Oxford library cat Isambard ‘Issy’ becomes beloved mascot at Lady Margaret Hall

Oxford: For one long-haired cat at Oxford University, no amount of attention seems to be enough in his unofficial public relations role.

Named Isambard Kitten Brunel after the famous British industrialist, the cat is called Issy for short. The fluffy Siberian forest cat makes a bus commute to the library at Lady Margaret Hall alongside his owner, librarian Jamie Fishwick-Ford.

Jamie has worked at the college for 10 years and began bringing Issy to work six years ago. Now aged 6, Issy spends most of his time relaxing in Jamie’s office, leaving only when people want to pet him or when he’s taken outside for exercise.

Issy has quickly become a hit with students, earning a loyal following and unofficial mascot status at the college.“Lots of people bring friends and family to meet him, and he’s become a bit of an unofficial mascot. He even appears on some of our outreach team’s stickers,” said Jamie.

Jamie got Issy in September 2019 and started bringing him to work straight away, either on a leash or on the librarian’s shoulders. The cat isn’t allowed to roam freely, but college officials allow his presence in the office and on the lawns.

When Jamie arrived at Lady Margaret Hall, she said it was a “very dog-orientated college.” “College had a policy allowing you to bring dogs to work, as long as they mostly stayed in your office and you got permission of anyone else whose office they visited,” Jamie explained.

Now, Issy shares the spotlight, greeting visitors and offering quiet company between naps, study breaks, and sticker appearances.