If you are a Filipino traveling to Poland, you would be surprised to know that the No. 1 attraction in the homeland of the late Pope John Paul II isn’t tied to the beloved saint, nor to the home of Anne Frank (which is popular in its own right).
A swipe through the web will show you that it’s Kot Gocek, a plump and proud feline celebrity reigning supreme on Kaszubska Street in the bustling maritime city of Szczecin.
The chonky cat, who can command more allure than the trendiest TikTok dance, has become such a sensation that even the local tattoo shop is getting in on the action, offering permanent ink tributes to this famous feline.
Gocek has also managed to rack up a near-perfect five-star review among 2,500 avid fans. However, if you’re planning to make a pilgrimage to his stomping grounds, you might be met with a bittersweet surprise. The plushy prince has temporarily left his throne, leaving locals and visitors alike missing his roly-poly presence.
As it turns out, he has been taken to a temporary home to shed a few extra pounds he gained from all the indulgent treats and irresistible pets from adoring tourists.
As Gocek’s caretakers rally to help him exercise and regain his slender figure, the chubby wonder seems to have his own plans in mind.
Given this unfolding narrative, it might be a while before we see him back on the streets again.
