 Cheeto in 2021 | |
| Species | Cat |
|---|---|
| Breed | Orange tabby |
| Sex | Male |
| Born | c. 2011 (age 14–15) |
| Known for | Residence at the UC Davis Physics Building; unofficial campus mascot and emotional comfort figure |
Cheeto is an orange tabby cat associated with the Physics Building at the University of California, Davis. He has lived on the Davis campus since at least the early 2010s and is widely recognized by students and staff as a beloved campus animal.[1] Cheeto’s popularity has been noted by UC Davis publications and local media. In 2019, he gained national attention for postings concerning his weight gain and overfeeding by the public.[2]
Popularity and recognition
Cheeto is frequently referenced in UC Davis communications and student media. The UC Davis Admissions blog identifies him as a campus “fixture” and notes that he began appearing around 2011.[1] Student newspaper The California Aggie has repeatedly recognized Cheeto in its “Best of Davis/Best Campus Animal” lists, including in 2022, 2023, and 2025.[3][4][5]
UC Davis Magazine reported on “Animals on Campus” in 2019, highlighting Cheeto’s role as a campus fixture outside the Physics Building. The article described efforts by community caretakers and department staff to manage his health and explained that signs were posted asking people not to feed him due to weight concerns.[6] Similar notices drew broader attention in local media. In 2019, The Sacramento Bee covered the physics department’s “Please don’t feed” sign regarding Cheeto’s weight.[7]
In 2023, after Cheeto and his weight had again gone viral on the social media platform TikTok, Newsweek reported that Cheeto’s weight issues had improved since the university posted the signs in 2019. A UC Davis spokesperson and described Cheeto as “a particular favorite with students.”[2]
Cheeto also appeared on the 2022 Thank Goodness For Staff logo produced by UC Davis Staff Assembly.[8]
Cheeto is currently listed as a faculty member on the UC Davis Physics building directory located in the lobby and he has a satirical rate my professor page with a perfect rating.[9]
See also
References
- ^ a b Loomis, Abigail (January 20, 2023). "Meet the Animals of UC Davis". UC Davis Undergraduate Admissions Blog. University of California, Davis. Retrieved August 25, 2025.
- ^ a b Gibbs, Alice (November 5, 2023). "College Campus Cat Loses Weight After Hilarious Warning Sign". Newsweek. Retrieved August 25, 2025.
- ^ Holthouse, Gemma (June 2, 2022). "The Aggie Staff & Administration's 2022 awards: Best campus animal". The California Aggie. Retrieved August 25, 2025.
- ^ Mohammed, Zoe (July 21, 2023). "The Aggie's Best of Davis 2023: Best campus animal". The California Aggie. Retrieved August 25, 2025.
- ^ "The Aggie's Best of Davis 2025: Best Campus Animal". The California Aggie. May 6, 2025. Retrieved August 25, 2025.
- ^ Salanga, Janelle; Thornton, Josephine; Houck, Leigh (September 24, 2019). "Animals on Campus". UC Davis Magazine. University of California, Davis. Retrieved August 25, 2025.
- ^ Jasper, Mila (June 10, 2019). "Cheeto the cat is too fat! UC Davis urges community to stop feeding a campus feline". The Sacramento Bee. Retrieved January 11, 2026.
- ^ "Cheeto Beckons All to TGFS". Dateline UC Davis. University of California, Davis. April 12, 2022. Retrieved August 25, 2025.
- ^ "Cheeto Physics Cat". Rate My Professor. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
External links
- @cheetodaily on Instagram
- Community page: “Physics Cats” on LocalWiki
