Tulsa Philbrook cat, Acer, remembered

TULSA, Okla. — If you’ve been to Philbrook Museum of Art, you’ve likely taken in the art, the gardens and the iconic Philbrook cats.

While the cats were originally meant for pest control, they’ve made a name for themselves over the years becoming staples on social media and on gift shop items.

Acer, who was born in 2006, spent most of his years in the Philbrook Gardens before retiring to live off-site. Philbrook posted that he died yesterday but when asking for memories it is clear to see he won’t be forgotten.

Meet Sprite, an adopted cat on the hunt at Tulsa mulch site

People posted pictures and video of the cat, Philbrook calls the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time).

“My students loved to read Acer’s book before and after field trips to the museum We were extremely honored to meet him at the book signing when it first came out! He was such a gentleman, and very gracious to his adoring fans” - Michelle Franchini

“Acer gave my daughter and I a demonstration of his hunting skills many years ago. He caught a lizard and ate the whole thing in front of us, head and all. He was certainly quite a showman.” - Katie Belle

“RIP sweet friend. Acer waited with me for about 20 minutes while waiting for my friend to arrive to the movies on the lawn. I was so honored. I also have his autograph.” - Regina Carrels

Acer can also be remembered in the book “The Cat Who Got Framed” which can be bought at the Philbrook gift shop. The picture book details all of Acers adventures in the garden.

Philbrook currently has two cats, Sage and Cleome. You can read their bios here. These cats are designated as a permanent living collection at the museum with the Philbrook becoming the first museum in the U.S. to officially accession living cats.

“Our Garden Cats have become a beloved part of the Philbrook Experience and just as valuable to us any painting or sculpture,” said Philbrook President/CEO/Internet Cat Video Festival Founder Scott Stulen.

Acer and the other retired Philbrook cat Perilla are being considered for emeritus accession status by the Animal Accreditation Department of the American Alliance of Museums in Washington, D.C.