Beloved Disney Park Mouser Nutmeg Has Died

One of the famed feral cats used as furry rat-control specialists at Disney California Adventure has died. Disney announced the passing of Nutmeg, who was also mistakenly called Lucy or Giovanni at various times, last week in a blog post.

“It is with great sadness that we must report Nutmeg, the feral cat who frequently popped up at Magic Key Terrace in Disney California Adventure, has passed away,” the park announced in a blog post.

According to the post, the late furry feral feline was one of the dozens that roam the famed theme parks after closing on the hunt for rats and other vermin. Unlike many of the other cats on patrol for Disney, Nutmeg stood apart due to their friendliness and frequent visits to the Magic Key Terrace where employees said they often acted as an unofficial greeter to guests and cast members alike.

“Nutmeg was so beloved by Imagineers and Disneyland Cast Members alike in fact, that they were even integrated into the tiling when Magic Key Terrace was reimagined in 2021,” the post said. “Their frequent perch along the concrete wall is accented with tiling of them, front and center.”

The popular cat was so beloved they had a drink named after it on Terrace’s secret menu. The Nutmeg is made with Myers dark rum, Bailey’s Irish Cream, Frangelico hazelnut liqueur, and apricot liqueur.

The feral mousers have been a part of Disneyland since its opening. Walt Disney reportedly encountered the cats while walking through Sleeping Beauty’s Castle and decided to let them remain. It was a smart decision as the park’s new four-legged residents soon proved to be a valuable check on the local rodent population. The cats also have feeding stations throughout the park and receive regular medical checkups and care. Most of the cats are not as people friendly as Nutmeg, and park officials prefer to keep it that way for the safety of both park guests and the cats themselves.

There are an estimated 200 cats on the Disney properties at any time. The best spots to see a Disney mouser is at one of the many feeding locations in the park including ones near the Hungry Bear Restaurant in Disneyland, Taste Pilot’s Grill at Disney California Adventure, and White Water Snacks at the Grand Californian.