By Darren Wong (24S03C), Iman Talia (24S03E) and Michelle Lee (24A01A)
With special thanks to @rafflesteddy admins
Raffles Institution has no shortage of official icons — like the Gryphon in our school crest who is also affectionately known as Griffles — which every Rafflesian has merchandise of. Even so, one mascot, though unofficial, has surpassed all others in terms of fame, popularity and fluffiness.
To quote organisation expert Marie Kondo, “this one sparks joy”. It is thus no wonder that throughout the numerous changes the school has gone through over the past decade, Teddy the cat has remained as RI’s most treasured, most loved and most petted icon (according to us).
As the time comes for Teddy to part ways with his life in RI, Raffles Press takes a look at his history, his part in our lives and the future ahead of him.
Teddy’s Time in RI
Teddy might hold the record for longest retainee in RI, with the oldest record of him in the school dating back to 2011, more than a decade ago! He hasn’t come this far without a fight, however, as he has inexplicably outlasted every other kitty our campus has housed. Through the 2010s, all of his feline buddies have faced expulsion, adoption, and eviction, but our beloved Teddy has somehow evaded a similar fate for over 10 whole years.
Over the past decade, Teddy has developed a reputation for being friendly, cute, and most recently, very chonky. You can hardly blame him for this, though, because it’s difficult to find time for exercise when you have a busy schedule of sleeping, snacking, and receiving pets like Teddy does.
Recent Medical Issues
Early last October, Teddy was found with bite marks from an unidentified animal, and was subsequently brought in to the vet for a screening. The screening unfortunately revealed that Teddy was FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) positive, though his caretakers are uncertain that he contracted the virus from the bite, as he hasn’t been tested for FIV in recent years.
FIV, similar to HIV in humans, is an incurable infectious disease. While some cats with FIV remain asymptomatic, others may experience a slew of medical consequences ranging from dental problems to blood disorders.
Unfortunately, his recent FIV diagnosis together with his age means that Teddy is no longer suited for a life outdoors. Please rest assured, however, as he is still considerably healthy despite his obesity and senior citizen status.
As such, Teddy was moved out of the cRIb and put into temporary foster care in the last part of 2023. His status as a foster kitty didn’t last long, however, and as of January 2024, Teddy has been officially adopted! He will be living out his retirement in the safety and comfort of an indoor home, with one of the admins of @rafflesteddy, Teddy’s dedicated caretakers.
It’s not goodbye forever, though, as the @rafflesteddy admins may be bringing Teddy back to school for special school events! In fact, he was just back during our Open House, and gathered quite a huge crowd.
A True Icon
For many years, he has worked long hours as our purr-fessional school “counsellor”, bringing comfort and joy to countless students.
Teddy has blessed so many generations of Rafflesians with countless happy memories, with his silly antics…
Calming (yet imposing) presence…
And truly one-of-a-kind behaviour.
Teddy, we love you!
It’s going to be really different in the cRIb now without Teddy there, and we don’t know how long it’ll be before we stop looking around for that familiar brown blob every time we walk by. But one thing’s for sure, we’ll keep the memories of our times with him near and dear to our hearts.
And to Teddy, you’ve truly been a beacon of happiness and comfort for countless Rafflesians, and you will be missed dearly. We hope you know, in your little kitty heart, that you are loved by so many adoring fans. Thank you for all the wonderful memories!