spread positivity and help more people and animals in need.

▲To give back to fans’ love, the owner also established the “Cream Cat Charity Fund” in 2014 to spread positivity. (Photo /Tsim Tung Cream Cat)

However, just recently (on the 9th), the owner posted shocking news on the Facebook fan page: “It’s hard to let go, but what must happen will happen. Yes, Shin Wo Grocery (referring to the newsstand) will be closing, and soon Cream Cat will have to leave Tsim Tung!” The post mentioned, “For fifteen years, we’ve run the grocery just like we live our lives — no matter the outcome, we’ve always tried our best and never given up easily. But facing reality is also a necessary lesson in life. Poor market conditions, reduced foot traffic, plus the burdens of rent and salaries — despite all our efforts and staying open year-round, the grocery simply can no longer continue...”

The owner admitted, “Leaving the place where Cream Cat grew up and went from skinny to plump, we’re deeply heartbroken... But rather than say Cream Cat is retiring, it’s better to believe this is just a temporary goodbye!” The newsstand will remain open until the end of May this year, after which there are no immediate plans. “We and Cream will take a short break and enjoy family time to the fullest.”

The post also reassured fans that during this period,“the Facebook pages of Tsim Tung Cream Cat and his wife ‘Sister’ will continue to be updated as usual, sharing the leisurely holiday life of Cream and his little wife, continuing to spread positive energy.”So everyone can still follow the two cats through Facebook. The owner said, “Resting is for walking a longer path. When the right time and opportunity come, we will definitely meet everyone again!”

▲The owner admitted, “Leaving the place where Cream grew up and went from skinny to plump, we’re deeply heartbroken...” (Photo / Tsim Tung Cream Cat fan page)

After seeing the news, netizens were all shocked and saddened, leaving comments such as “Ah, this is such a sad loss… Cream was such a sweet one.” Others wrote, “I used to walk by here often, and it’s truly a pity. I hope they can return to a peaceful and comfortable home.”“I’m really going to miss it, but Cream Cat and Sister are already 11 years old this year after all. They should go home to rest and enjoy some family time and a relaxing holiday.”“Seeing the news in the middle of the night made me feel so emotional, but I also understand the owner did their best. Anyway, I’m really going to miss it, but I’ll still optimistically wait for your return.”“I loved watching Cream wipe his eye boogers at the cashier during work hours, loved how he sharpened his claws on drink cans and cardboard boxes, loved how Sister would lie on the magazines with him. From now on, I’ll also love every bit of their new life!” The popular fan page"The Royal Life of Huang A-ma"also left a comment:"Cream Brother, take a break—but don’t get too chubby!"

▲"Tsim Tung Cream Brother" and his "Cream Sister" wife are retiring and taking a temporary break from Tsim Tung, but they may meet everyone again in the future. (Photo / Hsu Kang-ping / Oriental IC)

★Facebook:Tsim Tung Cream Brother