Meet Paddles, The First Cat Of New Zealand

Along with New Zealand's new prime minister comes a pretty special first pet - a tech-savvy cat with opposable thumbs. Thirty-seven-year-old Jacinda Ardern, a member of the New Zealand Labour Party, was named New Zealand's prime minister last week. Her cat Paddles now holds the enviable position of being New Zealand's First Cat.
 

Hi, I'm Paddles and I am the First Cat of New Zealand. I have opposable thumbs, I'm purrty special. pic.twitter.com/MPkxdhWCRu

- Paddles (@FirstCatofNZ) October 21, 2017

Paddles, a white and ginger cat, has her own Twitter profile. "Independent cat - not affurliated with the Labour Pawty" reads her bio.

In just a few days, the prolific tweeter has filled her profile with sassy tweets, a lot of them aimed at other cats and dogs in high positions.
 

You're pretty cute, for a dog. https://t.co/P0BHuuTGBm

- Paddles (@FirstCatofNZ) October 24, 2017

@FirstCatofNZ hi Paddles my dad is like your mum! let's play some time! we are different but the same too! I have reindeer snacks! x pic.twitter.com/71kUulUkgc

- Vik (@vessaria) October 24, 2017

I await Larry's diplocatic yowl. https://t.co/UQreqnGSIL

- Paddles (@FirstCatofNZ) October 24, 2017

@FirstCatofNZ you should connect with @Number10cat I think you will have purrfect work stories

- Wendy Timarac (@WendyTimarac) October 24, 2017

It is not clear who runs Paddles' account, although some have speculated it may be managed by Ms Ardern's partner, Clarke Gayford.
 

Thanks Mum for bringing me out so I can speak to the press. Must give the people what they want - and what they want is me. Prrrrp pic.twitter.com/uiA1jk3qeN

- Paddles (@FirstCatofNZ) October 21, 2017

"There is indeed an account in the name of my cat and I have no idea who has created it. I am quite happy for that person to continue logging on behalf of Paddles, keeping in mind Paddles has thumbs, I can't put it past her it's her own account as well," said Ms Ardern to the News Hub.