The New Zealand Prime Minister's famous cat has died after being hit by a car.

Paddles the rescue cat rose to fame on social media with the Twitter account 'FirstCatofNZ' and her 'paddlesgram' Instagram account.

Hundreds of New Zealanders have been paying their respects after the announcement was made on Paddles' Twitter account which was only set up last month when Jacinda Ardern, 37, became prime minister.

The post said: "Very sad PR Guy here. Tysm [thank you so much] for loving Paddles, the whole world will mourn her. Not bad for a lil SPCA puss."

A spokesman for Ms Ardern said: "Paddles was sadly killed yesterday after being run over by a car near the Point Chevalier home of the PM."


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Image: Paddles' Twitter account claimed she had opposable thumbs

The Prime Minister paid her respects to the ginger and white moggy on Facebook.

Ms Ardern wrote: "To anyone who has ever lost a pet, you'll know how sad we feel.

"Paddles was much loved and not just by us. Thanks for everyone's thoughts.

"And on behalf of Paddles, please be kind to the SPCA. They found her before we did and we will always be grateful for that."

Palmerston, the British Foreign Office cat, tweeted: "My deepest condolences to @jacindaardern at this difficult time. @FirstCatofNZ did more in a short time than many do over a long career."

V sad PR Guy here.Tysm for loving Paddles, the whole world will mourn her.Not bad for a lil SPCA puss. #PrrpForever https://t.co/B5MZvcUiDU — Paddles (@FirstCatofNZ) November 7, 2017

My deepest condolences to @jacindaardern at this difficult time. @FirstCatofNZ did more in a short time than many do over a long career https://t.co/4ZcgkRilCr — Palmerston the Cat (@PalmerstonFOCat) November 7, 2017

Some cat lovers have said they want to send Ms Ardern and her partner a card as others said Paddles brought joy to many at a time when the "world isn't the greatest place right now".

Another said: "Paddles united so many, a true politician to the end."

Ms Ardern's partner, Clarke Gayford, has asked those mourning Paddles to donate to the Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

"Just spoke w Paddles' Dad, @NZClarke. If you would like to remember Paddles you are most welcome and encouraged to donate to the NZ SPCA," the FirstCatofNZ account.

Paddles' Twitter biography, said: "Paddles Ardern-Gayford. She/her. First Cat of New Zealand. Have thumbs, will tweet. Not affurliated with Labour Pawty. Bullies will be SCRATSCHED/blocked."

She had gained 11,400 Twitter followers since the end of October and her Instagram account, which was only set up four days ago, had 360 followers.

Last month Paddles interrupted Ms Ardern's congratulatory phone call from US President Donald Trump by "announcing her very squawky arrival", Mr Gayford revealed.