Every town has its local celebrity — sometimes it’s a friendly barista, a cheerful postman, or even a bus driver who knows everyone by name. But in Stowmarket, Suffolk, England, the star of the community is none other than a charming tabby cat named Oscar. What makes him so special? He has unofficially appointed himself as the resident “employee” of the local Tesco supermarket, and the customers couldn’t be happier about it.
From Curious Visitor to Dedicated “Employee”
Oscar’s supermarket adventures started when he was still a young cat, just about a year old. His owner, Sylvie Nolan, shared that Oscar began following her and the dogs on their daily walks — and somehow always ended up at Tesco. What started as a curious wander soon turned into a routine.
Since then, Oscar has been returning to the store regularly, treating it almost like his second home. Unlike most cats who prefer lounging on windowsills or hiding in cozy corners, Oscar seems to thrive among the bustle of shopping carts, grocery bags, and smiling customers.
A Cat With a Serious “Job”
To the locals, Oscar is much more than a casual visitor — he’s become an integral part of the Tesco shopping experience. He patrols the area like a true security guard, inspects shopping carts to make sure they’re in top condition, and even appears to double-check customers’ grocery bags as if making sure they’ve got everything they need.
“He was very interested in our shopping,” shopper Nathan Tupper shared on social media. For Oscar, every shift is taken seriously, and his “duties” seem to bring joy to everyone he meets.
But being a hardworking supermarket mascot isn’t easy. After long shifts, Oscar knows when to take a break. He often enjoys a midday nap — stretched out in a sunny spot, regaining energy before greeting the next wave of customers. After all, even the best employees need rest.
A Local Celebrity With Fans Everywhere
Oscar’s charm hasn’t gone unnoticed. In fact, he’s become something of a local celebrity, with hundreds of people following his adventures on his dedicated Facebook page. Posts are filled with delighted comments from shoppers thrilled to spot him during their visits.
“I finally spotted Oscar!” wrote fan Donna Fisk. “So many people were smiling when they saw him … he, however, was completely oblivious.”
Oscar’s presence brings unexpected joy to the often-routine task of grocery shopping. For many, seeing him is the highlight of their day — proof that even small encounters can brighten lives in big ways.
Friends Beyond the Human Kind
Oscar may be a superstar among humans, but his friendliness doesn’t stop there. True to his sociable nature, he makes time for every creature he encounters. One day, during one of his supermarket “shifts,” Oscar even struck up a sweet interaction with a hungry magpie who wandered nearby.
The encounter showed just how open-hearted this little tabby is. Whether it’s humans with shopping carts or feathered visitors searching for food, Oscar treats everyone like a welcome guest at “his” store.
Balancing Work and Home Life
While Oscar spends much of his time at Tesco, his family reassures fans that he’s not a full-time supermarket resident. He always returns home to Sylvie Nolan, where he’s surrounded by his loving humans and furry siblings.
On his Facebook page, his family often reminds people: “Oscar is home … he does come home every day.” At the end of his shifts, he happily trots back for cuddles, food, and plenty of rest. It’s the perfect balance between being a hardworking mascot and a spoiled family pet.
For Oscar, life seems to be about both giving and receiving love. At Tesco, he makes the shopping experience brighter for hundreds of people. At home, he soaks up affection from his family who adore him endlessly.
Oscar may never truly understand the joy he spreads, but for the people of Stowmarket, he’s a symbol of warmth, comfort, and community spirit. In a world where so much feels rushed and impersonal, Oscar reminds everyone that even a small presence — a friendly purr, a curious inspection, or a cozy nap near the shopping carts — can create moments worth remembering.
At the end of the day, Oscar proves that heroes don’t always wear capes. Sometimes, they wear whiskers.
