On the scenic canals of Amsterdam, there’s a small black cat turning heads and melting hearts—not for chasing mice, but for patrolling in style. His name is Nimis, and thanks to his bright yellow life jacket and custom police patch, he’s become a viral sensation known as the “neighborhood police cat.” But behind the viral fame is a story of love, safety, and the unexpected joy one little feline can bring to the world.
From Life Vest to Local Legend
Nimis was adopted by Lydia Faber, who lives on a houseboat. To keep him safe around the water, Lydia fitted him with a life jacket when he was still a kitten. To her surprise, Nimis didn’t resist. Instead, he grew fond of it. Over time, his bright yellow vest and daily strolls drew smiles from neighbors, who jokingly dubbed him their local police cat. Lydia embraced the nickname and sewed on toy police patches—just for fun. The result? Viral fame and adoring fans from around the globe.
A Little Officer With a Big Heart
While Nimis may not have a badge, he’s captured the hearts of an entire city and the internet. With his bright yellow life jacket and confident little strut, Nimis looks every bit the part of a furry officer on patrol. So, if you happen to stroll along the canals of Amsterdam, don’t be surprised if you’re stopped in your tracks by a tiny black cat in a police vest.
Internet Star and Community Favorite
As videos of Nimis patrolling in his “uniform” spread online, his fame exploded. With millions of views and tourists asking to meet him, Nimis has become a furry ambassador of joy. “Is he a real police cat?” curious visitors ask. Lydia laughs and replies, “Yes, Amsterdam’s first drug-sniffing cat!” Official officers have even stopped to take selfies with him—treating him like one of their own.
More Than Just a Costume
Though the police vest brings smiles, it has also saved Nimis’s life on more than one occasion. He’s fallen into the canal a few times, and his vest helped keep him afloat. He’s also proven to be a loyal brother—once standing guard under a tree while his sibling Tommie was rescued by firefighters. His quiet vigilance that day was a perfect symbol of his sweet, protective nature.
A Cat That Comforts the World
Nimis isn’t just a local celebrity—he’s become a global source of comfort and joy. One woman even traveled from Brazil just to meet him after finding solace in his videos following her husband’s death. “He really means something to people,” Lydia says. And maybe that’s what makes Nimis more than a pretend police cat. He’s a true guardian of hearts, showing that even the smallest creatures can bring light, laughter, and healing to the world.