"Congratulations to Dr. Max Dow!": American Cat Receives Honorary Doctorate from the University of Vermont

For the first time, the University of Vermont has awarded an honorary doctorate to a cat named Max, who lives on campus, in recognition of his friendliness. The cat's full name is Max Dow. He has proven himself to be a skilled mouse hunter and the best napper, and he has "been a gentle member of the [campus] family for many years," the school in Castleton, Vermont, jokingly reported in the local newspaper Vermont Public. 

"Amid loud purrs of approval from faculty members, the Vermont State Board of Trustees ... awarded Max Doe the prestigious title of Doctor of Litter, along with all the benefits of catnip, scratching post and litter box privileges," the report said. 

The newly minted Doctor of Science was unable to attend the ceremony in person. However, university officials promised to hand over the diploma to its owner soon.

The local edition of Vermont Public said that Max used to be a street kitten. After he was taken into the caring hands of his current owner, Ashley Dow, the animal began to visit the University of Vermont campus.

The cat willingly goes into the hands of students, who carry him in their backpacks, take pictures and receive emotional support for almost four years. 

According to the animal's owner, Max has even been on many desks of the university staff.

In a post on Instagram, representatives of the University of Vermont celebrated Dr Max Doe '24, writing that he was receiving his degree "with loud, approving purrs from the faculty".