Tama, a female calico cat famous for being stationmaster of Kishi railway station in Wakayama prefecture, western Japan, died on Monday at the age of 16, the equivalent of about 80 years in human age, the railway operator announced on Wednesday.

According to the railway operator Wakayama Electric Railway Co., the cat had been recuperating from rhinitis since May and probably died of acute heart failure.

Tama used to be a stray cat that lived close to Kishi Station on the Kishigawa Line. In April 2006, the Wakayama Electric Railway Co. destaffed all stations on the Kishigawa Line to cut costs. In January 2007, the railway officials named Tama the cat as stationmaster of Kishi Station.

The novelty of a cat stationmaster led to a boost of the railway operator's revenues. As station master, Tama's primary duty was to greet passengers. Her cuteness turned the money-losing Kishigawa Line to a popular sightseeing spot.

In recognition of her contributions, Tama was appointed acting president of Wakayama Electric Railway in January 2013.

Tama's death was mourned by the local people. Her funeral will be held on Sunday at Kishi station.

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